Sylence

Sylence a.k.a Solo S was born and raised in one of Manchester's inner city neighborhoods. Son of West African parents, he was brought up on a diet of pure Motown soul, with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and James Brown inspiring Sylence to create a musical future. As a teenager he was inspired by the rhymes of US rappers Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Third Bass and NWA, feeling the echo of the issues raised in his own experiences.
Growing up in Manchester made him Conscious and street smart, being one of many kids who strayed into a life drama and anguish. Trying to escape unscathed he gradually developed a great creative ability, getting a chance to explore a life of music and arts.

Starting off freestyling with friends as a teen then slowly they merged as group where Sylence was one of the founding members of the six-strong Manchester hip-hop group Ch'ill Cru that formed in 1996. They enjoyed over five fruitful years of musical discovery where he began his first studio experiences and live performances, being one of the first Hip Hop Groups to perform at Band On The Wall. The recently re-released album 'Concrete Jungle' is a collection of tracks recorded by the crew during this time. Sylence's creative education continued with a degree in Graphic Design at Salford University in 2004.

Sylence's later released the CD "Sparring Session (The Warm Up)" through Manchester-based independent label Locally Known. The self-produced hip hop mix CD serves up a taster of Sylence's poetic and lyrical talents, distinctive due to his flow and clever word play, with guest appearances from former Ch'ill Cru members. Sylence said: "he is happy to be signed to an independent label and not to have to compromise the integrity of his style or music adding that the Mixtape is a showcase of his talent".

Sparring session featured tracks such as “Manchester”, “Rusty Wishes” and “One Chance”. Where he spat over the 2002 Nas track “One Mic”. The beat is treacherous and this made Sylence stand amongst the elite.

Sylence: “I want people to think and hear something different each time you here my lyrics. Even though some of the rhymes can be complex the hooks will get the listeners attention. I’ve always been deep and meaningful though even in the group, now I’m just taking it to another level”.

Sylence a.k.a. Solo S has been in and out of the studio for many years and performing at various venues from Preston Carnival to Nottingham to Manchester Academy Supporting Mobo Award Winner Akala. He just released his second studio album titled "Out of the Darkness & into the Light".

He single handedly wrote and produced this whole album and features some of Manchester's most talented artists. Hip Hop Mc's Pisees, XS.iF, Kane Davis as well as an exclusive guest appearance by Indie/Folk singer Josephine Oniyama. Some of his life experiences growing up as a troublesome teen have been compressed into his music, combined with memorable hooks to get you hooked. With a huge artistic background Sylence brings a new dimension to Hip Hop. Emphasizing his talents through clever phrases and unique word play.

Sylence is confident in his style and swagger and not the typical rapper to talk about the obvious. In this new album he talks about various issues from politics to pounds also family to feuds and still keeps it street. It’s his approach that makes it even more interesting. Even in his first video “Rusty Wishes” where he raps about things we wish for but don’t come true. I don’t think we have seen the best from Sylence yet so watch this space.

Sylence “It was through creating things on the spot that gave me the passion to make music. Although I freestyle a lot less these days I put all that passion in to putting pen to paper”.