About E Lion
E Lion, born Eric Hans Schaefer and previously known as Eric the Prince, is a multifaceted individual hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii. Born on August 14, 1988, in California, E Lion has established himself as a rapper, entrepreneur, television personality, and philanthropist. His life story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep-rooted connection to his adopted home of Hawaii, where he has become a notable figure in both the entertainment and business landscapes.
Early Life
E Lion spent his early years in Rolling Hills Estates, California, growing up in an upper-middle-class family with parents who were both doctors. This privileged upbringing provided him with a strong foundation, but his life took a significant turn at age 13 when his family relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii. The transition to island life introduced him to a new culture and community that would shape his future. A defining moment came during his teenage years when a tragic house fire claimed the lives of two roommates. This event left a lasting impact, prompting deep reflection and eventually steering him toward a career in music as a means of healing and expression.
Education
E Lionâs educational journey reflects his adaptability and evolving passions. He attended Kaiser High School in Honolulu, where he began to immerse himself in the local scene. After graduating, he enrolled at the University of Hawaii to study journalism, drawn to storytelling and communication. However, the aforementioned house fire disrupted his path, leading him to transfer to New Hope College, where he shifted his focus to music. This pivot was instrumental, equipping him with the skills and inspiration to launch his career as a rapper.
Music Career
E Lionâs music career began in earnest with the release of his debut album, Father Nature, in 2010, marking his entry into the hip hop world. Known for his uplifting, dominating, and victorious sound, he incorporates healing sound frequencies and harp musicâinfluences from his doctor parentsâinto his work. Over the years, he has performed at more than 1,000 venues, sold over 30,000 CDs, and built a discography that includes mixtapes like The Decree (2015) and Hip Hope (2013). His performances have taken him to major Hawaiian venues like the Blaisedale during Hottest Import Nights, and he has collaborated with artists such as CJ Fiya, a prominent Hawaii hip hop figure who has worked with ASAP FERG, CURREN$y, and Lil Wyte. E Lionâs media presence includes radio interviews on KTUH in Hawaii, and his music has earned him a dedicated following in the local scene.
In recent years, E Lion has expanded his musical horizons by performing with the band The Highway, including a notable performance at HebrewFest in Galena, Missouri. Embracing innovation, he has also begun using AI technology to assist in finishing tracks, blending cutting-edge tools with his creative process. Currently, he is focused on recording new music in his own voice, channeling his experiences into fresh, authentic work.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
E Lionâs entrepreneurial spirit is as dynamic as his music. He has launched and managed several ventures, showcasing his versatility:
- Luxury Rental Company: Early in his career, he operated a luxury rental business, catering to high-end clients in Hawaii.
- Stand-Up Comedy: E Lion explored comedy, performing stand-up routines and later founding the Laughrica Project, a movement promoting laughter as a healing tool.
- Prayer Pharmacy: Starting as a small YouTube channel, this prayer-focused platform grew to hundreds of videos, amassing millions of views and spawning a website.
- Rap.com: He briefly ran Rap.com as a social network and marketplace for rap artists until the domain was reclaimed.
- Angel Concierge: E Lion previously served as CEO of this tourism company, which he ran for several years, offering custom travel plans and leveraging Hawaiiâs top models for marketing.
- Free Vacations Hawaii: From 2009 to 2011, he worked in online tourism advertising, honing tech and interpersonal skills.
- Web Development: He has built hundreds of websites for other artists, helping them pursue their dreams.
These ventures highlight his ability to blend creativity with business acumen, making him a standout entrepreneur in Hawaii.
One notable venture was Angel Concierge, which E Lion continued to run after his Family Feud experience. During this period, he navigated the challenges of keeping his victory a secret until the episodes aired, a time that tested his resilience as he balanced the excitement of his win with the need for discretion.
Family Feud Achievement
E Lionâs television success came in 2016 when he and his family, the Schaefers, became the first Hawaiian family to appear on Family Feud. Their episodes began airing on October 27, 2016, and they competed over five days. In a dramatic finale, they staged a comeback from a 216-0 deficit, winning the grand prizeâa new carâin sudden death. This victory not only showcased their quick thinking and teamwork but also put Hawaii on the national stage, earning them local acclaim. However, E Lion's raps, which received a standing ovation from the live audience, were cut from the broadcast. Despite reaching out to the producers for the clips, he was denied access, leaving him with the hope that one day the world will see those unreleased gems.
Media Coverage
E Lionâs achievements have garnered attention in Hawaiian media. Notable coverage includes:
- Hawaii Kai family appears on âFamily Feudâ - Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- Hawaii family wins grand prize on 'Family Feud' - KHON2
- Isle family ready to tackle âFeudâ - Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Personal Life
E Lion resides in Honolulu with his wife, Ashley Danielle Schaefer. His parentsâ medical backgrounds have influenced his interest in sound healing, evident in his music and prayer work. He is an active content creator, working on books, apps, and websites, and continues to upload to his YouTube channel, âPrayer Doctor.â His personal life reflects a balance of family, creativity, and community engagement.
Mission Statement and Future Goals
E Lionâs mission is to illuminate societal pain points and demonstrate how love can heal, exposing the pitfalls of pride and narcissism while celebrating humanityâs potential. Inspired by biblical figures like Moses, Joseph, and Aaron, he aims to:
- Establish the world's prayer authority.
- Run a top-tier record label.
- Perform at major music festivals and act in films.
- Build on the legacy left to him by his father and his father's father..
He is involved in a weekly worship service on the beach and visits with faith leaders across the island. He just finished his first full length book P48X and is involved in Stand-Up Comedy through the Laughrica Project to promote laughterâs therapeutic benefits, and sharing God's wisdom at the same time.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Eric Hans Schaefer |
| Born | August 14, 1988, Rolling Hills Estates, California |
| Residence | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Education |
|
| Music Career |
|
| Entrepreneurial Ventures |
|
| Family Feud |
|
| Media Coverage | Featured in KHON2, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and likely local blogs |
| Personal Life | Married to Ashley Danielle Schaefer; parents are doctors |