If Virginia is looking for difference in music, it exists here in a 21-year-old hip-hop seeker named Intalek (pron. "intellect"). In the huge melting pot of Hampton Roads sounds (like the bouncy, space-infused vision of N.E.R.D or the more brash, street lyrics of hometown hero Quan), Intalek stands amongst the slightly altered, slightly indifferent genre that blends them all. A breed of uncommon and out-of-the-box dwellers, he credits the likings of the golden age hip-hop '90s as his musical influences, although he touches base with the present worldly. Taking in his military moves (father is a retiree from the Navy), his mother's love for "good music," his life in different cities as well as overseas, the streets of Philadelphia and Virginia, readings of poems and books, movies, past experiences, and his meetings with people of all creeds and colors, Intalek has created a retrospect and vision in and through his lyrics only he sometimes understands. He has an uncanny swagger and knack for "letting music write itself" that can be heard in his delivery and his strength in wordplay over beats. Even to his surprise, his songs have gained local acclaim that many love to enjoy and listen to.
"'Intalek' is just a name given because I was the nerd amongst my group of friends. I kind of still am for real. I mean I blurt 'fun facts' and truths at times just because knowledge is power. I'm not the smartest guy in the world. I just enjoy learning. So as a rapper, 'Intalek' is the smart guy in your history or math rap class, sitting in the front, taking hella notes, and letting the ones close by cheat off my test! I'm, in a sense, the average hip-hopper."
This unsigned artist is definitely making moves from the bottom up, as he does not look at getting a deal as his motive for creating music, but rather for the enjoyment of music itself.
"A deal isn't something I'm looking for really. I'm more focused on making good music. That's my whole ordeal...good music. Something I can enjoy by myself. I feel deals force people to make music and music shouldn't be forced. I would rather make music on my own terms. No pressure. I feel like that's why a lot of this hip-hop and rap stuff now sounds the way it does on the radio. Too much force through label and radio pressure and not enough enjoyment by the artist themselves."
Intalek feels the strength of what the internet can do for you, seeing people like Cassie and Young Berg emerge via the web. He actually starting enjoying the art of hip-hop and rap through chatrooms and hip-hop online boards. Taking all that into consideration, he continues to put out a majority of his work on Myspace, a social tool that has blossomed over the years.
"I was never big on passing out my low quality mixtapes in the past. I just started recording in a higher quality studio, networking, and doing shows here and there. So now I'm going to use word of mouth as well as the [my]Space to push me further. The love I get over the web is more genuine to me because it touches more people outside of Virginia's borders."
With the exception of his neighborhood buddies (he and his childhood friends are trying to create their own label "Money Hungry Ent." with their first major signings being himself and his group Code of Conduct), Intalek began his musical journey in 2000 and with 2009 approaching, he has high hopes for his future.
"I'm gonna do me. Even though I've been writing poems and songs for years it never leaves me. Even when I can't do it anymore, I'm gonna continue to write for myself. Gaining love and all for my music will just be a plus. Just look forward to me, check me out, and get at me!"
With that being said, the world will continue to keep a close watch for a slowly brightening star hailing from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Get your no.2 pencils sharpened and your test sheets ready...Intalek is coming to school.
