New Jersey based emcee Cymarshall Law has built up a very impressive resume. His skills on the mic have had him sharing stages with greats like Mos Def, Sean Price and Immortal Technique as well as rocking tracks with legends such as KRS-One. The U.K.-born rhymer has toured the world, hitting stages everywhere from Spain to Sweden, and from New York to L.A. here in the states.
On January 26, Law added another notch to his belt when he released his latest work, The Creator’s Kid EP. Now, Cymarshall Law is bringing his tremendous talents to North Philly’s Arts Garage for a more altruistic purpose. Along with Reef The Lost Cauze, Writtenhouse and Scanz, Cy will be taking the stage in order to raise money for the Doctors Without Borders, an organization committed to giving medical aid to countries ravaged by national disasters. We caught up with Cy and asked about his start in music, his experience as one of the Rawkus 50 artists and how Philly crowds are different than anywhere else.
Phrequency: How did you originally start rhyming?
Cymarshall Law: I come from a musical family. My father used to be an emcee, and growing up I shared a room with my older brother who was an emcee. He influenced me a lot back then. I started really rhyming at around 13 or 14 because I felt I had something to say that people needed to hear. Who I was wasn’t being represented through the music I was hearing so I became an MC to fill that void, to rep the regular dude that believes in himself and knows he has the power to be the creator of his life for I am the Creator's Kid.
P: What was it like coming to the States from the UK at nine years old?
CL: It was hard at first. Kids would try to pick on me because of my accent or the way I dressed. That wasn't happening, so I used to get into fights. Then when I began to play sports I gained friends because I was good and kids want to be friends with other kids that are good at sports. Well, usually.
P: Where does the name Cymarshall Law come from?
CL: My real name is Cymar. It’s original. My father invented it and I feel like I’m the Martial Law of Hip Hop because I feel things aren't right and I’ve come to make things right again. Bring it back to rebel music with a message for the people. I am that guy. Luckily Cy goes on the front of Marshall nice so I was able to keep my individuality. If you hear of another Cymarshall, you know who they biting. It’s on my birth certificate.
P: What artists inspire you to create or who are your favorites?
CL: Artists that really go in with their pen skills, wordplay, creativity and cats that keep it consistent. I enjoy artists that attempt to break musical boundaries and don’t conform to industry standards.
P: How would you compare touring overseas to doing shows in the States?
CL: That’s a difficult question to answer because I couldn’t compare all of America to somewhere else because fans and crowds differ in personality by state. For instance, what you see in Philly is not what you see in L.A. and what you see in N.Y. is not what you see in Georgia. Overall I would say cats overseas come out to shows and support more; they come and buy what your selling nine times out of 10. A lot of places I’ve rocked in the US cats are less likely to buy your music than in say Europe. I think it’s because in America people are spoiled because they see this everyday but overseas we are a bit of a rarity. You might only see your favorite artist once every two year.
P: How would you compare Philly to other places you’ve rocked?
CL: Philly always has a hardcore crowd. They always showed love but I realized I had to start gearing my shows more toward spitting bars with hot punchlines and pretty much going in. They seem to be warming up to me more and more every time I get on stage out there. If you’re wack in Philly they will not hesitate to tell you. I’ve seen it happen to a few people! Other states are more accepting. Philly is one of the hardest crowds.
P: What was it like being part of the Rawkus 50?
CL: It was cool. I appreciated being affiliated with their brand name for a point in my career. It was a stepping stone. I got to get familiar with a lot of good artists; however, it wasn’t the beginning of my journey and surely is not the end. It was fun while it lasted. I don’t regret it and am grateful.
P: In 2007 you linked up with Mr. Joeker and recorded an album called "Hip Hop In The Soul". How did you two meet, what was recording that album like, and do you have plans to work together in the future?
CL: We meet on the internet. My homie PH hooked us up, one track together lead to 20 and 20 led to a lot more. We are just in sync. He is like my brother; I went to Hungary to finish up our album together and we really clicked even more. I have 5 new Joeker tracks on a new mix cd im getting ready to release, we are always going to work together.
P: What projects do you have coming up in the near future? Who have you been working with lately?
CL: I have my next full length solo album, Freedom Express Line, dropping I think in April and my Everliven Sound group album, Freedom 2, dropping sometime next year, too. Both albums are produced by The Beatnikz out of Sweden.
P: How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it yet?
CL: I have my own style and my own voice. I'm in my own lane. I can go from A to Z all while maintaining who I am and my integrity. The only constant in life is change and I show that through my music. There is really something for everyone in my catalog. I focus a lot on having a tight, unique delivery and clever, thoughtful lyrics. It’s music from and for the soul.
P: Is there anything else you would like to leave your fans with?
CL: My Thanks. I’m grateful for everyone that has been riding for me all my fans since day one and all my new fans. Some times I travel to parts of the world and am still taken by surprise when I see people singing my words. I love it! I’m continuing to grow that’s all I can do. Thank you for growing with me.
You can check out Cymarshall Law tonight at the Arts Garage, where he will be performing alongside Reef The Lost Cauze, Writtenhouse and more for the Haitian Earthquake Relief show entitled "Beats Without Borders". The show starts at 9 p.m. and the entry fee of $10 will be going to Doctors Without Borders. The event is 18 to enter, 21 to drink.
You can also head over iTunes and check out Cy’s latest release, the Creator’s Kid EP.
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