5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Although it's been around for decades, some people still consider Hip Hop a hobby or trend. Rarely do you find someone who truly loves the culture for where it's been, where it is, and where it's going. Luckily for me (and you), I found one of those people. The spitacular emcee Side Effect was born as plain old Terrence. Side hails from West Oak Lane, and recalls his first glimpse of Hip Hop, "My pop (a disco DJ) brought home Beat Street, and I was hooked." The 80's seemed to feed his need to rhyme. While acts such as Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, and Rakim were becoming futuristic icons, Side began to experiment with music. "I could only write when Street Beat was on." He refers to that as the golden era of Hip Hop. It wasn't until the early 90's that Side began to take emceeing to another level. Along with his childhood friend J-Smoove, he formed a group called II Scandalous. As they sported high top fades and Cross Colour clothes, they won citywide talent searches, and performed at various local shows. Although they never officially released material, they were known in Buzz Magazine as the #7 group in the city. During this time Side graduated from MLK High School to go on to the Art Institute of Philadelphia. As the mood and style of Hip Hop changed, the members of II Scandalous matured. As a group they parted ways, but individually they remain close friends. Another person that Side gives eternal props to is M-Ski, who has been a friend of his since they were knee high. "M-Ski knows me real well, so it's easy for us to collaborate in a show." Naturally, the Hip Hop scene went through a growth spurt, and Side had to do some self-searching to figure out where he wanted his career to go. One day it all came together, and started to make sense.

Superstition
In 2001, Side felt he was ready to re-enter the Philadelphia underground scene. He gathered a bunch of songs, and put them on a disc called Metaphoric Jizzum. He doesn't call it an album, because it was unmastered and unpolished. "I wanted to use that as an introduction." It was at this time Side met Stress and Havok of The Subhoodz. "They helped me out right away. From beats to studio time, they are real giving people, and like my extended family." A few shows later, he is ready to release his official album on Top of the World Records entitled My Interpretation of Representation. Say that 3 times real fast! "On this album, I made it a point to try and stay clear of obvious sampling." Next on deck is Underground Concoctions. The two albums will be put out close to each other, but he insists they are different. "Underground Concoctions has songs that are more crowd friendly and fit for performances. I've lyrically grown a lot." Also in the horizons for Side is a spot on the Krush Unit compilation, Status Flow, which is due out in the near future. With all Side's upcoming projects, it may look as if he's in search of the almighty deal. Not quite! "I'm looking to remain independent for the sake of creative and financial control." He doesn't want to be stuck waiting for others. His mentality isn't one of an emcee who wants to remain independent in fear of being labeled as a sell out. Simply put, Side feels that he is capable of selling a ton of records on the solo tip. Hypothetically speaking, I asked what he would do if a major label came seeking for his signature. He answers, "Well...see...I don't know." Never say never! Although some feel there is an abundance of animosity in the local underground, Side has been shown love since day one. He isn't concerned with criticism, because to him it's about reaching his own personal level.

No worries
Side describes his style as metaphoric punchline rhymes, sprinkled with amusing delivery. But, those who haven't been a witness to his talent, need to know a few things. I describe it as quite explicit, on the freaky side, with a dose of witty realism. He uses everyday humor & the simplicities of life to fill his rhymes. Different things amuse him, and his daily surroundings inspire him. Side tries to attend every event to show support. A triple dose of Side Effect is happening in the upcoming weeks. He is performing at the Headnodders Ball this Thursday (12th), the Krush Unit Christmas party the following Thursday (19th), and the New Years Eve Jamfest on the 31st. His shows are entertaining and full of personality. From national emcees Mos Def, LL Cool J, and Rakim to local emcees Thee Phantom, Prophets of the Ghetto and Baby Blak, Side gives props for creatively being who they want to be. I know I say this about ALMOST everyone, but Side is truly a nice, humble person. "People say Hip Hop isn't what it used to be, which is true. But, if you want to find the type of Hip Hop that makes you feel like you used to, you have to look. It's out there." Is that a hint?

skilladelrep.com

Article by Deesha Dyer
PhillyHipHop.com
December, 2002