In a world where Hip Hop continues to become watered down and commercialized, true fans are in constant search of the next great addition to the ever-evolving genre. They need look no further. Syler may not look like the typical hip hop artist, but that is because he is not the typical hip hop artist. Growing up in a home filled with constant turmoil, Syler retreated into the record collections of his parents. Captivated by the likes of Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Billy Joel to name a few, Syler found himself entranced within the world of music.
As a child, Syler was not only sharp witted, but he was sharp with his tongue as well. He understood and appreciated the power of both the spoken word and music and how it can alter the emotions of those who listen. It was 1992, when Syler turned on MTV and saw Dr. Dre’s video, “Nothing But a G ‘Thang’. Although he was quite unlike the artist’s in the video, he was able to identify with what they were saying. From that moment on, Syler immersed himself in Hip Hop, listening to the likes of The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Eminem, Nas and Jay-Z. Little did he know that during these formidable years, he would lay the groundwork for his own journey into Hip Hop.
Syler has been a writer all his life. Growing up in a suburb of New York City where on the outside things seemed perfect, the war being waged within his home shocked him to his very core and shaped his views on life as he grew into a man. It wasn’t until his world came crashing down that he began to pen his innermost thoughts, fears, and desires. Many hip hop artists today tell the story of a pimp, hustler, or drug dealer. Syler’s story is very different. He is unafraid to share both the good and the bad, for he believes that people can recognize and appreciate the real, raw, and brutally honest truth.
Syler found his voice by creating a lyrical style that captures the emotion of a beat and touches a common chord within each of us. So with nothing to lose and everything to prove, Syler set out to prove the critics wrong with the creation of his latest masterpiece “Syler presents The Empire State of Mind”. Perhaps this is Syler’s way of rebelling against the naysayers and the stereotypes that are typically associated with white hip hop artists. At a time when Hip Hop is dominated by violence, Syler chooses to use his words as weapons, for that is his gift and his defense.
As he has grown, Syler’s evolution as an artist has become visible to all those around him. From discussing the local artists who have influenced both he and his city on the anthem “New York, New York” (produced by Tone Mason) to a glimpse into his more personal affairs and the perceived reasons behind a number of failed relationships on “The Best U Ever Had” (produced by Tone Mason), Syler addresses a variety of issues throughout the album. In addition, a song that has received accolades from a wide variety of listeners is Syler’s remake of the Michael Jackson classic, “Billie Jean”. In it, he plays off lines from the original to create his own personal story of a one night fling turned paternity battle with a woman scorned. Also, on songs such as “Bruce Wayne” and “My Destiny” (produced by Tone Mason), Syler steps out of the box and shows that even he has experienced feelings of self-doubt throughout his musical journey. Ultimately realizing that because of his passion, he can never give up. “Holden My Own” (produced by Tone Mason), the lead single off Empire, is Syler’s evaluation of both Hip Hop as a whole, and where he sees himself fitting in a constantly changing musical climate. The album is an opus to the struggles, perspectives, intimate thoughts, and personal history of a white middle-class kid trying to find his way in Hip Hop. The bulk of the production on Empire is handled by Tone Mason (Fantasia, The Game, Busta Rhymes, Talib Kweli, etc.). The remainder of the album includes a collaboration with up and coming producer J.Glaze on the soul-filled “Who I Am”, in addition to a number of original songs recorded over classic production by Pete Rock and DJ Premier.
In addition to his latest project, Syler has had the opportunity to work with respected writers and producers, Greg Bruno (Jennifer Lopez, Fat Joe) and Davy Deluge (Jennifer Lopez, Thalia), solidifying his belief that he can be a force within hip hop. He has packed clubs throughout New York City including R&R, The Nightingale Lounge, Makor, The Village Underground, and Prey just to name a few . Those who arrive to his shows as skeptics, leave as genuine fans, thirsting to hear more of this new and refreshing brand of hip hop.
Syler believes that the true beauty of hip hop is that everyone is entitled to tell their story, as long as they can connect with the listener. Syler’s unique blend of wordplay, melody, passion, and intelligence allows him to connect to those who are willing to look past what is on the outside and see him for the artist he truly is. Perhaps the beast that is Hip Hop plays the part of Goliath to Syler’s David, but Syler has been a fighter all his life, and will continue to fight regardless of any obstacles in his way.
