Markeyz profile picture

Markeyz

Knowledge Is Notwithstanding Greatness

About Me

“What I stand for speaks for itself…but when I do speak I will only hesitate to take a breath” -- Markeyz
Dominant, husky and in control -- that is the sound of “Markeyz”, named Mark Spitz Lumpan Rabi. Born in Tacloban City, Philippines into a military family in the early eighties, he was educated on the value of discipline and ambition early in life. His Father competed on the varsity swim team to pay for his education and also served as an officer in the Philippine military. At the age of four, his Mother immigrated to the United States, working as a nurse to save enough money to bring her family to join her in North America, where they settled in London, Ontario Canada. Music played an integral role in his life, as his father was a singer and performed on local television shows in the Philippines, his uncles were performers and his late maternal Grandfather a composer, respectively.
Markeyz grew up in London, Ontario, where he began his love affair with hip hop music through writing poetry, break-dancing and free styling with older crowds on the street corner after school. At age thirteen Markeyz was inspired to rap by his older sister, also an artist and poet, who exemplified for Markeyz that one, could express feelings, thoughts and beliefs lyrically and poetically. The realism of Tupac Shakur, the introspective lyrics of Common and the essence of hip hop equipped Markeyz with the proper tools to exhibit his own passion for the music. Possessing the ability to freely express himself without contestation and the empowering elements associated with hip hop solidified for Markeyz what rap music meant and why he had to be a part of it. Citing Common’s “I used to love H.E.R.” as the most reflective song he’s ever heard, Markeyz develops his own diction in a manner that abducts the attention of the listener to provide that feeling of well being and empowerment. These elements only strengthened his love for hip hop music which now proves to be undisputed. The name “Markeyz” is derived from his first name “Mark” and “Keyz”, a symbol metaphorically unlocking his life through his music. Whether he is rapping about the hardships of an artist, the intimacy between a man and a woman, the euphoric feeling of hip hop music or the witty lyrical battle on the street corner, one will be captivated by the delivery of his passionate lyrics.
During high school, Markeyz released four mix-tapes, enduring distribution within high schools, events and parking lots in the cities of London and Toronto. In April 2005 the independent release of his debut album “My Moment” stunned the local scene in London. With very little financial backing, Markeyz created the entire album from scratch to finish; he produced every beat, wrote every lyric and edited every second of every song. Markeyz printed and labeled every copy and assumed the challenge and responsibilities involved in the promotion and organization of his release party, which took place at Spotlight Night Club in London. Within the first week alone, a total of seven hundred copies were made and sold out throughout London and Toronto. Although the project was low budget, it is evident that the release of his debut album defined his moment.
Before the single’s premiere, local radio station 106.9 XFM aired a two part documentary on Markeyz in late 2005 where they discussed the life of a local artist. The album’s first single, appropriately entitled "My Moment", aired on 106.9 XFM in early 2006 where it remained number one for three and a half weeks, as voted by listeners on the Rated X segment of the show. Markeyz continues to speak through his music and on March 31, 2007, Markeyz released his sophomore album STILL. Yet another independant project, it drew attention of those across Southwestern Ontario. The performance was live and the love was hip hop. The album's lead single "Before Time" is currently on rotation on 106.9 xfm.
Thank you in advance to everybody who gave me and still gives me the time.
http://www.startyourbankroll.com (Just cut and paste this link)
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betarecords.com/markeyz

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 3/9/2005
Band Website: Under Construction
Band Members: Markeyz
Influences: Influenced and Inspired by YOU, Tupac Amaru "Mackavelli" Shakur, Nas, Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and many artists, Jazz, Blues, my family, my best friends, closest friends and last but not least those who thought I couldn't do it. To those who thought otherwise, your attitude reflects on my ambition and motitvation.

Sounds Like: New Hip Hop
Record Label: Unsigned Hype
Type of Label: None

My Blog

Your Favorite Song

  Steady the thought onto one single moment It may sway from left to right but focus straight ahead That is the melody, the harmony the song Not written but from intrinsic passion Not sung but d...
Posted by Markeyz on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:13:00 PST

The MC

The MC  I am subject to definitions actions non-fiction I have every reason to be imaginative The good god came to me through a vision Belief in self expression Pain is self infliction SP...
Posted by Markeyz on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:43:00 PST

New SOUND

What it do peoples...    I wanted to wish all ya'll a Happy New Year.  With that comes new beginnings, surprise endings, New Music and New hip hop. Some have been asking if "there is a ...
Posted by Markeyz on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:50:00 PST

Collabos

What up ya'll, Sooo as the subject matter indicates im down for breaking bread with other artists, rap and/or rnb artists. Just hit me up and we'll make that good music aight. p.s If i'm not feelin th...
Posted by Markeyz on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:46:00 PST

New JOINT!!! Ft. Derek Womack

what it do hip hop.... Aight short and str8 to the point. This joint was produced by 2 Deep and was laced and graced by ya boi Keyz of course and ma man Derek Womack...titled "Love Letters". Rate it, ...
Posted by Markeyz on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:52:00 PST

Sophomore Solo Set "STILL"

What up my people, my family It is official, my Sophomore Album "STILL" will release on March 31, 2007. Keep in mind this is an exclusive release and only a limited number of copies will be printed. T...
Posted by Markeyz on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:37:00 PST

03.31

03.31 At this time we stand "STILL" for hip hop and appreciate how it moves our lives. Stay tuned for more news!!   One Keyz...
Posted by Markeyz on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 07:54:00 PST

02.2007

what up ya'll. Some know, some don't. I'm going to make this short and to the point. First off, I want to apologize to everybody. Some shit came up that requires me to take more time regarding the rel...
Posted by Markeyz on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 08:59:00 PST

What chu hearin

What up ya'll, Thanks for taking the time to read this blog...aight just a quick run down on what you hearin on the page. The new trackz that you heard on the page are definately in the "STILL" album....
Posted by Markeyz on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:06:00 PST

Update

What up familia, Just a lilttle update for ya'll (for those who care of course) and for those who don't well you know, keep on keep keepin on. Like I said before i've been crazy busy for a reason and ...
Posted by Markeyz on Sat, 04 Nov 2006 09:37:00 PST