The Infamous
In order to understand an emcee’s lyrics, I attempt to understand the emcee. With that objective in mind, I sat down with 21-year-old lyricist, Splitt. Originally from Philadelphia, Splitt’s infatuation with Hip Hop began with underrated group De La Soul, “Me, Myself & I was the first Hip Hop song I can remember hearing.” His 2 older brothers Keez and Average are members of The Masters. Having talent in the family proved to be beneficial for Splitt. “We used to skip school, drive around and just freestyle.” After a turbulent junior high where Splitt admits he gave his parents gray hair, he became engrossed in soccer and Hip Hop. “I was young, dumb and bad. I regret some things, but I’m happy they happened when I was a juvenile.” He excelled in soccer, but not so much in the classroom. At age 16, he made the US soccer team which gave him the chance to travel to Europe. Splitt records that as one of his biggest accomplishments. Although he gained a scholarship to Holy Family College for athletics, academics weren’t on his priority list. After that didn’t pan out, Splitt was left with his love for Hip Hop. In 1999, during his senior year at Truman High School, he began writing his own material. After witnessing his brothers become more serious about music, Splitt followed. At this time, he met Stress and Havok of Krush Unit/Subhoodz fame. “I give most respect and look up to Havok.” They were working with Keez on a few musical projects. Along with Nino, a friend Splitt bonded with at Truman, the group Second Thoughts was formed. “Nino is 2 years younger than me, and he has so much talent. It’s unbelievable.” Second Thoughts rapidly began working on an album with beats from Stress and the other 1/3 of The Masters, DJ Kwestion. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the album was never finished. “We recorded half of the album. We might redo the songs to release someday.” Splitt’s itch for exposing the world to his music became more severe, which prompted him to start working on his solo record. Bootlegged was released in late October 2002. Although it’s only been out for 2 months, Bootlegged has created a buzz. It serves as a preview of what’s to come. Sometime in January 2003, Splitt will release a CD of all freestyles. Part of the motivation for that comes from DJ Meddafore who Splitt credits in helping him get his feet wet in the underground. Since he’s doing an all freestyle CD, I asked him about battles. “I give respect to battle emcees, but that’s not my thing. I am focusing on writing.” Atleast he admits it! DJ Kwestion is producing Splitt’s 12-inch that is due out in February. There are more things on the horizon for Splitt. He may not be able to see them, but I can.

Twisted
Splitt is now a bit older and wiser. Thanks to the constant support of his parents, as well as girlfriend Cindy, he is attending the Art Institute of Philadelphia as a multimedia student. They have been the biggest influences in changing his life. Added to the daily stresses of day-to-day life, Splitt has hypoglycemia or low blood sugar to you medical dyslexic people. Splitt often gets judged by what he used to do. All Day is a song that was written from his soul and reflects his past, present and future life. All Day is on various mix tapes, including the Baltimore Alliance Benefit CD. “That song is real for me.” He’s very honest about his lyrics. He expresses his imagination, but his inspiration comes from personal experiences. “If I didn’t go through what I’m rhyming about, someone else did. I’m writing through them.” Splitt understands paying dues, so handouts are something he’s not looking for. At the same time, he feels as if part of the Philadelphia Hip Hop progression stalls because not enough people give others a chance. “If people don’t know you, they don’t care.” That’s why Splitt takes every opportunity he can to perform. He also dabbles in beats, but doesn’t make that a priority. “I’m concentrating on rhyming. I don’t like to hear myself over my own beat.” As far as Hip Hop, Splitt credits Nino for helping him discover delivery and beat, Keez for teaching him about rap, and Average for his lyrical humbleness. Amazingly enough, he’s never done collaborations with brothers, but that’s on his to-do list. Other emcees he wants to share the mic with are Baby Blak and Grand Agent. The best way to attain the future is to create it.

All Day, Everyday
A proud Gemini, Splitt admits his personality flaw is his temper. “I go through crazy mood swings that are hard to control.” He rhymes with comfort and passion. He’s determined on this path and recognizes that growth will lead to success. Splitt works hard, which he credits to his dad. “He worked everyday so we could get by. It inspired me to be the way I am.” He prides himself on being honest. “I’ll give it to you the way it is.” Splitt has been blessed with the gift to turn mistakes into lesson, and incorporate that into his art. Anyone can rap, but in order to flow you have to feel your words plus match emotion with beat. 2003 is going to be promising for Splitt. I guarantee. I read a quote recently that reminded me of him. “We can’t change yesterday. We can only make the most of today, and look with hope toward tomorrow.”

Peace and Blessings for the New Year to you and your family!

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