Pryslezz

Budding MC Pryslezz has no problem getting things done in a timely manner. Before the age of 20, the Youngstown, Ohio native, born Anthony Echols, had recorded his first album--- in three hours flat.

Growing up watching his oldest brother make a living off of music, Pryslezz knew there was something special about earning revenue through sound.

“Music found its way into my life through my oldest brother,” the 24-year-old, who studied English literature at the University of Cincinnati says. “I would kind of watch him do his thing and I kind of admired it – the energy he’d put out, the way he loved it. It made me feel like, ‘I want to see what that’s like. I want that feeling!’”

In 2003, the young MC and producer put out A Search 4 Peace- A Testimony and the more exclusive, Silent Sins: The Demons I Keep. It was the latter that caught the attention of San Diego Chargers wide receiver Chris Chambers. Chambers, who was playing for the Miami Dolphins at the time, decided to invest in Pryslezz and together, they founded King Ape Entertainment.

Named after his out-the-box b-boy skills, the self- proclaimed Busta Rhymes fanatic has succeeded at showcasing his personality through his music. On his latest effort, Death of a Man, Birth of a King, Pryslezz easily flips from being an animated MC on “Sideways” to a sensual seducer on the Dwele-assisted “More Than a Love.”

“I believe what makes people gravitate towards my music is the fact that it’s fresh – it’s a different sound, something they haven’t heard before,” he says of his latest work. “All of the different parts of me are what’s applied in my music and [the listeners] have picked up on that.”

He says that his creativity will never be left untapped.

“Even if I wasn’t writing music for someone or I couldn’t perform the music myself, I’d still be writing,” he says. ‘I’d still be creative with the pen and the pad, painting pictures for me people to see and documenting my reality.” –gavin philip godfrey

For more information check out, www.myspace.com/pryslezz or www.kingapeent.com - Rolling Out

Like most art forms do over time, hip-hop tends to get compartmentalized. Either you are East Coast, West Coast, Southern, or Midwest. Either you’re a backpacker or a gangster/pimp. Either you’re lyrical or bubblegum. The most unfortunate part of this phenomenon is that most emcees continue to subscribe to the boxes that have been built for them, rarely wavering from the cliché.

But not Pryslezz. The Ohio based emcee definitely paves his own way on his new album, Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King. With a cadence different from most rappers today, he comes as a slight surprise and a welcomed breath of fresh air. Pryslezz doesn’t overwhelm the track with a million words every bar, but he also doesn’t create songs that are absent of skill or lyricism. Think Tupac’s flow.

I must admit, that though he is a dope emcee, he tends to shine most on the more laid back tracks. “More Than A Love Song,” featuring soul crooner Dwele, is a prime example of Pryslezz’ laid back swag which comes across as effortlessly infectious. The following track, “The Story,” is just as dope, without being a love song. With a live band backing him, he tells his story of hustle and struggle, in front of a backdrop that beckons you to let the top down and cruise. Even the poetically daunting “Alive” is an example of his seemingly lazy strong suit. The cadence is slightly less disciplined, but it works well with the ethereal sounds of the track.

Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King really shines light on Pryslezz as an innovative emcee, one whom I honestly had no clue about before writing this review. There are gems in his mid-tempo, oft spoken-word style of rhyming. But above all, Pryslezz comes as a reminder that hip-hop is as diverse as people, and as boundless as we choose.

- Jason Reynolds - Okayplayer.com

Pryslezz

myspace.com/pryslezz

Since his single "More Than a Love Song" ended up cracking the Billboard charts last year (thanks in part to a cameo by R&B singer Dwele), 24-year-old Youngstown rapper Pryslezz has had a number of things go his way. "More Than a Love Song" wasn't just a radio hit. The music video, which finds Dwele and Pryslezz crooning while standing on the sandy shores of some tropical-looking locale, also garnered some serious rotation on VH1 Soul and MTV Jams. Last year, Pryslezz, who was nominated for three Ohio Hip-Hop Awards, got an opening slot on the Rock the Bells Tour alongside heavyweights like Wu-Tang Clan, Common, Slum Village, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Nas. He also recently inked a deal with King Ape/Lightyear Entertainment/EMI. They'll issue his new album, Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King, which features appearances by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn and the critically acclaimed Midwestern rap ensemble Slum Village. Pryslezz's steady, breathless flow in tunes such as "Sideways," which pairs him with writer/producer Jason Derulo (P. Diddy, Lil Wayne), recalls the urgency of 2Pac, and references to Youngstown city streets give him all the cred he needs.

- Jeff Niesel

- Cleveland Scene

Once insecure about his musical ability, 25-year-old MC Pryslezz credits a boastful older brother with urging him to share his talents with the world.

"Mike would have me come up to his place and freestyle for his friends. He'd be like, 'My baby brother's got skills!' " Pryslezz recalls. "I started to get a little confidence because of it. The encouragement just lit a fire in me."

One of his sibling's friends was NFL wideout Chris Chambers, who took a particular interest in Pryslezz and in early 2007, suggested the two join forces. By May, the pair independently released Pryslezz's first single, "More Than a Love Song," featuring R&B artist Dwele. By midyear they launched their own label, King Ape Entertainment.

In December 2007, the song entered Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at No. 95 and peaked at No. 88 five weeks later. "More Than a Love Song" also entered the Hot Singles Sales chart that same month at No. 37, topping out later at No. 3.

Now, Pryslezz is prepping his debut album, "Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King," due Feb. 24 on King Ape/Lightyear Entertainment, with distribution from Caroline. In addition to Dwele, Raheem DeVaughn, Jason Derulo, Slum Village and fellow King Ape artist/co-founder Nox appear on the set, while Blackout Movement, Ill Poetic and Black Milk lend their production talents.

Appearing on the album are such songs as "Block Star," which was recorded with live instruments; the R&B-laden "Tango"; and the second single, "Sideways," featuring Nox and Derulo. An accompanying video was shot in the middle of January and will be serviced to radio in coming weeks.

To promote the album, Pryslezz is performing one-stop shows throughout the country, as well as part of an independent college tour. An official trek for after the album release is in the works.

- Mariel Concepcion - Billboard

Review:
Back with his sophomore album, Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King, Pryslezz obviously felt he had something to prove. Since the debut of his first LP, Search 4 Peace-A Testimony, Pryslezz appeared to slip under the radar of the music industry. After almost six years, he’s back with hits like “More Than a Love Song,” where he collaborates with Dwele, and the introspective “Alive,” an exploration into life’s various meanings. Later in the playlist, Prylezz teams up with Raheem DeVaughn for “Way Back,” giving the female ear something to listen to. This album is a good example of how taking your time can pay off. Other than a few hiccups that interrupted the flow and a bit of monotony, this 14-track album is definitely a “ride to.” – Memory Martin & Ms. Rivercity - Ozone Magazine

While many rappers claim to come from violent neighborhoods, few can state that they are from the actual murder capital in the U.S. which happens to be Youngstown, Ohio. Growing up in this environment has made, Pryslezz, who he is today; a man of tough experiences and strong determination.

Pryslezz’s focus is to now solidify his presence as a successful MC through personal and thought-provoking lyrics as found on his release, Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King featuring such guests as Dwele and Raheem Devaughn.

Sixshot spoke with the rising artist about his experience with selling and using drugs, the challenges of growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, being a soulful MC, and more.

When was your death and when and how were you reborn?

I would say probably a little bit after I came home from college. I kind of went through a lot of changes and that’s what the album is about—it’s about change. I have to say that the change probably came from when I got out of the drug situation. I was in involved in a little bit of this and that; and putting all that behind me and moving forward to do music was the rebirth. I got motivated in music and in not going back to what I was into.

Did you sell or use drugs?

Selling, using—a little bit of both.

< P>What led you down that path?
It was a tough city that I grew up in. I came home from school and didn’t have much. I came home with an associate’s degree in English literature, but that doesn’t get you too far. So basically it was what I had to do at the time in order to do the things that I want to do like go out with my friends, and have some kind of money in my pocket. It was a means.

Often people are using drugs to deal with something in their past or emotional issues. Was that the case for you?

It was more like dealing with being at home. When you’re in a place where you’re friends with somebody in one minute, and the next minute you pick up the newspaper and read their obituaries, it’s a little tough on you. When all the people you’re around are into the same things; either it’s selling drugs or using drugs, or into something not healthy then it’s kind of easier for you to get caught up and do the same things. You turn to drugs to cope, but there are different things you have to go through. It was stuff I said I’d never do. So to go from there and end up being in a situation where I had to—it’s like that’s me coping.

You mentioned coming home and seeing your friends die which was a major emotional issue for you. It sounds like you experienced some form of depression. Much of that goes on in urban environments but many don’t talk about it.

Yeah, I wouldn’t really call it depression because if that’s the case my whole city is depressed. It’s like the way of life where I live at right now—if you’re not doing one thing you’re doing the other. So it’s real hard. There isn’t too much of an outlet for anybody other than trouble. So when you find yourself back in that situation and most of the people you associate with are in trouble, it’s real easy for you to get in trouble. When you handle a lot of drugs yourself it’s easy for you to use them, especially when they’re in your hands. You're always giving to someone else and you also get in a situation where you might sell something to somebody and then use with them. So it kind of depends on the situation, but I wouldn’t call it a depression. I would call it a way of life right now in Youngstown, Ohio. That’s pretty much the way it is.

Right now with the rebirth you are carving a niche for yourself as a soulful MC. Most MC’s are coming out as thugs with a bunch of swag and all that stuff, so speak to us about your image and who are as an MC.

It’s a little bit of everything. The songs right now are soulful and some people want to say it’s neo-soul because of the vibe. But there’s a lot more to come out of this album. There’s lot more songs. I got real street songs too. The only difference is I'm not gonna talk about 20” rims and ice. I'm not gonna talk about the drug game in a positive light. I'm more like a reporter than I am somebody that’s gonna glorify it.

You’re described as poetic. Is poetry something that greatly influences your sound and flow?

That’s interesting. On my first albums I got reviewed as saying it was real poetic, but I would tell people I do poetry and like poetry. I was an MC before I was a poet and it so happens that’s the way my style is. So I don’t know which influences which. I don’t know if me being an MC influences my poetry or vice versa. I can't really call it but it’s in there.

You’re said to have a spiritual outlook on life. How would you describe that outlook and where does it come from?

My outlook on life really comes from my faith in God, my experiences, and how they develop. That’s really where it comes from.

What would you say is the most "Pryslezz" thing about you?

The most priceless thing about me—I can't think of one thing. I think it’s all of me is priceless. I can say my music ‘cause I put all of me into it so that can be priceless.

You’re gonna love me because….

I’m unique.

For more information please visit:
www.myspace.com/pryslezz

- SixShot.com

By John Benson

Echols’ life in Youngstown helped shape his new album.

Beats and rhymes.

That’s all Anthony “Pryslezz” (pronounced priceless) Echols has thought about since he was a kid trolling the halls of Ursuline High School as a member of the Bust Squad Click.

“It was a bunch of guys pretty much rapping about whatever we felt like at the time,” said Echols, who graduated in 2001. “Yeah, it was very fun. I held Ursuline High School down. I was one of the hottest emcees in it.

“So ever since I started my first crew, that was one of the things I knew I wanted to do. It just didn’t feel like I was made for anything else but writing and making music.”

However, there came a moment a few years ago when Youngstown native Echols found himself at an important crossroads of life. Back from the University of Cincinnati where he received an associate’s degree in English literature and also released his 2003 debut effort “A Search 4 Peace – A Testimony,” Echols was an aspiring rapper working various jobs when a gun charge landed him in legal trouble.

While the charges were dropped down, the experience proved eye-opening.

“I ended up getting into a little bit of a sticky situation,” said Echols, 24. “Things kind of got a little rough for me. That’s when I hit a rough patch.”

Luckily, fate smiled on Echols, whose brother Mike played football at the University of Wisconsin. On that same team was Chris Chambers, who plays football in the NFL (formerly of the Miami Dolphins, currently of the San Diego Chargers).

At the same time Echols was having law trouble, Chambers was starting up his own entertainment company, named King Ape Entertainment. That’s when Echols received the call he had been waiting for his entire life.

“Basically, he decided to invest in my music because he believes in it and really liked it,” Echols said. “So that pretty much got me to Miami. That’s where I started recording my first mix tape, which is ‘The Profit Mixtape Vol. 1.’”

Early in life Echols’ rap talents were evident, as he would channel clever wordplay into an endless chain of syllables. So far he’s been relegated to hip-hop’s on-deck circle with opening gigs for such mighty acts as Wu Tang Clan, Common, Slum Village, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Nas.

Echols is hoping things are about to change with the release of his major sophomore effort “Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King,” which thematically reflects how his brief flirtation with the law saved his life.

“Yeah, it put me in a better position to do what I wanted to do,” Echols said. “Anybody who lives in Youngstown knows it’s a pretty rough place, and it’s hard to kind of break free from the things that are going on there. We used to be the murder capital, and things aren’t really different from when we were.

“So it really gave me an opportunity to branch out and see new things. Like that was my first time going to Miami and really being away from Ohio. So to go somewhere and live for a while, outside of Youngstown, kind of changed my mind for a while. It changed the way I looked at the world.”

Right now, it’s more about how the world looks at Echols, whose “Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King” is getting a major push from King Ape Entertainment. So far the disc has garnered plenty of momentum with its first single “More Than a Love Song,” which features Detroit-rapper Dwele.

Not only did the track reach No. 2 on the Billboard Hip Hop/ R&B Single Sales Charts for 12 consecutive weeks, but it was added to 20 radio station play lists across the country and even had its video aired on VH-1 Soul. Up next is the upcoming release of “Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King,” which features guest appearances by Jason Derulo, N.O.X. (Youngstown native), URG (Echol’s older brother), Soler Mesh and Purple Popcorn.

“The album is a smorgasbord of different things,” Echols said. “It’s a buffet. People like to call it the neo soul feel with ‘More Than a Love Song,’ but I have a song on the rock side of things called ‘Block Star.’ I’m kind of all across the board.”

Echols said he’s looking forward to his important hometown CD release show scheduled for Saturday at the B&O Station. Even though he’s currently calling Florida home, Echols, hardened by the streets yet softened by life, said he views his time spent growing up in Northeast Ohio as a necessary experience that allowed him to get to where he is today.

“To Youngstown, I’d like to say thank you,” Echols said. “Thank for you making me who I am today. Thank you for the support, and I love you. I’m always going to love my home. Always, and I’m not leaving.

“Even if I can’t live there right now, I’ll always be back, and they’re always going to see me.” - Vindy.com

Youngstown native channels city’s bad rap into good music
By Olga Kharitonova and Amanda Stephenson

Most Youngstown residents would like to forget the years the city was referred to as the murder capital, but for wordsmith and song artist Alexander “Pryslezz” Pain, they serve as the foundation for his music, including his recent hit “More than a Love Song,” which peaked at No. 3 on theBillboard Hot Singles Sales chart in March.

The 24-year-old pours his childhood experiences growing up in the Valley into his music and covers everything from religion to the perils of drug abuse. For example, his song “City Streets” is a tribute to the city’s Crandall Street in the gritty Crandall Park neighborhood. “Everything that affects me in my life affects the way I write because I put my life into all of my writing,” Pryslezz says.

His songs are certainly making an impact on the music industry, even spurring a new genre, “slick hop,” a mix of hip-hop, jazz, blues and intricate lyricism. He released his first album,A Search 4 Peace — A Testimony, in 2003 while studying English literature at the University of Cincinnati. The album created a huge underground fan base, which followed him to his sophomore album,Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King, released this month.

Pryslezz worked with well-known rapper and producer Dwele on “More than a Love Song” to create its harmonious mix of singing and rapping. Today, the song is played on radio stations across the country and was placed into the music video rotation on VH1 Soul in April.

Pryslezz, who was given his moniker by a friend for his break dancing skills, also channels his creativity into photography, creative writing and poetry, and hopes to someday produce videos. Right now, though, his music is his passion. “I found that if I do too many things at once I spread myself too thin because I put a lot of myself into everything I do,” he says. - Valleymag.com

First of all could you please introduce yourself to the audience on HipHop-Jam.net? How did you get into contact with hip&#8208;hop and the emceeing?

---------------------
•I say what's happenin' HipHop-Jam.net? Its cha boi! Naw, what's goin on. Pryslezz is in your area. King Ape is definitely in the buildin'.

•I got into hip-hop because it was around me growing up. My oldest brother is an emcee. I used to watch him do his thing. He would quote me scriptures from his book of truth and I would be like man I wanna be able to do that. He told me I could so I did. All a kid needs is one person to believe.
---------------------

What can you tell us about your alias "Pryslezz"? What does it stand for?

---------------------
•Pryslezz is pronounced priceless just in case anyone was wondering. The name was given to me by a close friend of mine. It identified my style of breakin'. I was Mr. Powermoves, in other words, flares, headspins, and windmills. I would push the envelope and try to do the difficult things and I would craft unique moves of my own as well. The name carried over to me as an emcee because I take the same mentality and apply it to my music. I'm not afraid to push the envelope. I'm not afraid to create something unique and new.
---------------------

Your new album "Death Of A Man, Rebirth Of A King" will be released in a few weeks. How does your life look like at the moment?

---------------------
•Life, to me, always looks good. Even in the toughest of times, I like to remember that life is a gift and I'm blessed to live another day. I look ahead of me and I see more obsticals [obstacles] that I'm going to encounter and more hills to climb. There is so much more that I have in me to give you all and so much more that I want to do. When I look back over my shoulder I see the things that I have lived through. The ups and downs. I am comforted, yet driven. Its [It's] like a peewee quarterback throwing his first pass. Celebrate. Now let's do another. Now let's do it in junior high, high school, and college. Let's go pro and then when I go pro let's take my team to the Super Bowl. Once I get there, let's see how many rings I can get and how many records I can break and so on and so on.

---------------------

Do you have any special expectations of the album? Are you anticipated?

---------------------
•I try to embrace what comes. I do, however, know that I put myself into this album. My blood, sweat, and tears. Literally. Any and everyone that listens to this album will see that. Anticipated? I'm sure there are people out there waiting for Pryslezz. I know 400 Block is. I know my momma is if nobody else. Lol.
---------------------

It´s now 6 years ago since your last album "A Search 4 Peace" has been released. Do you think you have developed yourself as a musician/as an emcee in this period?

---------------------
•Definitely. I have grown physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. I am my music, so as I mature so does my music.
---------------------

What comes first, the lyrics or the instrumental?

---------------------
•Depends on the way the creator feels at the time.
---------------------

Your upcoming release is titled as "Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King". Can you tell me why you chose this title and what you want to express with it?

---------------------
•This album is an album about change. I define change as a tragic assassination of oneself. In order to change, a part of you must die to make room for a new you to be born or for you to rebirth old parts of yourself. This album is my death and my rebirth.
---------------------

Do you have any favorite track on the album or do you think they are all on the same level?

---------------------
•I do have a favorite track on the album. Its called 'The Story'. Its appropriately titled because it tells a bit of my story.
---------------------

What can you tell us about your work with the Blackout Movement producers? Was it a cooperation only for this release or do you think there´ll be also some more projects together in the future?

---------------------
•It was a great experience. We are actually good friends now. We will definitely do more projects together in the future.
---------------------

Which other producers do you got on the album? What makes a good instrumental to you?

---------------------
•Charlie Es., Dimarco The Great, 2fly, ill poetic and Drop Dead Beats. There is a lot of in-house production on this album.
---------------------

One of my favorite songs is "More than a love song". In this song you are telling a story about you and your girlfriend which left you and joined the army. Is there a deeper background behind this song? I mean, is it a true story or written about a real relationship?

---------------------
•It definitely is a true story. Nothing fabricated. I lived it. I wrote it. I'm glad you like it. She and I are good friends. She came to Youngstown,OH to see me perform it. That's an example of what I mean. Blood sweat and tears in this album.
---------------------

How do your future plans look like? Are there already some new projects in process?

--------------
I'm actually in the process of workin' on a new mixtape, as well as, developing new and creative ways to get my music to the people. I don't stop making music. I may pause to handle what's behind the scenes. Stay tuned to channel pryslezz.

Why do you have chosen "Sideways" as your second single&#8208;release? Did you want to release a single which is more suitable for the mass? Can we expect a third single?

Do you find the time to listen to current rap or black music releases? If so, what can you recommend to our audience?

--------------
Yes I do and I recommend that we hold on to and encourage new music that says something worth listening too. Support fresh and new ideas. We are in a time of struggle and if its one thing that I know its that beautiful and artistic things are created during times of struggle.

---------------------
•I released 'Sideways' because I wanted to give the people a different view of Pryslezz. I found that 'More Than A Love Song' made people want to box me into this neo-soul category when in fact I have a variety of different sounds. On my album, I have a little something for everybody. Next single? Stay tuned and find out.
--------------------

Why does N.O.X. features two tracks of your album? How would you describe your relationship to him?

--------------------
•Cause we make good music. I've known N.O.X. all my life. We've been in the same crews and have been doing music together for years. We did a mixtape together called 'King Shit Mixtape'. We complement each other well. There may be a collab album of N.O.X. and I in the future. N.O.X. is in the lab working on his album now. Be on the lookout for that. Another reason to stay tuned.
--------------------


"Alive“ is one of those tracks with a really special atmosphere and content. Do you want to express something special with it?

--------------
'Alive' is me showing another part of myself. Its actually a lot similar to early pryslezz. - A Search 4 Peace - pryslezz. I created that track with the intent to make it stand out. There isn't anything else on the album like it.

With Dwele, Raheem DeVaughn or Slum Village you got a few soul influenced acts on your album. What does soul music mean to you? And how was it working with these acts?

--------------------
•Soul is in the vibe. It It's what you put into the music. I put my soul into my music.


•It was great to work with those guy. They are great individuals. We're all good friends now, as well.
--------------------

What I really like is that you are trying to express yourself with your lyrics and that you are not only talking about "bitches, money and bling, bling". Is it important to you to that you deliver your messages to the audience?

--------------------
•Yes it is important. It is imperative. Why speak unless you want to be heard. I have something to say to anyone that will listen. Open your ears people. Listen up. - hiphop-jam.net