Vancouver, B.C - Feel Me Records recording artist Syndicate Villain is taking the Vancouver hip-hop scene by storm and is ready to expand his reach across the nation. The 21 year old emcee is getting ready to drop his debut release "Army of One" along with a slew of other projects that will definitely leave their mark on the continuously growing hip-hop scene out west. HipHopCanada caught up with Syn Villain to find out what he's up to and what to expect in 2004.

HHC: What's up Syn Villain! How did you get started with emceeing? What made you pick up that mic?
I was watching a Swollen Members video on Much a while back and just said to myself that it was something I could do to and something I wanted to do. As a fan of rap music it stuck out as something that I felt I would be good at and enjoy doing.

HHC: No doubt - Fast forward to present time and you are getting ready to release your debut album titled "Army of One". Are you working with any other Canadian emcees on this project and who will be handling your production?
I will be working with different artists but I don't want to say any names at this point. For production I have myself doing 3 joints... JGrout, who in my opinion is by far the best up and coming producer in Vancouver, hands down., Pop Beat from ATL, Hit Co Productions from NYC. Look out for it around fall of 2004.

HHC: Do you think that Vancouver has embraced Syn Villain? Have you made your presence felt?
I definitely think the city is embracing me. Anyone out here that hears my work.... they've enjoyed it... they've liked it. I've heard the buzz on the street about Feel Me... I mean we're just doing our thing as best as anyone as doing it right now and I definitely think we have 2 of the best artists coming out, Hydro and myself.

HHC: Other then preparing for the release of your album, what are you working on?
Feel Me Gear is launching as a clothing line. I created a lot of the designs for the gear and I'm playing a major part in it. It's already being distributed in the Vancouver area in a few stores... As for major distribution - not yet but that's definitely planned and coming up. There is chick wear, there's guys wear, all sorts of track suits, hats... everything.

HHC: Sounds hot - I'm looking forward to checking that out. You have a lot on your plate for a 21 year old and it seems like you know exactly what you want to do. What's your secret?
I feel that this is what I love to do. It's not just creating music but the business aspect of things as well. I love the business aspect of things so I'm always looking to do new things not just the music... just all sorts of things coming out with hip-hop. I'm trying to get funding right now to open my own hip-hop store in Vancouver. That's all in the works so hopefully by summer it will be done. I also run a full state of the art studio called "Syndicate Studios", where I do my album, and manage for other acts to rent out. I feel like I'm young... I'm only 21 years old and I see things for what they are... I'm willing to do anything I can to do what I love to do.

HHC: Do you think opening a store in Vancouver will be a walk-in the park or is there heavy competition that you will be up against?
I think it would definitely be successful. I know hip-hop very well and I know how to run a store like that. Also, the hip-hop scene is blowing up in Vancouver right now so it's a great time to do it. You see kids everywhere and all it is, is hip-hop.. hip-hop.. .hip-hop... I believe it will be successful also in promoting my self musically out of my own store. It will be great.

HHC: What sets you apart musically from all the other emcees in Canada or more specifically Vancouver? What would you say is your biggest quality?
Versatility

HHC: Is there anyone in Vancouver or Canada that you look up to for inspiration or guidance?
I'd say... there is different ways of inspiring. As I had mentioned before the Swollen Members had somewhat of an influence in making me want to rap... in terms of the music being made I'd have to say I really enjoyed Maestro's music... how he has been in game so long and proving he can stand.

HHC: As an emcee do you feel you have a responsibility for what you say towards the people listening?
I believe so but only to a certain extent. Anything that is on my mind at anytime I'm going to write whether you like it or not... you know... it's just what's on my mind. If any particular person doesn't like it then it's really their problem but I'm never going to say anything really offensive. I know what's right and I know what's wrong and I'm not going to pass that fine line.

HHC: What kind of advice could you give to someone your age or perhaps younger that has aspirations to do some of things you have done such as releasing your own album, starting a clothing line etc?
I would say to not give up and keep going at with what you are doing... doors will slowly open up for yourself. I've been lucky because a lot of things have happened very fast for me but I don't take those things for granted in any way... I feel like I have been put in a position to succeed. I see what's going to happen in the future and I'm going to use that opportunity to work as hard as possibly I can. For anyone coming up in this game I'd say you better be ready to work your ass off because this is an everyday thing you can't treat it like a hobby. If it is a hobby for you then it's all good but don't expect to be successful. I don't treat this as a hobby. I treat this as my life and my work. It's an everyday thing for me. Everyday and all day.

HHC: Anything you wanted to talk about before we wrap things up?
Ummm... Yeah I'd like people to watch out for me soon on The Beat (Vancouver FM)...

HHC: A single or an appearance?
Well both... I'm dropping a single titled "Hate On Me" and I'll be making an appearance to support the release of the single.

HHC: Any shout outs?
I'd like to shout out hbleezy, pom peezy, u-krainium, bones, all my true bros in van, my family who believes in me, my girl who sticks wit me through this ride, and anyone who has helped me along my path for success.

For more info, audio and video from Syn Villain check out http://www.feelmerecords.com