Formal Introduction
Once described as the best emcee that you've never heard, Verso is making 2003 his year to come out of lyrical hiding. From Mt. Airy via Jamaica, Verso is a young man that surpasses his age in every aspect of life. When Verso was three, his family moved to the United States for opportunities that weren't easily available back home in Jamaica. "Jamaica is home, and we frequently visit family there," Verso says of leaving his homeland. Being an only child, he has a close relationship with his parents. Around 1992 his quest to find out more about Hip Hop culture grew. With the surfacing of rap power-players, The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan and Snoop Dogg, Verso began to be drawn to the music. After graduating high school in 2000, he decided to stay home, and continue his education at Arcadia University (formerly Beaver College) in Glenside, PA. Slated to graduate with a psychology degree next year (2004), Verso is starting to feed his individual hunger to make music. Education, discipline and family always have been the foundations of his upbringing. He explains, "My parents did a good job of making sure my priorities were in order." Being an observant individual, Verso has studied the rhymes and talent of Jay-Z, The Roots, Common, and Black Star. "They are about not being boxed in when it comes to expression," he says, "The things they say are a reflection of themselves." After figuring out how to assemble words together to create catchy, witty, and mind-blowing rhymes, Verso started to fill up his notebook. "People get sucked in to how I say things, because I am versatile and refine different flows without being redundant," he says. Through positive organizations such as The Greater Philadelphia Hip-Hop Alliance (GPHHA), he's built the support system around him to blow. But, will he able to succeed? Only time will tell.

Colliding Worlds
Beginning in 2001, Verso met and befriended fellow emcee Thee Phantom, who is a Hip Hop artist that fuses the music of the culture with classical music. Verso started to serve as Phantom's hype man at various gigs such as the Summer Solstice Series at the Kimmel Center 2 years in row (2002, 2003), as well as at the GPHHA fundraising party in January 2003. In addition he hits up any open mic that he can find. Some of you may be thinking that you've never seen him at an open mic. Well, part of that is because he's too young to get into the majority of them, but all that is changing this year. Sorry to call you out on that Verso, I just felt it was worth noting! Writing lyrics is something that is sacred to him, "I don't curse in my rhymes. I think curse words are crutches for laziness," Verso states. He takes the challenge of saying what you're trying to say, but without foul language. Some may think that's wack, but Verso insists that it's about being positive and knowing how to communicate with the listening audience. In addition to being an emcee, Verso stays refreshed by doing artwork and having a deep interest in poetry. He explains, "Hip Hop is poetry that is put to a music." Another thing keeping him grounded is his strong relationship with God. He is a youth leader in his church, and often connects with the adolescent members through Hip Hop, even recalling when recently a kid asked him about copyrights. He further states, "I help teach them that they can make it by staying away from negative activities. It's easy for them to be influenced, and I do my best to lead by example." Passing lessons on to the upcoming youngins; it doesn't get any realer than that.

It's about time
Verso has ambitions and dreams that he is determined to carry out and accomplish. Whether it's helping his family back in Jamaica, venturing on a college tour this summer, releasing an LP on Empire Records in the near future, or finishing his last year at school, his hands are full of responsibilities. He steers clear of being an emcee that catches the "syndrome," which he defines as an artist that spit lyrics and don't do anything but promote ignorance. "They (emcees) have to know something else besides negativity," he says. He understands that there is a lot of work to be done as far as his career goes, and he is up to the challenge. Verso is a man that supports the efforts of others, and doesn't believe in burning bridges. He's usually the one you see in the corner that's listening to his headphones, quiet and minding his own business. He's considered a visionary. Generosity is his everlasting goal. "I admit I think too much, and I have a lot to say." This is his time. Ante up!

To contact Verso click here

Article by Deesha
PhillyHipHop.com Columnist
July, 2003

*** images provided courtesy of Nu Millennium Entertainment.