About Me
In these days, very few artists or musicians will make an indelible mark on society and the intended audience. The Verbal Tec is one of those few artists. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland but currently residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Verbal Tec is an artist, who has been putting in work and paying dues in the independent hip-hop scene since 2000. An MC who focuses more on content and lyrical prowess, the Verbal Tec seeks to balance the trends of the hip-hop genre currently pervading society's mainstream.
As a member of hip-hop duo Parts of Speech, Verbal Tec has been able to reach listeners by performing in various locations throughout the East Coast and Midwest at notable events such as the ESPN sponsored Winter X Games and the annual Cincinatti, Ohio hip-hop festival Scribble Jam. Along the way performing with the Beatnuts, Mr. Lif, Non-Phixion, Immortal Technique, The Coup, Masta Ace, J-Live, Wordsworth, and RJD2.
Beginning his rap career solely as a battle mc, Verbal Tec was able to capture two titles as the Temple University SpitFire Battle Champion in 2000 and 2002. After much fanfare from show performances within this two year period, Tec along with his group Parts of Speech (Dos Noun and Verbal Tec) released "The Situation" 12' featuring production from heralded indie hip-hop producer J-Rawls (Black Star, Lone Catalysts). Although the single, now out of print and sold out at all available retail hip-hop outlets, gave the group the small buzz necessary, it also confined the group to the label as being battle-oriented rappers. Realizing that battling only focused on one aspect of being an MC, Tec realized the need to grow and develop further as an artist.
"After being labeled only as a battle MC, I felt the need to expand the content and substance of the material that I was producing. I mean at a basic level, the function of an artist is to invoke feeling in the audience and reach and connect with them on a deeper, more personal level. This is the direction where I chose to travel in terms of my music."
Focusing on this artistic vision, Verbal Tec began laying down the framework for his debut independent full-length project "Nsult 2 Njury." An extremely strong debut DIY project, featuring an attention to quality not quantity with a concise 13 track running time, was a smack in the face to all listeners who were unprepared for the searing and clever wordplay and lyricism. After a 2002 independent release and being courted by several labels who chose to renege on promises, Tec decided that the independent route was best suited for him and the project. After successfully moving 500+ copies strictly hand to hand within a little less than a year, and doing shows as far as Ohio and Vermont people began to take notice.
In 2004, after several more performances along the way, Verbal Tec was invited to perform in New York City and also in Miami, FL (The Mansion) alongside The Roots in front of a sold out crowd. The Political Action Committee Slambush sponsored both events. After a strong showing at both New York and Miami events, Tec was also asked to be included on the official mixtape released by the SlamBush organization in conjunction with California based record label Hard Knock Records. The mixtape features material by Mos Def, Jadakiss, Wyclef, Wordsworth, Immortal Technique and Mr. Lif. The song entitled "Dear Mr. President," by Verbal Tec is the first track that begins the official SlamBush mixtape. After delving into rap with more of a political tone, Tec began to find his niche as an artist.
"After the Slambush events, I began to see the potential of using hip-hop as a means to communicate with the public on social and political issues. What hip-hop is really lacking presently is an artist that can fuse technically adept lyricism along with a social and political consciousness. In this day and age, that's the void I'm basically trying to fill."
With a more focused tone and perspective than on previous efforts, Tec has now began the production on his second opus, an EP, entitled " No One Cares...Ignorance Is Bliss." A second 12' has also been recorded with Parts of Speech member Dos Noun, boasting production by Blockhead (Aesop Rock, Def Jux) and J-Rawls yet again, and is slated for release in the near future.
In an over saturated industry knee deep in mediocrity and monotony, Verbal Tec is forging his own identity dedicated to speaking truth while displaying an acumen never ever conceptualized by an artist in any genre. "No One Cares," but after hearing the MC known as the Verbal Tec, the apparent apathy will cease to exist.
PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 7.14.06
PLAY PHILLY COVER STORY 2.21.2007
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