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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
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