In a world populated with dreams of being famous, Jacob “MC Forty” Fortner (19) searches to attain purpose within the hip hop culture as an MC. It started during his Junior year of high school as rocking every open mic and talent show in sight, sharing songs about overcoming obstacles which people were able to relate to and respect. Forty discovered Elementz Hip Hop Youth Arts Center after seeing the group open up for Wale in Cincinnati. He obtained a membership the following week and became an active recording artist and leader, volunteering with the inner-city youth. In September of 2010 Forty began working as the Teen Recording Instructor at Elementz, helping inner-city youth develop their musical talents. Forty has performed at locations such as Music Hall, 20^th Century Theater, Cincinnati Museum Center, Contemporary Arts Center, the 2010 Clifton Heights Music Festival, and the 2011 Columbus Hip Hop Expo. He has also had the privilege to open up for X-Clan in Cincinnati and for Pacewon & Mr. Green in Louisville. Listen to MC Forty at mcforty.bandcamp.com.