The Been1 Syndicate

4 emcees, 4 distinct sounds…one intense rap group. These raw individuals were born and bred on the mean streets of Chicago. J.Skitz, the catalyst of the group illustrates this the most. “We lived the street life”, J. Skitz explains. “Our music reflects this”. Indeed, at the age when many young adults are in college, J. Skitz spent those years in an Arkansas prison. “I went to jail for manslaughter when I was 17. I did 5 years, so believe me, if I’m rapping about drama; it’s coming from the heart.
When J.Skitz was release from prison, he continued to live the street life. He would bounce between Chicago in the North; and Little Rock, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee in the South. This was about the same time that J.Skitz went from being a casual fan of rap music, to writing his own lyrics as a hobby. Traveling between the South and Chicago, J.Skitz developed a style that combined the Southern “Crunk” with Chicago’s smooth gangstarism. J.Skitz finally settled down in Chicago, and decided to take up the “rap game”, and give up the “street game”. Recognizing that there is strength in numbers, J.Skitz decided to assemble a crew. The first member of his new team, Flight, is a passionate emcee that he met, of all places, in the Cook County jail!!
4 emcees, 4 distinct sounds…one intense rap group. The most passionate, and intense member of the group is Flight. Flight’s name actually stands for FURIOUS, LYRICS, INTENSITY, GANGSTARISM, HEART, and TALENT. A perfect description of this talented lyricist. “I’m a grown man, so I talk about grown man’s shit!!” Indeed, Flight has a lot to talk about, being raised in Chicago’s notorious housing project, Cabrini Green. “I have been through it all,” bellows the 6’5” 250lbs man. Unlike many rappers, Flight can rap about actual experiences, instead of scenarios seen on television.
The second recruit to the Been1 Syndicate was a cocky kid named; K.D. He already had a reputation as a quick witted rapper who would battle anyone. K.D. was from the “deuce”, better known as 72nd street in Chicago. K.D. would regularly battle anyone who attempted to rap in his hood. Or anyone that attempted to rap in his presence, for that matter. His cocksure attitude is his trademark. K.D. exudes confidence, and his lyrical talent is undeniable.
KD’s confrontational style actually landed the group its final key member – Big Tiny!! K.D. and Big Tiny struck up a friendship after battling each other at a hotdog stand. An imposing figure, standing 6’6” and over 300lbs, Big Tiny’s size belies a smooth delivery in his rhymes. Big Tiny’s might look like a defensive tackle, but he displays nimbleness in his use of metaphors. Big Tiny is a product of what is known as the “wild hundreds” in Chicago. A tough neighborhood. And like the rest of the Syndicate, he was heavily involved in the street game. And like the rest of the group, his passion for hip-hop lured him away from the streets, and into the studio.
Their lyrics are hard, a reflection of their life. There is no backing down in this crew. However, the music is not dark. The music and their lyrics have a certain joy to it. They have survived the street life, and they’re not taking it for granted. Moreover, they are channeling their energy into something they love – HIP-HOP. Rap music has given these 4 emcees focus. Combine that with their overwhelming talent, their sheer enjoyment for their craft, and the strong bond between them, the Been1 Syndicate’s ascendancy in Chicago’s hip-hop hierarchy has begun.
The Been1 Syndicate’s first album “The Chicago Way” is nearly complete. After about 4 months of hard work writing and recording in the studio, the group is anxious to show off their material. They performed a 20 minute set at Choices Night Club, and rocked the house. The management of the night club was stunned at the chemistry and stage presence the Been1 Syndicate displayed. The group’s first single, “Indian Club” will be released in July. The album will be released in August. With the help of super talented producers, such as, C.Major, Kilo, and Kali, the Been1 Syndicate clearly displays their lyrical talent and versatile style in each and every track.