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The Strong, Silent Type
Can a battle emcee transform themself to make a successful
record? There aren't many that can, but this one is
going to try. Some know him as Marshall, but most simply
refer to him as MSki. Hailing from West Oak Lane, MSki
was exposed to hip-hop on the creep tip, "I snuck
into my cousins party, and became attached to the music."
Since rap was a genre that was just hitting the airwaves
in the Philadelphia region, MSki would listen by the
radio to make tapes. From 1981 - 1986, he'd rhyme for
fun on the phone with friends to find his niche. In
1986, he transferred schools, and realized the girls
at his new junior high took a liking to MC's. MSki's
first battle proved to be victorious. After winning,
he was on a non-stop road. As he approached and conquered
adolescence and high school, his reputation for battling
became known around the way. Although competitive, he
insisted it was all just for fun. MSki graduated from
Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1991, and went on
to gain an Associates Degree in Mental Health. "It's
a miracle I got a degree, because I'd spent all my time
in the cafeteria battling." Between work and school,
he managed to squeeze in time to begin recording songs
with childhood friend and fellow MC, Side Effect. The
songs recorded in that era were never released, "We've
been discussing re-doing them, but who knows?"
As Side became more eager to do shows, he recruited
MSki as his hype man. In 2002, they began doing performances
together. As MSki got songs together of his own, they
decided to split their sets in half to showcase their
individual talents, but still backing up one another.
While they collaborated on shows, MSki kept his feet
wet in the local battle circuit. His constant readiness
and enthusiasm for battles gave him a buzz in the underground
scene. Between the various hip-hop events, he has decided
to continue his education at Temple University, seeking
a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. As far as his music
career is concerned, he plans on recording a few tracks
this summer. MSki doesn't have his path 100% laid out,
but he's got the foundation secure enough to run with
what he feels. Right now that's expressing his love
for hip-hop.
Love, Love...Blah...
This past summer (2002) at the Back to Basics barbecue,
MSki had his first solo set, and took the first step
towards the rest of his life. No, I'm not talking about
being on stage; it's deeper than that. He asked Angela
(girlfriend of 2 years) to marry him. Unfortunately,
she turned him down! No, not really. She accepted, and
they plan on having the ceremony in April 2004. "Ang
is real supportive, and encourages me to keep moving."
Family is real important to him also. Being the oldest
of 4, he has the responsibility of being an example.
Thank God he's blessed with people that want to see
hip-hop grow within him. Besides Angela and his family,
MSki credits Philadelphia and its hip-hop history for
giving him the sense to know what it means to truly
love the culture. "I remember the good ole' days
when The Roots where the Square Roots, and people rallied
around Philly artists for support." The nostalgia
of the 80's, along with life situations inspire him
to continue writing. True, things aren't what they used
to be, but they are going to get much better. I promise!
Have I ever broken a promise? Well......
Taking Care of Business
After his beloved grandmother died this past year,
MSki put his life and choices into perspective. "She
was and is everything to me." The emotion he often
feels is reflected in his rhymes and performances. Sometimes
he may not seem in the right or usual state of mind.
It's nothing to take personal; he just carries a lot
of things around with him, both negative and positive.
He takes the negative things as lessons and stepping
stones. "I rather be laughing than mad." Unlike
other MC's, MSki doesn't have a gimmick to him. He focuses
on his mic skills, and having a good time with those
that are on the receiving end of his music. He finds
simplicity in little things, and fond memories. "I'll
never forget when Del the Funky Homosapien told me my
flow was tight because he's someone I admire."
Many hip-hop artists aren't gifted enough to pursue
their fantasy, and still live in reality. MSki has learned
that balance. He may not have the credibility as some
of the known rappers, but he knows more than many. It's
part of his pattern of leading by example.
Contact MSki: mski88@yahoo.com
Phillyhiphop.com
February 2003
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