Sintax.the.terrific

To Sintax, the “running man” is more than just a dance step that found the height of its artistic perfection in the Bobby Brown video “Every Little Step” – it’s a way of life. Sintax has been executing effortless and stuttered glide steps in front of his mirror for over a decade and a half. He pumps his arms with deadly precision as his legs move in metered synchronization. Like treading water, his face maintains a stayed calmness even as his legs cycle in a fury of choreographed brilliance below. Unfortunately a high and rare form of “thigh bruise” sidelined any serious hopes of Sintax going “pro” in the “running man.” He now “runs” for what he affectionately refers to as “the love of the ‘man.’”
Thankfully, he is also a genius on the microphone. The early word is that he may even be a better lyricist than dancer. While he has his doubts, to put his rap skill even in the same conversation with his feet is a credit to his rhyming. Because, frankly, the boy can dance his pants off.
Sintax is respected not simply because he's a raw rhyme-spitter, handsome roughneck, and charming tru-school emcee. Although, he is certainly all those things. Sintax is respected because he's transparent. To understand Sintax one needs only to hear how others feel about him:
"It's rare when an artist can leave you utterly speechless. Leave you with that mind-controlling feeling that seemingly forces you to stop whatever you're doing and just listen. Listen to the words, listen to the beat, comprehend the message, and ultimately immerse yourself in every intricate element of the music. When the CD stops spinning . . . you're left questioning yourself, questioning Sintax, questioning your neighbor, and questioning God, all the while starting to find answers in these very same places. . . . There's no limit to the amount of superlatives you can attach to music like this . . . . Sintax.The.Terrific makes terrific music."
- RapReviews.com (July 8, 2003)
Sintax is a founding member of the mighty deepspace5 crew (Gotee Records). He was an integral part of its first, widely available release, in 2001, “The Night We Called It A Day,” (Uprok Records) and its 2005 sophomore record, “Unique, Just Like Everyone Else” (Gotee Records). Sintax released his first solo record, aptly entitled “Simple Moves,” with Illect Recordings, in 2003, to a solid and sustained reception among fans of independent hip hop.
His most recent album, “Curb Appeal,” is a purposeful continuation of the thoughtful style of emceeing for which Sintax is known and appreciated. Curb Appeal showcases his relentless brand of rhyming marked by timely punches, tenacious commentary, and true poetry.
Originally from the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area, Sintax now calls the Upcountry of South Carolina his home. He has been rapping for more than 15 years, in the booth and on stage. He considers himself a fan of rap music first and a committed artist second. He takes his responsibility to the style and content of hip hop culture seriously and wants to be a positive influence in its movement among the youth around the world. He refuses to accept that popular music only has room for drugs, violence, misogyny, sexuality, and despair. There have always been, and will continue to be, men and women of vision and artistry who will stand to offer a contrasting message of hope. Sintax aspires to be counted among them.
Having “curb appeal” in today’s culture is not about being popular; it’s about being authentic. Sintax may just have the goods to be both. A lot of emcees are nice, but only one is terrific.