Rob Regal

They say the best music comes when the artist is writing about what they know best. Considering I can’t imagine a topic Lyriciss is better versed in than his own existence, video single My Life is pretty much guaranteed to be some damn good music. Sure enough, with producer Slimkat78 laying down a mellowed out instrumental that puts me in a real Dilla frame of mind and an as-yet unidentified vocalist laying down some serious soul on the hook, there’s no doubt that this is some quality music - and we haven’t even gotten to Lyriciss yet. In line after line, Lyriciss gives us his heart and soul on the mic, refusing to sacrifice any part of himself in the name of acceptance and mainstream success: “I haven’t always been perfect, but you know a younging always tried / cause my momma taught me my heart is worth more than my pride.” For even more chapters of Lyriciss’ hip-hop download a free copy of his The Balance: Heart EP, the follow up to previous EPs Money and Respect. - DJBooth.net

Life is all about balance and the one key element to balance and life is money (so they say). It’s true what they say about money-making the world go ‘round, and it is definitely true what they say about it being a blessing or a curse. Either way, with it or without in your life, you can have some interesting stories to tell. DMV emcee, Lyriciss, decided to do so with his second of a four-part series called “The Balance EP: Money”.

THE AGENDA – Favorite bar: “I’M PUBLIC ENEMY, YOU KNOW THEY BE GUNNING FOR THAT”/ “I’M TRYING TO BIRTH WHAT THE LABELS ABORTED”/ “TRYING TO INFLATE MY CREDIT MORE THAN THE CRIME RATE”. “The “Get Money” sample really sets the tone on this Grussle-produced track. Lyriciss breaks down his game plan in life with “The Agenda*” and it serves as a great introduction track for those who haven’t heard of him.

BIG GOLD CHAIN – Favorite bar: “EVERYBODY LOVES BREAD, BUT WE ALL HATE THE END THOUGH”. Lyriciss gets real vivid as he paints a dark picture of obsession on this J-Scrilla produced track. This track reminds me of Wale’s “Chain Music”. This track, however, goes a little deeper and shows the influence of the chain on the wearer.

THE MONEY – Favorite Bar: “MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND WE GETTING DIZZY”. I love the cuts on this track; this is real hip hop. The production has a dark west coast feel. This is the track where Lyriciss lyrically spazzes out. This was one of the more lyrical tracks on the EP and is a fan favorite.

GET IT AND GO – Favorite Bar: “WE SCRAMBLE FOR CHANGE, BUT THE PAIN DON’T CHANGE UP”. This track is like “The Agenda”, but has a more edgier feel. Soulful lives up to his name and delivers a very soulful banger. The hook is addictive and the flute sticks in your mind. The video to this song will make you appreciate the song more. It shows Lyriciss’s intention for getting his money.

Overall, this is a really dope EP. I love how he kept the theme of money throughout and even on the production. Speaking of the production, it was superb. Every single sample and cut reflected the theme of the mixtape. This was a great listen and really embodies hip hop. I’m really excited to hear the other installments to The Balance (Heart is next) series. There is only one bad thing about this EP…it’s a EP! It was too short! I would have loved to hear Lyriciss go a couple of more tracks.I know that it’s just January, but this feels as though it’s going to be one of my best listens/reviews for the year. This is going to be one of the best EPs of the year and you can put money on it. - Dead End Hip Hop

At 23 years old there’s a certain moxy that Lyriciss holds as his voice seemingly floats over the top of instrumentals, so much so it’s almost hard to put your figurative finger on which elements of your favorite Emcees he and his music hold on the first listen. The DMV native may not be easy to figure out in that sense, but you can vibe out to his music quicker than a New York minute without much effort. His latest release, The Balance: Money EP, is a bonafide teaser in every definition of the word. Clocking in with a mere 4 songs the EP is a glorified maxi single. The briefness of the project may be an issue to some listeners, but the cohesion and underlying conceptual ties that each song holds are sure to pull you in enough to make an effort to consciously catch each moment for fear of missing out. Each song is seemingly crafted in the form of a piece of an urban allegory. In some cases there is a story within a story each blended almost perfectly to give those who visually appreciate music a landscape and set of images to gather their own characterizations as Lyriciss’ bouncy flow serves as an instrument of narration. The balance, or more so the strength, of the EP is in the borderline cinematic soundtrack-esque production provided by Grussle, J-$crilla, and Soulful Cuts. Each song merges Lyriciss’ energy with the smooth swing inducing sonic waves till it feels as if the young rhyme sayer has come to rest the structure of his rhymes in coordination with each kick and snare provided. The amount of time that Lyriciss spends “in the pocket” creates an easily digestible message, and dissoluble involvement for listeners. The only negative is that just as soon as you have come to that great place of relaxation the EP ends, and you have to rise to hit the play button once more. There are few releases these days that can do that for you. - Wheat City Mag

In four songs, Lyriciss accomplishes what most can’t with fifteen. As soon as the opening record #TheBalance starts, from the production alone it’s very clear that the music about to be heard is on a level way past average that isn’t visited often. The Balance presents a defined and complete sound, showing what Lyriciss is about and displaying his style flawlessly. In an industry where you can almost always point and say “Oh so and so sounds like [inset MC here]“ Lyriciss sets himself apart as an artist which is no easy task. It’s a treat to listen to someone who knows exactly how they want to sound and is also able to execute it.

With only four tracks to work with Lyriciss doesn’t waste any, each displays different talents and is excellent. The Balance’s first offering shares the same title and acts as a kind of “Hi my name is Lyriciss, and this is what I’m about” introduction. From his current perceived status in the game, the state of hip hop, record deals and what hip hop means to him, Lyriciss broaches on a range of subjects and serves as a great opener.

The second track Super Bad comes out swinging with a much more upbeat tempo and busy production then the first song. Lyriciss molds well with the almost polar opposite production then what he was just heard on previously, and flaunts his versatile flow with ease. The transition from cool, calm and collected to hype, quick and energized is seamless. Stop Scheming comes in third and is complete with smooth, string heavy production. Lyriciss presents advice and criticism on a fictional character that represents the demographic of talkers rather then doers, haters, “schemers”, etc. I’m usually not a fan of classic lines being flipped and used but the hook on Stop Scheming centers around a modified version of a Biggie line and it is done well here, with similar wording but a different concept then the original.

The Balance closes out with a relaxed song in Ridin. I really appreciate the pacing of this song, because while it does come across as soft and laid back mostly thanks to the horns, it’s not slow at all and the drums and vocals keep things moving along quite nicely. The production on Balance was handled by Grussle (#TheBalance & Ridin) and J-Scrilla (Super Bad & Stop Scheming), with Chop-La-Rok assisting Scrilla on Stop Scheming. They all deserve a nod for their efforts as does Lyriciss for his beat selection. Many albums and mixtapes manage to sound redundant but The Balance displays diversity in it’s production, and it adds to the overall quality of the project. The LP can’t come soon enough. - DMVixen.com

How 'bout that? A rapper's name which also describes his occupation for a living. Lyriciss is a Washington, D.C. born and Maryland raised rapper who has quickly risen from obscurity thanks to a series of free EP releases being put out through DJ Booth. If you want to check out the first installment "Respect" put out last November feel free, but here we'll be focusing on the "Money" chapter which came out exactly a week ago on January 24th.

"They said money make the world go 'round and I believe it
Cause you can turn your whole life 'round if you receive it
If your check is the nicest, and your savings the meanest
A chick'll drop out of school and onto your penis
The truth be told, the whole world watchin
If you got they see it and best believe that they plottin
Be first to tell 'em that nothin is how you rockin
And get the bullshit out, so you can bring the gwap in"

The funky fresh flute samples of "Get It and Go" remind me of The Beatnuts for some reason, but production is handled by the aptly named Soulful! (The exclamation point is part of his name.) Scratches are handled by DJ I-Dee, which is a pretty big hook-up for someone relatively new on the scene. I have the feeling that's the first of many such collaborations to come though.

There are eight songs on "The Balance: Money EP," but that's slightly deceptive given that it's actually four original songs with two different takes - a dirty and a radio clean version. Nevertheless Lyriciss is making the most of the opportunity and "killin niggaz like diabetes and cigarettes" on songs like "The Agena" produced by Grussle. It's hard to miss the Junior M.A.F.I.A. samples in the background here and there, but they are very secondary to the symphonic instruments and harmonized singers that Grussle sampled. It's so fly I have to imagine the clearance fee would be high if it wasn't probably so obscure he hopes it will fly under the radar - but if that was his agenda he wouldn't have used the M.A.F.I.A. samples. Go figure. The J-Scrilla produced tracks "Big Gold Chain" and "#TheMoney" are up to par too, although the latter is probably the weakest out of all four.

Overall it's more difficult to rate Lyriciss than I would have initially believed, given most free EP releases have at least six different songs to go on (or maybe five and some instrumental filler) but it's fair to say that nothing on "The Balance: Money EP" felt like a waste of my time to have downloaded or reviewed. Sometimes with free shit that's as good as you can ask for, and Lyriciss has a pleasant vocal tone, which reminds me of a young Joe Budden crossbred with a young Cormega. If he had dropped some generic thug/hustler/street entrepreneur raps I'd have written off this short album without a second thought, but by living up to his moniker he's got me looking forward to the next EP he drops.

Music Vibes: 7 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 7 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 7 of 10 - RapReviews.com

The DMV homie Lyriciss has graced his fans with some new music. He recently dropped a new project called The Balance EP: Money. The EP is part of a four part series that the rapper is releasing in partnership with The DJBooth. This is the second offering from the series. The first is entitled The Balance EP: Respect and can be found here. The Balance EP: Money includes four brand new tracks and is executive produced by Inner Loop Media Group. Also, it features production from Grussle, J-Scrilla and Soulful!. Continue reading to check out a review of two of the four tracks.

“The Agenda”

This is one of the tracks produced by Grussle. The production is on point. It features a light knock, some background vocals, and a chill type of vibe. There is no actual hook present, just a a few references to the song title towards the end of the track. Which works out fine, the track still flows smoothly. There is no typical verse structure for this track either. Lyriciss basically just spits the whole way through. He does an excellent job too. He kept a good steady pace with a clean delivery, had some crafty wordplay, and dope rhymes. Notable lines include: “But I survive with my grind and my intellect. I’m killing n—-s like diabetes and cigarettes. Light brown skin, soul black as Henney. Stepping over the game like the Kappas shimmy. A lot of rappers in this field can’t practice with me. They some actors to me. Cause I got some James Cagney in me. Smart money, I be running for that. A public enemy, you know they be gunning for that.” Some pretty slick lyricism in those lines, especially the play on the James Cagney reference. Overall, this track is hot and was a smart way to kick off the EP.

“Get It & Go”

This track was produced by Soulful!. Also, it is noted as one of the fan favorite cuts off of The Balance EP: Money. This track kicks off with a short clip pertaining to a Rolex from the popular hood flick Paid In Full. Next, the production fully kicks in. The production is fire. It contains a strong flute element, a mid-tempo pace, and a street type of vibe. Unlike the previous cut, this track does feature a hook. The hook is short and simple but still solid. The verses are quality too. Lyriciss came with a passionate flow and heavy hitting rhymes as he spoke about the power of money, his hometown, and his feelings on certain topics. Check it as he unleashes: “And we don’t trust government. They next door to us. So f–k our neighbors, f–k our neighbors! Police, the guards, and investigators; smile in our face, try they best to cage us. Or leave my whole race on a respirator. Call us criminals, hustlers, haters, like that ain’t what the f–k they made us! Obama got elected, I thought we came up. Then I watch the news and still see the same stuff.” Some pretty intense words being dropped in those lines right there. But it is a sentiment that a lot of people these days probably share. Overall, this track is a banger. It’s a winner all around from the funky style beat to Lyriciss’s top notch content. Strong way to end the EP and easy to see why people love it so much. On another note, Lyricss dropped a video for this cut. It was directed by Chop N Shoot Films. The video is fly and has a clever concept. It also features a beautiful mural and Lyriciss rocking an ill black t-shirt. Check it out below.

**My Two Cents: I enjoyed this EP and think that Lyricss did his thing like he always does. The production was great and his lyrics were too. And I loved the video. I think it was a perfect representation of the track and that Lyriciss did an impressive job acting. But don’t just take my word for it. Click the above provided link and peep the EP and then go ahead and click play on that video. I promise it’s ten times better than almost anything else that’s out right now. -MinM - TheIllixer.com

4. Lyriciss – The Balance (October 2013)

The one thing I can say about Lyriciss is that if a person told me that hip-hop is dead, his music would be one of the non-major label emcees that I would bump to show that it isn’t dead. They’re just not looking hard enough. Lyriciss has bars galore, does great at delivery and storytelling, and is one hardworking dude. What makes him even better is that he’s not a trendy rapper. The Balance shows you all of that. A few of the joints are from his The Balance mixtapes (Money, Respect, and Heart), but the songs come together well for the album. The DMV is definitely an area you need to check in terms of hip-hop, R&B, and for producers. If you haven’t checked it out, then hopefully Lyriciss’ music would encourage you to, especially since everyone on the album is from the area. I’ll also do my best to share more of the area’s music scene on the blog as well.

Favorite Tracks: “Big Gold Chain,” “Maryland,” “The Balance,” “My Life,” “Stop Scheming,” “Blasphemy” - AmirahRashidah.com

DMV emcee Lyriciss just released the third project in his The Balance series titled The Balance EP: Heart. As usual the EP is presented by The DJBooth and Inner Loop Media Group. This EP follows the same format as the previous ones. Meaning it has four brand new tracks and a clean version for each track. Also, there is guest appearances by artists like K-Beta and production from familiar names like J-$crilla. Lyriciss has a special message to accompany The Balance EP: Heart too. He states: “To every single fan and supporter that stood by my side and kept rocking with me for the 7 months it’s been since the last EP…thank you. I’m not going to turn this into a sob story…just know a lot went on in my personal life AND my career that had me in a zone that wasn’t prepared to put out new music…now that I am…I want you to enjoy it all. Much love. I represent y’all, so let’s all represent us (#HAVENOTS)!” On that note click the jump for a break down of a single and set of visuals off of the EP.

“Handle My Biz”

The production here is top of the line. It encompasses: an array of strong intense musical ingredients, a luring cadence, and a serious vibe. The hook is premium too. The delivery is energetic and the lyrics are hot. The verses are sufficient. Lyriciss presents a colorful flow, quick wordplay, and aggressive rhymes. He conveys the message that he is not to be played with when it comes to this music thing. Lines to observe include: “Ready to win. Just give him the word. Then I’m a do this whole game like Robert Griffin III. Repping for home. I’m the rookie that they waiting on. F–k the politics. There’s no debating on whether I’m a get it or not. There’s no question. I’m here to occupy yo spot like I’m protesting.” Those are some pretty rugged words from the DMV native. Overall, this song is a winner.

In addition to dropping the EP, Lyriciss unveiled a brand new video. The visuals are to the EP’s lead single “My Life.” The video was directed by Jamaal Teagle. The flick basically focuses on the emcee’s journey. So things kick off in 1996 with a glimpse of a young Lyriciss taunting young girls. From there, the viewer gets to experience bits and pieces of: Lyriciss as an adult in various surroundings, live shows, interviews, and more. There are also some special tricks involving screen splitting that are pretty neat. It gives everything a bit more flair. All in all, this was a straight forward and classic video.



**My Two Cents: The Balance EP: Heart is another satisfying offering from Lyriciss. He once again selected great producers and served up worthwhile content. And the video is a good look. It went perfectly with the track and was well put together. Readers are highly encouraged to check out both. The final EP in The Balance series is titled The Balance EP: Power and it is slated for release in the very near future. The EP will be followed by a debut album sometime in 2013. To catch further details and to just keep up with Lyriciss period, readers can follow him on Twitter. -MinM - TheIllixer.com

After launching a warning salvo with is Balance EP a year ago, DC area based MC Lyriciss has finally released the full-length version. Lyriciss is an MC cut from the same cloth of 90’s hip-hop MC’s where lyrical content and flow are important. There’s even an updated version of Mary J Blige’s “My Life”.

That is not to say that Lyriciss rides strictly on nostalgia like many of the recent technically proficient but boring golden era revivalists; while Its has many nods towards classic hip-hop (tasteful samples of Junior Mafia and Audio Two for instance) its as much a work from this era as it is from the past. The hyperactive snares of “Im Good” are definitely something from the post-trap era, which he uses ironically to critique it “cause the trap ain’t for me, I can’t relate to the rats”.

He also proudly reps where he comes from, which makes it a nice change from some other MC’s who seem to have forgotten their DMV roots (*COUGH* WALE *COUGH*). It’s not heavy handed, just enough to give you a glimpse of what helped shaped him as an MC.

Smoking capons and jacks, cloves and blacks
To ease up the pain while they hold us back
With our cellphones blasting go-go and rap

What also makes The Balance a solid listen is the fact that Lyriciss has a solid sense playing to the strength of the songs. You have him in 80’s battle rap mode in “Superbad” but on “Stop Scheming” he slows it up with a snarky flow that calls to mind the attitude of vintage Cam’ron in ‘U Mad?’ mode. He’s not simply trying to get by on witty bars which make The Balance a good an easy listen; there’s genuine song craft here. Great album. - The Couch Sessions

The Balance is Lyriciss’s debut full length project which combines three very well put together EP mixtapes; The Balance: Respect, The Balance: Money and The Balance: Heart. This album supports my Urban Dilemma concept by exploring the life of black youth whose lives are heavily influenced by hip-hop music and the inner city life. I believe us living in the DC Metro area have a particularly peculiar outlook on life because we are in such close proximity to the seat of government and power in the United States. Although our area is very diverse, it is extremely segregated by class and these stories go untold outside of the DMV borders.

When I first heard “Big Gold Chain” when the initial The Balance: Money EP dropped, I remember feeling refreshed. It had an old school hip-hop vibe with a very important and new school message of “don’t believe the hype.” Many of us grew up believing a lot of what was said and done in rap music and the media; this song speaks on the negative aspect of the “ghetto celebrity” lifestyle (not glorifying it).

“In the ’80s, he would tell you where the rocks at
But he a youngin, so he supplying the pills
‘Cuz poverty is real and crime’s paying the bills”
-Big Gold Chain

In my opinion, a majority of young folks want to rap because they want to be rich and famous, not because of their love and passion for the art. Couple this with a poor education, shame, irrational pride plus an inflated ego and the formula of a modern day rap star exists. Lyriciss does a superb job of calling this bluff and exposing the fraudulent lifestyle and clout associated with it. This is exemplified in tracks like “stop scheming” and “the agenda.”

“I understand just wanting to be your own man.
But get some goals and clothes and be a grown man.
Instead of scheming and hating on what you not,
go and write up a plan and triple up what you got”
-Stop Scheming

A current theme in hip-hop is being independent and aware of the shady ass music industry. The industry’s commodification of the hip-hop lifestyle has led to the culture being held hostage by an elite and capitalist interest. Because of this relationship, the negativity of our culture is flourishing to our detriment and their benefit. Artists with positive and somewhat political messages are hushed up or molded into what label execs believe will sell. This theme is explored in tracks like “the balance” and “my life.”

“I been the underdog, they said that I’d never make it
Jeans ain’t tight enough, he don’t make that pop shit
Always got a message, he be on that ‘Pac shit
He don’t never beef with niggas & he don’t pop shit
So how could we ever put him in the top 10?
Suck a dick, you niggas forgot the music
Got a piece of power, you pussy niggas abused it
Got a little money and most of you misused it
So if it ain’t an Inner Loop deal, I refused it”
-The Balance

Be sure to check out The Balance if you want insight into the mind of a free thinking “hip-hop student, PG resident, revolutionary same color as the president”. #HVNTS. - The Urban Dilemma

Again, I’m on a late pass, but I’ve been hella busy. Back to a more normal schedule next week, I promise. But I couldn’t let this get away. DC’s own Lyriciss dropped 2 tracks off his upcoming Day Job mixtape. Failure 2.0 is over the beat to Lupe’s Failure, which has a nice grimy feel to it that works really well with Lyriciss’ flow/voice. It’s a really dope track. The second is a Dilla beat (called Wild) off of Ruff Draft. The same beat was recently used on A Kid Named Cudi for the track Cudi Get. I have to say, this is not a beat I’m particularly fond of, but Lyriciss does it up nicely and brings me through to the end with clever punchlines, and plenty of swagger. Together these tracks have me excited for the mixtape which is scheduled to drop in February. Keep an eye on this guy, he’s got a lot going on in the near future. - VinylMeltdown.com

Damn...so today I officially realized that I have been sleepin' on a few people. For me, that is one of the worst feelings because I love hip hop and I always talk about how much I hate the lack of diversity in the game right now. With that said, I apologize to all those people out there who have been hittin' us up with singles, mixtapes, videos, etc. and have not heard anything back from us. Although this is a poor excuse, we get a ton of emails and messages daily, so it takes us a while to sort through everything. Also, just because I might not get down with certain music doesn't mean that the music is not hot. So honestly, if you are really into your craft and really put out good music, be persistent and keep hitting people up because it will eventually smack them across the face and tell them to wake up, like it did to me today...hahaha

Anyway, one of those people I have been sleepin' on is the DMV's very own Lyriciss. From the moment I strolled over to dude's myspace page and listened to a few tracks, I realized he wasn't a joke and that he was "going in for the gusto". I definitely will be dropping some more Lyriciss, but in the meantime check out "The Rapture". - IllVibes-DMV.com

Arize: You were featured on Arize earlier this year, since then alot has changed in the economy and world, to say the least. What’s new with Lyriciss and your music?

Lyriciss: For the most part, more people are hearing it. (laughs) But nah, man, I’m just working on new projects. Got a new mixtape dropping this winter called “Voice Of The Metro”. So far, I got the homies Pro’Verb, G*Two, Theo, & RAtheMC on there…may be more soon. Also working on a DMV compilation album with an independent label. I can’t say many details on it, but that should be major. Other than that, just attacking the internet, the magazines, and the radio to keep the name buzzing, you know?

Arize: Yea i definitely hear that. A few of your new(er) tracks ie. “Willie Lynch Chip” and others, seem to have a sharp edge to them. You’re addressing a lot of topics, not only in this track, but others as well. What made you want to tackle controversial topics such as the black communities different perceptions for “light skinned” blacks and “dark skinned” blacks?

Lyriciss: Well, it’s real life. I’ve never really liked the more recent hip-hop trends of fictitious ballin’ and partying everyday. Nobody’s that happy all the time…we’re in a recession, soon to be a depression. Y’all ain’t making it rain EVERY night. And everybody isn’t a thug, gangsta, goon, etc. So you know, why not have a young voice talk about some real-life issues? Those are my favorite tracks anyway, because I relate to them the most. Life experience through me and people around just helped me write the actual songs and make them able to relate to the public also.

Arize: Point taken…So since you referenced the “fictitiousness” of the hip-hop trends that are around now, which one of these pisses you off the most? And do you think that the “I don’t give a fuck” attitude, or the “its cool to be stupid” demeanor, that a lot of mainstream so called rappers possess will ever end?

Lyriciss: It’ll never end. Why? Because it’s an easy sellout. The people who do that try to ignore the responsibility their music holds with the public, while they make money off of it, which is nothing new. That’s the commercial music industry. I’m not mad at it, but I also can’t go that route, because it’s not me. None of it pisses me off though…does it make me chuckle? Yeah. (laughs) These dudes hop in photoshoots and music videos looking like they wake up angry at breakfast, but they’re the nicest dudes when you meet them. Rappers need to just be themselves, man. If you like being a regular dude, be a regular dude in your music…ain’t nobody going to knock you for it, and if they do, they ain’t SUPPOSED to be your fans.

Arize: hahaha…yea people are people…just be yourself, right?

Lyriciss: Exactly, man.

Arize: The track “Blue Collar Chronicles” couldn’t come at a better time. What made you want to be honest enough to reference your previous employer? (Game Stop) How do you hope people will feel when they hear this joint?

Lyriciss: Again, just being honest with my life. I’m still working regular jobs out here. I was talking about retail jobs on the song, but it’s called “Blue Collar Chronicles” because I was talking about my time working at UPS at first, but then I decided the stories of me working at Giant and Gamestop would be funnier, and according to the people, I was right. So many people gave me love over that track, because everybody’s worked a retail job that they’ve hated…I’ve worked A LOT of them. Almost everybody relates to that song in some way, so you know…the trick to it all is music that people can relate to.. Shoutsout to David E. Beats for producing that one.

Arize: right…yea i laughed hard at a few of the lines in the song. It almost felt like a flashback to when I was working in retail. lol. So since the indie market seems to be flooded with mixtapes of all sorts, what sets your mixtapes apart from others? And what can we count on hearing from yours?

Lyriciss: You’d have to listen to my music and see what separates me from everyone else, you know? If I say this and that, I’m going to look cocky, and I’m so humble, joe. (laughs) I think I’m dope though…I think I make good music. People seem to agree, so just expect good music. Might hear some different types of sounds…some dope lyrics…some raw emotion…things of that nature. Maybe. (laughs)

Arize: Stayin humble huh? Thats cool though, keeps you on the grind. Hows the DC hip hop scene treating the unsigned and indie artists like yourself?

Lyriciss: Man, I’ll be honest, the public doesn’t give us our proper respect. The people in the scene, we’re supporting each other more than ever. This has always been a go-go driven area. Hip-hop was pushed to the back. Now, we got artists hitting these open mics, collaborating more, and supporting fellow artists. The DJs are supporting online, even though it hasn’t translated too much into radio spins. College radio is where it is…they’re supporting a lot. Shouts out WH - Arize Magazine (http://www.arizemag.com)

For: Lets start with how are you doing?

Lyriciss: Besides a little sick, I’m blessed, bro.(laughs) Had a show today that went well, and got a lot of things cooking in the pot as far as my career goes.

For: You have the Voice of the Metro mixtape coming out soon if i’m not mistaken? Hows that coming?

Lyriciss: It’s good, but it’s coming along pretty slowly. I apologize to my fans on that one, but you know, you won’t be disappointed with the final product. I got some real good music on there. It will definitely surpass what I was doing with “The Hope”.

For: How was the feedback on “The Hope”?

Lyriciss: Beautiful, man. A lot of love. More than I even expected, because I’m not even a fan on that tape, in all honesty. That tape was moreso a mashup of songs that I made over a 2-year span and I just threw it together, got some drops from some people I’m cool with, and I called it a tape. It wasn’t as cohesive as I’d want it to be. Even with that being the case though, the people loved it.

For: Lets talk about Lyriciss’ story, just give us a little background about yourself?

Lyriciss: Basically, I’m a young MC that really loves this music. It’s rare nowadays, right? But this is what I love. I’ve been rapping since I was 9 years old, battling since 12 or 13, recording since 16, and I’m 20 now. I’m currently a name that seems to come up a lot when mentioning the up-and-coming DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) hip-hop scene, which is more than I could ever really hope for growing up, so I’m blessed just having that. I’m a realist. When you hear the music, I make that obvious, so if you want to escape to some dream world where everybody is popping bottles and got money to spend like nothing in the club while we’re in a recession, you probably shouldn’t listen to me, because I’ll bring back down to Earth in a second.

For: Speaking of the recession, how are you fairing and preparing for what is to come?

Lyriciss: Maaaaan…I posted a blog about this the other day. I’m thinking about moving to Canada, joe. (laughs)

For: Yea, we’ll see what happens with this bailout plan their working on.

Lyriciss: yeah

For: A lot of rappers have come out with support for a presidential candidate (cough Obama ‘08). Do you follow politics and who are you throwing your support behind?

Lyriciss: Yeah, I follow politics more than the average person my age. I’m not up on all of the policies like I want to be and should be, but I’m definitely supporting Barack Obama. I watched the debate the other night and Obama was matching McCain up pretty well, catching him on his lies.

For: I try to get into deeper questions in an interview than the typical hip hop things, showing more about the person.

Lyriciss: I dig it.
I definitely respect it

For: Its seems like that when you talk about real issues or make grown up hip hop, it is all most looked down. Jay makes Kingdom Come and people are upset then he makes American Gangster and people love it. Do you fell the pressure to make dumbed down hip hop?

Lyriciss: I mean…I don’t feel the pressure at all, because I don’t care about the music people want me to make. I make the music I want to make regardless. If people want something dumbed down, they can turn on their radios or go to MTV Jams and get what they want. That’s not my M.O., though. My life is too serious for the B.S. right now, man.

For: What do you think about positive messages in hip hop being looked down upon or not as popular?

Lyriciss: With what community? BET? MTV? VH1? The younger listeners of hip-hop? They’re lost anyway. That’s just how I feel. I’m not mad at it. I’m not at THEM. I just feel like they’re lost. I don’t know when being a loser and not aspiring for better and not speaking on doing positive became cool, but it is what it is. Hip-hop has always been yin and yang - good and bad, nice and wack, but nowadays it’s more so just yin and no yang. Everybody’s copying one thing, one sound, and if you’re not doing it, you won’t be popular. If that’s the case, I can do without being popular.

For: I respect that. There have been a lot of rumors or so called beefs in the DMV, why don’t you clear up some of the things being said?

Lyriciss: It’s real simple…a lot of these beefs aren’t happening. It’s a lot of middlemen and people not even involved sicing it and making it into something it isn’t, and the people buy into it. They tried to say me and Nando was beefing with Marky, AB The Producer, and Studio 43 after me and Nando left the 43ntourage situation that was going on, but it wasn’t the case. Just the other day, me and Nando were both speaking to Marky and it was all love. I saw AB at the Beatdown on Thursday, it was all love. So when people see all of us together real soon, I’m sure that they’ll be on their heads over it, but so be it. Who else…um, the situation with me and D. Omen…a few people knew about it, but there’s no beef there anymore either. Lyriciss has NO beef with anyone - Don't Sweat The Technique (http://dontsweatit.wordpress.com)

I haven’t heard much from DMV’s Lyriciss since he dropped The Hope mixtape on July 4th. Then out of nowhere he hits me off with two new joints. I’ll let Lyriciss explain: "I watched a DVD with a preacher speaking on “deactivating our Willie Lynch Chips”. Basically saying that as young black Americans, we need to get rid of the instinct in us that makes us seperate and down each other, which was instilled in us back in the slavery days in the Willie Lynch tactics, and sadly, it still remains in us today. So the first verse = a slave speaking on his loyalty to the master; second verse = the light-skin/dark-skin rift between the blacks of today; the third verse = the black woman’s independence and denial of need for the black man." That message and it’s done over Reks’ Statik Selektah produced Black Cream? Dope! Then he adds himself to the list of Incredible underground rappers. - 2dopeboyz.com

New music from Theo, the hardest working man from Rhode Island alongside the UK’s The Foals and produced by my man Santo Angelo. I predict to see Theo along with the bol Lyriciss to grace next years XXL cover. I mean, why not? They surely deserve it. - KNOWxONE.com

Being a rapper in today's market is not easy, there are so many talented individuals striving to make it big and reach out on a bigger level to their listeners. One artist definitely in search for a better life and a better way to touch people is Lyriciss.

Having been rapping since his early childhood and still now only fresh out of his teenage years Lyriciss is an aspiring artist with a difference. Music is a passion but also other area's involving music for example music journalism touch the creative body within him, now come on people how many rappers do you know that started off rapping and also tried their hand at creative writing? Personally I can count the ones I know on one hand. Music really does go deeper with Lyriciss than most of today's artists, it's a passion to learn and progress whilst being in touch with what goes on around him in both a verbal and literate element, thus giving his fans a real one on one feeling with him.

With various sponsorship deals firmly under his belt and several projects currently in the works Lyriciss definitely takes pride of place in our Next To Blow section, no question about it!

First up let us get some background on yourself, for those unaware of who you are give us a breakdown of Lyriciss?

Basically, I'm a young MC that really loves this music. It's rare nowadays, right? But this is what I love. I've been rapping since I was 9 years old, battling since 12 or 13, recording since 16, and I'm 20 now. I'm currently a name that seems to come up a lot when mentioning the up-and-coming DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) hip-hop scene, which is more than I could ever really hope for growing up, so I'm blessed just having that. I'm a realist. When you hear the music, I make that obvious, so if you want to escape to some dream world where everybody is popping bottles and got money to spend like nothing in the club while we're in a recession, you probably shouldn't listen to me, because I'll bring back down to earth in a second.

You started rapping back in High School and soon you were receiving praise from those around you as the best freestyler in the School. Was this the start of your path to being a rap superstar?

It wasn't the start, but it was a major part of my development into taking this serious. If it wasn't for the ciphers and the battles, I probably wouldn't have been like "Ok, I could really do something with this." I probably would have written poetry and kept it to myself my whole life, or I would have been a songwriter, way behind the scenes.

Music touches people in various different ways; in what way do you feel your music affects its listeners?

Music is medicine in audio form. Music can help you cope in so many ways. I'm a 20-year old MC, yet at the same time, you can catch me listening to Sam Cooke's Change Is Gonna Come or Donnie Hathaway's A Song For You quite often, because they put me in a zone where I'm good while listening to those songs if I'm stressed over something happening in my life. At the same time, though, music can be counterproductive if misused. You got little 6-year olds popping their booties to Soulja Boy and Lil Wayne on the daily. I'm not blaming them for that though...that's where parents are supposed to be teaching right from wrong, but it's on everybody...all blame isn't on the musicians, but as responsible adults and artists, if you make that music, know that there are going to be consequences and you might catch heat for making a certain type of song.

You also used to write for various different hip-hop websites, is music journalism something that still interests you?

Definitely, if done the right way. I love to write, especially about music. I'd really have to do it as a job nowadays though, unless it's on my personal blog. I need money, man! [Laughs] In all seriousness though, I definitely love the music journalism field.

Tell us about your various sponsorship deals, having the backing of big companies must really boost your work ethic and need to strive for more within music?

Yeah, I love the support I've been getting. Aplomb Clothing, Clockwise Clothing, MindStream Radio, DCtoBC.com, KNOWxONE.com, Start Of The Line...I've been getting a lot of support recently from the clothing companies and websites. Even entities that aren't sponsors but have been showing a lot of love and support regardless, like 2DopeBoyz.com and AnmlHse Clothing. Being a hip-hop artist out of the DC area, we were always ignored, so the fact that I get that attention, I don't want to lose it at all, so I work hard to keep my name buzzing somehow and get that attention they gave me back to them and get more looks to them.

What projects are you currently working on?

I'm working on a new mixtape, tentatively titled Voice Of The Metro, which is sponsored by Aplomb Clothing, MindStream Radio, DCtoBC.com, and KNOWxONE.com, and will be mixed down by DJ Uneek. I might change the name just because of the sound of the tracks I'm doing so far. I might want a more descriptive title, you know? Then again, I just tend to over think a lot of things, so who knows? [Laughs] Other than that, I'm on the new DMV Mixtape, which is put together by DCtoBC.com, Start Of The Line, and KNOWxONE.com. I'm also slated to appear on the Vibe mixtape, hosted by Shadyville DJ G-Spot. I have another big project that I may also be involved with, but I don't want to jinx it, so I'll keep my mouth shut on it for now. The most I'll say is it will be a nationally-distributed album, like in your local FYE. No DatPiff, mom-and-pops-only business. Not dissing anyone doing that either.

There are so many talented rappers making their voices heard these days, do you feel that creates even more pressure on artists like yourself who are still pushing to break through into the public eye on a worldwide scale?

Not at all. If I'm making my music, I'm making my music. I love and respect a lot of this music out here. I'm a fan of hip-hop, but at the end of the day, I'm focused on me. Another man can't stop me from getting where I need to be. Only person that can stop me is me, and if so, that's my fault. You know what? Tabi Bonney is an inspiration to me. People are going to look at that and twist their faces all up, but I'm going to tell you why. This dude is from DC...he's not the most lyrical dude out here, but he found his niche. Not only that, but then he got on his independent grind and made his career work. People say he got where he got through having a lot of money and connections...what's wrong with that? If I had connections to push my career further, I'm going to definitely use them. Then when you actually see him, dude comes back home and he's still humble. He doesn't let any type of fame get to his head like he's above anyone, and I respect that, so shouts out to him.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My love for the music was my inspiration for the longest, but nowadays, it's my daughter. She's made me work so much harder in the last year. I probably wouldn't have the recognition that I do right now if it wasn't for her birth. Before my daughter came into the picture, I used to rely on other people for making my music stuff happen. I was waiting on other people to get me shows and such. Waiting on other people to get me studio time. I didn't have any sponsors. Hearing that I had a child on the way just pushed me into overdrive and I made things happen because I didn't have a choice anymore...this music thing became bigger than me at that point. Not only am I relying on this making me happy and providing better for me, but I need this to work for my family now. Really, everything in my life is my inspiration. My child, my downfalls, my happiness, the conditions I see around me...all of them mold the music I make.

Having been pushing music since an early age you must have a vision of where you want your musical career to take you. What for you will be the point where you know all your hard work has paid of? Will it be the luxury mansion with numerous cars? Or maybe it will simply be a well credited album?

When I hear people like Nas, Jay-Z, AZ, Joe Budden, etc., say "this young dude Lyriciss is dope." When that happens, I'm good, because that means I'm doing what I'm supposed to do the right way. When the people I find to be the dopest find me to be dope, I'm great. Don't get me wrong...the music and cars are cool too. I'll gladly take them too. [Laughs] But it's really respect that I seek. I want to be known as an MC that stayed himself and helped progress hip-hop. I love that I'm also not the only young MC that's doing that, even in my area. In the DMV, we got me, Wale, Nando, Cayan, Kendall Elijah, Mouse, Azizi Gibson, KT, RAtheMC, X.O., and a lot of other young MCs that really do this hip-hop thing. Outside of this area, you got Kid Cudi, Theo, Skyzoo, Stimuli, Hassaan Mackey, and others are really bringing a breath of fresh air back to hip-hop, because a lot of this BS I hear nowadays is pretty wack. I'll say it...these bammas I'm hearing on the regular when I turn on the radio or watch music videos are wack. So be it. That's how I feel.

Hip-hop has long been associated with the rise in violence among today's youth. Whether it be gun crime or a one on one fist fight, do you feel hip-hop really is to blame? Or is the music we live for simply something for those uninvolved to blame?

Maybe in the suburbs, because out there, I think the order may have been "violent hip-hop, rise in crime, etc." In the inner-city, the violent crimes have always been there. Shoot, even in PG County, Maryland, a mostly-suburban county on the outskirts of DC (where I currently live), the violent crimes have always been there. For us, the music is a reflection of what's around us. For those super suburban communities, those kids didn't grow up with that and for some reason or another, it fascinates them, so they become obsessed with it and see it in a positive light. What's left to do but imitate what they hear in the music? So out there, the crime rate grows, hip-hop gets blamed...you know how it goes.

Your back catalogue of tracks includes The Hope, Failure and 2 Sick just to name a few. Of all your tracks recorded to date which has the deepest meaning to you?

The deepest...that's hard to call. You & Me will always mean a lot to me, because it speaks on 3 different failed relationships that played major roles in the development of me as a man. The Willie Lynch Chip seems to be the song that touches a chord with a lot of people, due to the content. I could sit here and break it down, but it would take up too much room. Look up the term "Willie Lynch" then listen to the song...you'll understand the concept. I'll probably have to say The Willie Lynch Chip is the deepest.

Having been perfecting your talent for many years now you must have an incredible mind when it comes to getting everything right and getting your product to the right people, what advice would you offer to others just stepping into music or maybe who are struggling to go in the direction they need to?

Step back and look at yourself. Know what you want to do with your music before making it. Always be yourself in your music. I know you get tempted to go with what everyone else is doing, because following success is pretty easy, but if that's not you, don't try it, because forced music is bad music. If you see an avenue to get yourself heard once you have your music ready, go for it. And never give up, man...never. Dreams come true for the ones that pursue them.

Putting all the things in your life together and already having some brilliant achievements behind you and ahead of you life must be pretty good, but there must be another step you can take to boost further forward. Where would you like to be as an artist and as just a normal guy within the next 10 years?

As an artist, I want to reach out and do some different sounds musically. I used to be able to sing before puberty hit, so you know...if I can find a way to revive that, that'd be great. [Laughs] I want to try out producing in the near future also. I want to do as many shows as possible and stay in the studio as long as possible. I really love making music, for real. I just need that opportunity to keep it going the way I want and need to. As a man, I just want to be happy, living life with my girl and my daughter.

What can we look forward to from you in the near future?

Good music. Anything else would be uncivilized.

Any final words?

Everyone that loves me and what I do, thank you. I love you all back. Shouts out to my family that supports me. My girlfriend Reese. My daughter Syriah. My brothers from other mothers, David, Clarence, and Cedric. My musical brother, Nando. The whole DMG squad...2009 is ours. The greatest publicist in the world, screw you if you disagree, Ms. Candice Nicole. The homie Modi from DCtoBC. Dylan from Start Of The Line. Ges from KNOWxONE. Shake from 2DopeBoyz. Matt from Aplomb Clothing. Collin from Clockwise Clothing. There's more, but I won't rap y'all up too much. [Laughs] Peace and hip-hop.

- By Danielle Fear - YoRaps.com

you may not have known this, but young lyriciss flowz has been grinding for a minute. so hard, in fact, that 20-year old wordsmith has attracted attention from the likes of DC representers and bloggers across the nation, including the infamous 2 dope boyz. once you get that kind of love, you’re pretty much on the road to success.

the new mixtape, the hope, dropped earlier this month, and it’s in current rotation in the iTunes. i like gritty rap. don’t think you’ll be hearing murder murder and kill kill, either. he’s not embellishing or glorifying that street life in the slightest. just talking about how he lives his life. rhymes for days, flows for days. guess that’s how the kid got his name. - DCtoBC.com

As of lately, the DMV has a had a major emergence of talented rappers. Lyriciss happens to be one of the better ones. While unsigned to a record deal, he is the driving force behind the burgeoning DMG (DeLorean Music Group) collective and has signed a production deal with Equinox Professionals. At only age 20, I can assure you the Lyriciss is definitely an artist to watch. - illRoots.com