Big Syke

Big Syke BioThere is a quote that once read, "Real soldiers will always push forward." This is definitely true in the case of Tyruss "Big Syke" Himes. In his early years as a child, Tyruss was given the nickname, "Little Psycho" by his fellow peers, befitting for his intensely wild behavior and gritty reputation out in the streets of Inglewood, California where he was born and raised... As he grew into a young man, his name transitioned to “Big Syke,” befitting for man of his stallion-like stature and tenacity. Drugs, Sex ‘n Gang Related Violence was the typical backdrop growing up in the hood, which possessed an allure that can easily seduce black youth into submission. It’s a game of Survival of the fittest and as Syke once said, "You gotta be a little crazy too survive in the jungle."After expending his energy on a life of crime and witnessing the many deaths of his comrades, Syke soon began to realize that he needed to turn his life around and look towards something more meaningful and positive. From living a dangerous life on the streets, Syke turned his focus on making rap music with lyrics that reflected the type of life he led. Originally forming the rap crew Evil Mind Gangstas in 1990, the group's concept of "Thug Life" was born long before the term became a rap trend. Their first album was entitled, "All Hell Breakin' Loose" -- filled with edgy, street-wise lyrics that became the soundtrack to the lives of so many young thugs that related to someone who has actually lived it. Syke used his hustling instincts to earn his street credibility, pushing thousands of units independently. The man that was considered, "Psycho" lucratively capitalized on his talents and was well on his way to a long standing career in the music industry... Ironically, he had no idea that he would soon meet someone who would change his life forever, causing him to put his own aspirations of expanding his own record label on hold...In early 1992 Big Syke befriended a restless, young rap artist by the name of Tupac Amaru Shakur, who later became widely known by his rap moniker, 2Pac. The two undeniably had a lot in common and instantaneously built rapport. 2Pac revered Big Syke as his "closest road dog" and as a Lifelong Soul Brother. Little did they know then that these Two Hip Hop Mavericks would soon become future Legends in the making.During the tenure of their friendship, The Street Savvy Veteran became Tupac’s voice of reason, discouraging him from falling susceptible to a tumultuous life of crime. He put the young 2Pac up on "street game," and in turn, Tupac fed Syke knowledge in the cut throat world of the rap industry. Syke states, "I was definitely his anchor - his foundation. He came to me for advice. Pac was attracted to living the Thug Life & I was trying to get out of it. He wanted to be where I used to be, while I was trying to go the other direction." Keeping one another in balance, Big Syke and Pac would embark on creating the very controversial movement known as, "Thug Life," which enthralled the minds of thousands of youth minorities of diverse backgrounds world wide. The Thug Life Movement gained a lot of notoriety amongst their fans as well as a lot of negative media attention from known political figures. To their followers, it was simply "a way of life."The duo's first album together was entitled, Thug life Vol. 1, which was released on September 26,1994. Their accumulative efforts would garnish a gold plaque that would set the pace for other great endeavors to flourish. Constant hours in the studio, late nights discussing life and politics, would soon create an undeniable bond between these 2 men forever. It was no surprise that 2Pac would recruit Syke to be featured on three of the biggest singles on the Thug Life Album -- "It don't stop," "Cradle to the grave," and "How long will they mourn me" -- a song dedicated to their slain friend, Kato. With the heat generated from the LP, Tupac recruited a few more disciples to form the rap group, The Outlawz. After being targeted in an almost fatal gang-related shooting, and facing various legal battles, 2Pac commenced recording the "All Eyez On Me" album within hours of his release from prison. The album was officially released in Feb 16, 1996 on the controversial Death Row Label, and quickly reached the Top of the Billboard Charts, selling Millions of records world wide. The fame from the album brought on instant success for Big Syke who was featured on the album's title hit track, "All Eyez On Me" and "Picture Me Rollin." Later, Tupac Shakur adopted the pseudonym, Makaveli after the philosopher Machiavelli, author of the devious politician's handbook entitled, "The Prince." To compliment his new identity 2Pac then christened his right-hand man, Big Syke with the name Mussolini. Rumors began to spread like wild fire indicating their intent to take focus on forming an all Black Political Party. However, not long after the release of All Eyez On Me, Big Syke made a decision to take control of his own career.In late 1996 Syke started his own label Rideonum Records and released a solo LP called "Be Yoself" on October 16, 1996. The album received critical acclaim from various Hip Hop Music critics and fans alike, which paved the way towards many other opportunities. Syke made many appearances on other artists albums, compilations and soundtracks, including the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, Spice 1, and Nate Dogg, just to name a few...Although Syke ventured off to pursue other interests with his career, Tupac Shakur & Big Syke remained in constant contact with one another and continued to record music together until the inevitable “laws of attraction” caught up with his ole friend. The many references 2Pac made of “dying young” eventually came true. Even after Tupac's untimely death, there was still a lot of unreleased music that Syke would later be featured on once released. Other contributions included recordings off the 2Pac album, Until The End of Time, amongst a slew of others. Big Syke has recorded more songs with 2Pac Shakur than any other artist to date, which was a true reflection of his loyalty to the slain rapper.In 1998 Big Syke signed a new record deal with Rap-a-lot Records and was anticipating the release of his next LP entitled "Big Syke” however, due to creative differences, he left Rap-A-Lot before the actual release of the album. Now working as an independent, Syke continues to take his destiny in his own hands with a new blueprint for his career. Big Syke intends to define his life with more than just music. He has started a whole new movement appropriately called, "Syke’s Souljahz" which in the spirit of the notorious Thug Life Movement will be about putting family first, community, self empowerment, politics, and popular culture combined. Syke is set to cause an industry shakedown, also setting his sights on film projects and developing up and coming Rap,R&B and Rock Artists as well. A true Soldier at heart, Syke is out too show and prove why “Only The Strong Survive.”