Stro facts for kids

Brian Vaughn Bradley Jr. (born September 27, 1996), known as Stro, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. He was once known by the names Astro and The Astronomical Kid. Stro became famous as a contestant on the first season of The X Factor USA in 2011. He impressed the judges with his original song, even playfully calling out judge Simon Cowell. His mentor on the show was music executive L.A. Reid. Stro finished in the top seven before being eliminated.

After The X Factor, Stro started his acting career. He appeared in an episode of Person of Interest. In 2014, he acted in the movies Earth to Echo and A Walk Among the Tombstones. He also starred in the TV show Red Band Society.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Brian Vaughn Bradley Jr. was born on September 27, 1996, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a home with his Jamaican mother and younger sister. Stro started rapping professionally when he was just ten years old. His mom promised him time in a music studio if he improved his grades in school.

He soon released his first song, "Stop Looking at My Mom." He also created his first mixtape, which is like a collection of songs, called B.O.A. (Birth of Astro). Later, he began making his own music beats, which are the instrumental parts of hip hop songs.

Stro's Music Journey

Becoming Famous on The X Factor

When he was 14, Brian Bradley auditioned for The X Factor. He performed his song "Stop Looking at My Mom." All four judges said yes, and he moved on to the live shows. In the fourth week, he was almost eliminated but was saved by the judges' votes. He made it to the top seven contestants before leaving the competition.

Songs Performed on The X Factor

Here are some of the songs Astro performed during his time on The X Factor:

After The X Factor, Astro released a mixtape called Loser. This mixtape was about his experiences on the show. He also put out two beat tapes, which are collections of instrumental music. One of his singles, "Stop Looking at My Mom," also got a music video on YouTube.

New Music and Style

For much of 2012, Stro took a break from music. He said he used this time to figure out his musical style. He returned with new songs like "Deadbeat" and "Methods." These songs were part of his mixtape Deadbeats & Lazy Lyrics. He wanted this new music to sound different from his past work, with a "gritty hip-hop sound that oozed Brooklyn."

Stro's Acting Career

Stro started acting as Darren McGrady in Person of Interest. He then played Tucker "Tuck" Simms in the sci-fi adventure movie Earth to Echo in 2014. That same year, he was TJ in A Walk Among the Tombstones, starring Liam Neeson.

He also played Dash Hosney in the FOX TV series Red Band Society, which started in 2014. More recently, he played Calvin Walker in See You Yesterday. This movie, produced by Spike Lee, came out on Netflix in 2019. It explored how time travel could change the effects of police brutality.

Music Releases

Albums

• Grade A Frequencies (2017)
• Back On Saratoga (2020)

Extended Plays (EPs)

• The Astronomical Kid - EP (2009)
• Computer Era (2014)
• Nice 2 Meet You, Again (2018)
• Last Friday (2019)

Singles

Film and TV Appearances

Movies

Television Shows

Awards Stro Has Won