Cy
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Cy

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The best kept secret in music

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"Cy gets honorable mention for album of the year as a new artist"

http://www.wtwmagazine.com/album_of_the_year_winner2003.htm - Kymo


"Cy makes his mark in the industry"

Cy's Review with hiphopgateway
http://www.hiphopgateway.com/infostrukture/reviews/read.php?rid=86
- Reviewed by DJ Cobra .


"Cy's interview with T4jmusic.com"

http://www.t4jmusic.com/c_music/interviews/c/cy.htm

T4JMusic.Com

T4JYM: How did you get started in the music industry?

CY: AFTER GETTING SAVED, MY BROTHER AND MY BEST FRIEND STARTED A RAP GROUP. AFTER A LACK OF SERIOUSNESS FROM THE GROUP OUR MOTIVATION AND DESIRE TO DO IT LEFT UNTIL I TURNED 23 AND FINALLY GAVE IN TO GOD'S CALLING ON MY LIFE WHICH WAS TO REACH HIPHOP HEADS WITH THE GOSPEL AS WELL AS THE YOUTH THROUGH HIPHOP MUSIC. I GOT STARTED BY WRITING SONGS AT HOME AND THEN EVENTUALLY PURCHASED A TRITON KEYBOARD AND BEGAN TO FORMULATE MY OWN TRACKS TO RAP TO. AFTER DOING CONCERTS IN NEW ORLEANS, GOD BEGAN TO LEAD ME TO ALL THE RIGHT PEOPLE AND ALL THE RIGHT CONTACTS (STIKK, TRE9, SOULFRUIT) WHICH EVENTUALLY LED ME TO THE BIG MOVE TO HOUSTON.

T4JYM: Can you outline the path you have traveled so far to make it to where you are today with a label and an album out?

CY: EXACTLY THREE YEARS NOW. AND NOW I AM STARTING A PRODUCTIONS COMPANY CALLED COMPLEX PRODUCTIONS FOR ARTIST WHO NEED QUALITY BEATS TO FLOW TO.

T4JYM: What is the main focus in your ministry? Teens? The lost? The hurting?

CY: ALL OF THE ABOVE. MY FOCUS IS CHRISTIANS AS WELL AS THE WORLD. ON MY ALBUM THE COMPLEX, I CREATED SONGS FOR EVERYBODY. I WANTED TO BE VERSATILE AND IN THE FUTURE, I PLAN TO CONTINUE TO MAKE SONGS FOR EVERYBODY AND KEEP IT VERSATILE. Why did you decide up on this as a focus? BECAUSE AS A SOLO ARTIST, I DIDN'T WANT TO BE REPETIVE AND BORE LISTENERS. AT THE SAME TIME I WANTED TO CREATE SOME SONGS TO DRAW THE WORLD IN AND THEN HIT THEM WITH THE SOLUTION TO LIFE WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST.

T4JYM: Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten? The future?

CY: I SEE MYSELF RAPPING FOR THE NEXT FIFTEEN YEARS AND GROWING A PROSPEROUS PRODUCTION COMPANY. Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz? I'M NOT WORRIED, BUT I'M NOT IGNORANT TO THE FACT THAT TEMPTATIONS WILL BE THERE.

BUT I'VE LEARNED THAT AS LONG AS I KEEP CHRIST FIRST, THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES STRENTH TO ENDURE TEMPTATIONS, AND HE WON'T ALLOW US TO GO THROUGH ANY TEMPTATION THAT IS TO HARD TO BEAR. AS I STAY IN HIS WORD AND SEEK HIM AND MY RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM, MY DESIRES ARE TO PLEASE HIM AND SERVE HIM AND THE DESIRES OF THE WORLD ARE NONEXISTANT.

T4JYM: What kind of relationship do you maintain with your audiences?

CY: VERY GOOD ONES. I HELP AND DO STAY IN CONTACT WITH THEM.

T4JYM: Do you fellowship with them? Or do you remain distant as the performer?

CY: DEPENDS. MY LOCAL LISTENERS I DO FELLOWSHIP WITH THEM AND THE LONGDISTANCE ONES IN OTHER STATES, I COMMUNICATE BY EMAIL AND PHONE. I DO MY BEST TO MANAGE MY TIME TO HELP MEET THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE, MY FRIENDS AND FANS EVERYWHERE AND TRY TO BALANCE IT ALL TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.

T4JYM: When did you feel called to perform like this? AT 17 What made you decide to become a performer and why music?

CY: I ALWAYS KNEW I HAD A GOD GIVEN TALENT MUSICALLY AND IT TOOK A LOT OF PULLING AND DRAWING FROM GOD FOR ME TO GIVE UP ON STAGE FEARS, BEING SOLO, AND JUMPING INTO IT. GOD HAD GIVEN ME BOLDNESS WHEN I WAS ONCE SHY. SO NOW, I AM BOLD FOR HIM AND I USE MY TALENTS FOR HIM.

T4JYM: What is the message you are trying to get across with your music?

CY: I ENJOY GIVING PEOPLE MUSIC BECAUSE MUSIC IS ENERGY. BUT THE MAIN MESSAGE IN MY MUSIC ALWAYS GOES BACK AND CENTERS ON JESUS WHO IS FIRST IN EVERYTHING. BUT I TRY TO DO IT STRATEGICALLY SO THAT I CAN MOTIVATE CHRISTIANS AS WELL AS BE ABLE TO REACH THE LOST WITH IT AND HAVE IT BALANCED OUT SO THAT I DRAW THEM IN, WITHOUT TURNING THEM OFF.

T4JYM: What is the biggest thing you have learned from performing and ministering through music?

CY: THE BIGGEST THING I'VE LEARNED I GUESS IS HOW TO DEAL WITH LARGE AUDIENCES AND SMALL AUDIENCES. IT'S MADE ME A BETTER COMMUNICATOR AND BETTER SPEAKER IN FRONT OF AUDIENCES.

T4JYM: What is the hardest thing about ministering through music?

CY: THE HARDEST THING IS PROBABLY THE VALUE THAT SOME PEOPLE PLACE ON YOU BY ME BEING A GOSPEL RAP ARTIST. THEY WANT YOU AND ENJOY YOU BUT SOMETIMES CERTAIN PEOPLE DON'T VALUE OR THEY HAVE A PRECEPTION SINCE MOST GOSPEL RAP ARTIST DON'T SOUND TOO GOOD, I TRY TO LET THEM KNOW THAT I'M DIFFERENT. I'M ABOUT SERVING GOD WITH HIGH QUALITY AND PLACE VALUE IN WHAT I'M DOING.

T4JYM: Do you ever get criticized for your lyrics or your music style?

CY: NO, I HAVEN'T BEEN CRITICIZED YET. MOST PEOPLE LOVE MY LYRICS AND I'VE GOTTEN AN EXCELLENT RESPONSE THUS FAR. I'M MY BIGGEST CRITIC. :)

T4JYM: Who, or what, are your biggest musical influences?

CY: GROWING UP I LISTENED TO SFC, GOSPEL GANGSTAZ, LPG, FREEDOM OF SOUL, T-BONE, MIKE-E, SO I'VE ALWAYS LISTENED TO GOSPEL RAP GROWING UP BECAUSE MY PARENTS WOULDN'T ALLOW ANYTHING ELSE.

T4JYM: Who are some of the groups you have performed with and what did you think of them?

CY: ENOCK, KNOWDAVERBS, TRE9, SOULFRUIT, STIKK, FBI, HOLSEY, LIL RASKULL, AND MANY OTHERS AND I THOUGHT THEY ARE ALL GREAT PEOPLE.

T4JYM: Do you have an accountability partner or prayer partner to keep you encouraged and uplifted?

CY: MY WIFE IS MY BIGGEST. BUT YES I DO.

T4JYM: Do you have any advice to give to the youth of our world?

CY: IF YOU PUT CHRIST FIRST OVER YOUR DESIRES, HE'LL REPLACE THOSE DESIRES WITH HIS DESIRES AND GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. HE'LL MAKE THINGS HAPPEN FOR YOU ON EARTH, AND GIVE YOU ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN.


- Trisha Bleau


"The Complex Review at Manhunt.com"

http://www.manhunt.com/reviews/html/1067557231.html

The Complex

The CD entitled “The Complex” is a contemplative versatile sound that incorporates a combination of dirty south and west coast hip-hop styles. Native Texan Cy has solid lyrics and a great sound. His rap style is difficult to categorize because he has the style that resembles the sound of many. A favorite song was “Wanna Be Down.” Cy is a hip-hop minister that has a rich message for the seasoned churchgoer. He keenly remembers to lighten his lyrical content as the album continues with songs such as “Watchin You, ” and “Out Da Box.” The song “Bring the Bang” is radio friendly, and almost has a ‘bad boy’ production flavor. In the song “Wanna Be Down” Cy raps sort of like rap artist Busta Rhyme. Cy’s style is smooth, in his song “Versatile.” As a storyteller, Cy gives new revelation to scripture in ‘Fear no Evil.’ Cy’s boldness was appreciated when he shared his father’s delivery of the preached word of God on this CD. However, I’m not sure if a Sunday morning message was appropriate, because it seemed to change the momentum of the album. The average songs length on this 17 track CD was 3-5 minutes; the preached word was over 17 minutes. I would love to see Cy experiment with new forms worship blends that would incorporate the preached message with holy hip-hop. Overall, this is a good project. If you like the sounds of the dirty south, and west coast, than you will like Cy.

For more: http://www.dasouth.com
- Allison Ryan


"Gospelflava.com"

http://www.gospelflava.com/reviews/cy.html


Cy
The Complex

Much Luvv Records out of Houston Texas continues to create a buzz in holy hip hop ciphers with the debut release New Orleans native Cy.

The solo artist impresses with The Complex. His style is laced in hip hop but he also incorporates the sounds of the Dirty South laced with a little R&P. The album is produced by Big Toe, with Cy joining in with him to handle most of the tracks.

“Confession Invasion” sets the tone for the album as Cy urges the listener to “turn themselves in” to God and confess their sins and shortcomings to God. Standout cuts include “Procrastinate” and “Watchin U”, featuring Diction and Big Toe”

Then Cy enlists the help of fellow Texans and smooth crooners, Soulfruit, to encourage women to follow the example laid down in Proverbs 31. This midtempo cut, titled “Ladies”, is laced with synths and will not only challenge women, but aims to remind men of how precious a woman is.

The best songs on this album are the militant banger “Commando”, “The Message” and “Wanna Be Down”, a cut which with catchy chorus, urges believers to proclaim their salvation. Busta Rhymes-like rhymes by Cy are sure to catch fire on radio and mix-tapes.

As for “The Message”, featuring Holsley, it’s a dope, slow to mid tempo head bobber for those cats with the booming systems. “Commando” is the song for the soldiers in Christ that encourages the saints to step in the devil’s face and use music as a tool to defeat him and reach the youth.

Also of note is the sermon by Thomas Cross (Cy's dad) on “Firstborn of All Creation".

Cy is another breakout artist in 2003, his flow, dope beats, and message fit for any coast. With Much Luvv Records unleashing an army of emcees ready to infiltrate the airwaves and the devil’s kingdom, look for Cy to be on the frontline.


Producer: Big Toe, Cy
album release date: June, 2003
Much Luvv Records

— review by Dwayne Lacy —



- Dwayne Lacey


"Sphereofhiphop.com"

http://www.sphereofhiphop.com/sphere/archives/000097.html - Sphereofhiphop


"Rapzilla.com"

http://www.freewebs.com/rapzilla/reviewcythecomplex.htm


CY is a great Rapper. He mostly discusses his life; past, present and future. The more I listened to the album the more I liked it. It’s one of those great Holy Hip Hop CDs. Overall this album is really good, some banging beats and songs, and great lyrics. If you like MUCH LUVV Records this is an album that you cannot miss. They are really giving us the best of Rappers out there (Mark J, Cy, Tre 9, Enock, Col Cutz). The CD features Hosley, Soulfruit, Diction, Big Toe, Tre 9 and CY’s Father. The album has a good length, when I played the CD I thought it was never going to finish. This album is worth buying.Here are some song notes I wrote down:

“The message” featuring Hosley; this is one of my favorite songs from the album, a great beat and refrain.

“Fear no evil”; The rap is a little fast, but otherwise the song is OK.

“Watchin U” featuring Diction and Big Toe; Great intro (Watchin Uuuuuu…), a great song and refrain.

“Out da Box”; Great beat and song.

“First born of all creation” featuring CY’s father; this song is unusual because it’s not really a song. It’s CY’s father talking about the First Born of all creation.

“Versatile” remix of track 7. The beat and introduction is totally different, but it’s still the same good lyrics

Reviewed by: DJ Freak

- DJ Freak


"WTW Magazine's New Artist Of The Year Nominees"

http://www.wtwmagazine.com/newartistoftheyear2003.htm


Each year the Christian hip hop community experiences a fresh crop of artists who come on the scene and make an impact for Christ. The New Artist of the Year category is designed to recognize up-and-coming artists who made a major impact for Christ during the year. Most of the catz nominated released their first album this year and started ministering across the country. We expect them to continue making a difference for Christ for many years to come. In considering the nominees for this category we looked at the successful year each of these emcees had and the potential impact they will make in the future. Here are our nominees for New Artist of the Year.

Timothy Brindle: Timothy Brindle used to glorify himself in his rhymes; now he utilizes his talent to give recognition to God and to let headz know about our Redeemer. His first LP, The Great Awakening was nominated for Album of the Year. Timothy’s project was one of the best albums out in 2003. Since this release, he's been busy traveling around the East Coast with Deejay Essence performing at various venues. This Philly emcee is known for keeping his lyrics straight to the point and creating Christ-centered tracks.

CY: In September of 2002, Cy signed with Much Luvv Records. Months later he worked with Much Luvv's producer Big Toe and together they created The Complex. Early this year this project was one of the hottest albums out. Cy's ability to make tracks, write lyrics, and deliver hard-core rhymes makes him a well-rounded artist. He has the potential to become one of the finest emcees in the industry as he continues to develop his unique style.

Lil’ iROCC Williams: Lil’ iROCC’s CD was one of Christian hip hop’s most unique releases of 2003. As ForeFront/EMI Gospel Records’ newest artist, Lil’ iROCC Williams had a major impact on the Christian Sales Charts with his self-titled debut release. According to Soundscan, the 13-year-old Atlanta rap sensation’s CD, released June 24, was the second-highest selling new Christian release in its debut week. Needless to say, this teenaged emcee made plenty of noise this year while he traveled the country ministering to his peers.

Solomon: This brother has made a lot of noise this year in the industry. He is not a newcomer to the genre, but is just now preparing to release his first album. We are not sure when this project will be released, but we are confident it will be a quality album when it is. All you need to do is to check this brother’s mp3 page to listen to just how much talent he has. Simply search for “Rob Hodge AKA Solomon.” We believe that he has the potential to be a solid emcee in holy hip hop for years to come.

K- Drama: At the young age of 19, K-Drama is running T.H.I.S. Click Records. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native is making an impact for Christ through his unique style of presenting the Gospel to catz both boldly and in raw form. K-Drama successfully released an album earlier this year called Non-Fiction: Beneath The Surface. His album sold well and helped him continue to put his name out in the gospel rap scene. Expect huge things from K-Drama and his label for years to come.

Honorable Mentions: Knine, B.I.G. Steve, Damon Lamor, Warfare Camp, Elisha


Cy's and his debut album The Complex also made it as an honorable mention and artist for album of the year.


- Kymo Dockett


"WTW Magazine.com"

www.wtwmagazine.com/cy.htm


CY: Taking Care of Business


Written by Kymo Dockett

Many independent artists dream about being on a quality record label. First-rate record labels allow their artists to focus on their music while they do most of the behind the scenes work needed to put out a successful project. Unfortunately, even within the Christian hip-hop community there are many labels that don’t have their artists best interest in mind. This is one reason it’s critical to be selective and wise as one decides to sign with a label. Cy, an emcee on Much Luvv Records talks about his transition from being an independent artist to an artist signed to a record label and the steps he took.

In May of 2001, Cy began producing his own beats after purchasing a Triton keyboard and began traveling from church to church performing. He then was able to independently put together a two-song demo titled VERSATILE. A year later, he met producer and native Houstonian Stikk at a concert. He then moved to Houston to help out with Stikk's Street Sermons album. He fulfilled his commitment of two feature spots on Street Sermons, dropped another guest appearance on R&B sensation Soulfruit's Practice, and eventually made the decision to sign with Much Luvv Records in September of 2002. He worked with Much Luvv's producer Big Toe and together they created THE COMPLEX.

I could tell Cy is pleased with his decision in signing with Much Luvv Records. Especially after the years of frustration he went through with different labels who were interested in signing him. I asked Cy why did he decide to sign with Much Luvv. “I had an opportunity to spend time with Tre 9 and I really got to know him as a person. He seemed different than most of the people in the industry I had dealt with in the past. I could tell he was a man of integrity and someone I could trust. I also could tell that he was interested in me being successful and helping me reach my full potential as an artist. After talking with him about his vision for his label, his vision seemed to line up with my vision and where God wanted to take my ministry”.
Many independent artists dream about being on a quality record label. Cy had a difficult time trying to find a label. After years of searching for a quality record label, he finally found Much Luvv Records.

The label an artist ends up signing with can often make or brake their career. There have been many artists who had allot of talent and a desire to reach the world with the Gospel, but never really succeeded because of the label they were on. That’s why it’s important to know what you are getting yourself into. Cy takes a moment to offer some advice on what to look for when you deal with a label. “It’s really important that you spend time in prayer and be committed to allow God to led you. Make sure you sign with someone who you can trust. It’s also critical to look over the contract and make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Don’t be afraid to go get a lawyer to help you understand the language in the contract. Ultimately, you want to put yourself in a position that benefits both you and the record label.

Becoming a successful emcee is more than just knowing how to rap. There is a business side to being an artist that needs to be taken care of before they can truly succeed. No matter what God is leading you to do, please consistently pray about what direction you are going and do your homework before you jump into something. Keep your eyes open, there are allot of people who are looking for an opportunity to exploit honest and hard working people. Surrounding yourself with quality individuals who have your best interest in mind. Cy can tell you, this can be hard work at times. Yet, it can be done and has been done in his case. <

Make sure you sign with someone who you can trust. It’s also critical to look over the contract and make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Don’t be afraid to go get a lawyer to help you understand the language in the contract. -Cy
- Kymo Dockett


Discography

Single-Versatile (Independent release by Cy)
Album-"The Complex" (MuchLuvv Records)

Currently playing, getting airplay-Hit songs Bring Tha Bang, Confession Invasion, The Complex, Ladie, Out Da Box, Wanna Be Down.

Other LP appearances:
Stikk's Street Sermons- New Soul Music Group, Enock's AWthentic- Much Luvv Records, Much Luvv crew's The Next...Now- Much Luvv Records, Tony Stone Album, Soul Muzic Compilation, S.O. M. Project.

AWARDS: Received New artist of the year Award at the Houston Holy Hip Hop Achievement Awards as well as nominated in seven other categories for 2004, Nominated New artist of the year and nominated honorable mention for album of the year at the W.H.A.T. Awards, Nominated UGI hip hop Male Artist of the year Award for 2004.

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio


Timothy Gross, aka Cy, is a gifted MC. On the mic, he simply discusses his life; Past, Present and Future.

"Straight up, I was the problem child of the family. My parents were pastors at the church but there I was, the worst of all my siblings," Cy recalls. "My behavior was so bad that my folks had a hard time finding a school that would accept me. I attended ten different schools between elementary and junior high - my high school made eleven. I gave my parents heartache by going against anything and everything they taught me."

Until he was 17 that is.

Cy explains the change like this: "My best friend Eli and I attended a church youth convention thinking it would be a good getaway to spend with our girlfriends. On the second night, Eli and I felt God's call, went up to the altar, and gave our lives to the Lord."

After Timothy had experienced salvation through Jesus Christ, there was no other way for him to express his new birth except through rhythm and poetry. Cy, Eli and his older brother Thomas formed a rap group called Trinity and started performing in various churches around his hometown of New Orleans. They spent so much time growing spiritually, writing and rehearsing that their troublesome ways of the past became history. Now they were in the schools evangelizing instead of being unproductive.

Unfortunately, Timothy watched his two partners in rhyme eventually lose their desire to stay serious and pursue music. "At this point my brother and Eli fell off, they weren't as interested in rapping as I was. Shows became no-shows for them. As a result of that, the excitement I had for doing rap music left me."

However, at age 22 Timothy began to get that zeal back. "One day while I was praying, the Lord spoke to my heart and told me that he was calling me to minister to the youth. Not long after, God confirmed His word through an individual while I was at a prayer service. I had no other choice or desire except to respond to that call."

In May of 2001, Cy began producing his own beats after purchasing a Triton keyboard and began traveling from church to church performing. Cy then was able to independently put together a two-song demo titled Versatile. A year later, he met super producer and native Houstonian Stikk at a concert. After making the decision to move to Houston to help out with Stikk's Street Sermons album, Cy was destined for new and exciting opportunities. He fulfilled his commitment of two feature spots on Street Sermons, dropped another guest appearance on R&B sensation Soulfruit's Practice, and eventually made the decision to sign with Much Luvv Records in September of 2002. He worked with Much Luvv's producer Big Toe and together they created The Complex.

Cy's ability to make tracks, write lyrics, and deliver hard-core rhymes makes him a well-rounded artist. On The Complex, you will be amazed by his ability to speak metaphorically yet still deliver a clear message in his songs. His raspy voice and controlled whisper style may remind listeners of secular counterparts Method Man and Busta Rhymes. His quick rhyme delivery is actually where he got his stage name. "I got the name, 'Cyclone' because of my fast flow back when I was 17," he explains.

Cy's lyrical content deals with spiritual warfare, unity, encouragement, love, and hip-hop. He has the ability to write lyrics boldly and then disperse them with a smooth-yet-tough delivery. If you like it rugged and raw, yet clear and understood, then you'll love Cy.

Cy has made various appearances on different albums and compilations after the release of "The Complex". He co-wrote a song with Enock (Former founding member of the Cross Movement) entitled "Next Up". he also appeared on several compilations including 4sightsounds Survival Kit Volume 1, Slow Lane Chronicles, and The Independants album by Flyaway Records.

In November of 2003, Cy started a production company called Complex Melodies. (www.dasouth.com/complex). The musical tracks he creates are versatile and range from South, East, and West Coast and R&B. After Much Luvv Records dropped his debut album, "The Complex", many artists around the world began to notice and request beats from Cy. "My reason for starting Complex Melodies was to create high quality beats for holy hip hop artist in order to help raise the standard of musical quality in the holy hip hop industry while at the same time, giving artists beats that they could afford", Cy explains.

Cy is currently in the studio working with Much Luvv Records in releasing a new double disk album entitled, "The Next Now" which will be a compilation album featuring all Much Luvv artists, and will feature the likes of R-Swift, J-Silas and many more.

For more information log on to www.dasouth.com