V.I.P. Suite: Vandalyzm

If someone was to walk up to me and ask who was Vandalyzm I have to admit that I would tell them about the character of him before I speak on his craft. Not to say that he isn’t moving well when it comes to spitting lyrically but it’s just so refreshing to see a young black man this day and age who has something real to say. His mannerism, speaks magnitudes of how he was raised. Like so many others he could have been a product of his environment but he knew that there was something greater in store for him. Vandalyzm may be young and a face to match his wisdom shows through his conversation and knowledge of what many rappers call "the game." For this U-City resident (no he is NOT related to Nelly) his music is not a game, it is a way of life. With no big time money bank or professional athlete funding his music he hits the pavement to make a name for himself and let his talent speak for itself. While a native of St. Louis, the massive respect he (along with other rappers) gets away from home is no surprise.

Suitestl: Before we really get started lets get you familiar with the readers. For some reason we think we can sum up a person by asking, What high school did you go to?
Van: Parkway Central and that was by way of Deseg program. I grew up on CoteBrilliante and Euclid in the heart of the hood.

suiteSTL: How did you get your name "Vandalyzm"?
Van: My boy in highschool just yelled it out and it just stuck

suiteSTL: What direction do you think the STL hip-hop scene is headed?
Van: It sucks it’s horrible it’s at a complete stand still

suiteSTL: Are there any local artist that you think people should pay attention to, besides yourself
Van: Black Spade he speaks some fire

suiteSTL: why is it so hard for STL artist to come together?
Van: Jealousy and too much hating. It’s enough money for everyone to eat.

suiteSTL: what made you want to become a rapper?
Van: When I heard Sally Walk for the first time, plus my uncle was a D.J so I been on the stage all my life, it comes natural for me

suiteSTL: Who are your favorite rappers?
Van: , Big Daddy Kane, Common, and Royce Da 5’9

suiteSTL: Where would you like to be five years from now?
Van: Stable in my music, opening doors for younger artist, and shining light on St. Louis

Talking to Van was like sitting there with your cousin, there was a feeling that he was family. The conversation flowed easily as we discussed his music, St. Louis, and St. Louis women. Although he said that we could quote him on how slick some of the women in the Lou were with their mouths, we won’t go there. LOL. However we would be remiss if we didn’t tell you that you should watch for him in the near future. His sound is as refershing as his strong, positve and honest personsilty. His hit "I AM MAJORZ" is hot but our favorite "TRICKIN" is the truth. Go support Vandalyzm April 10th at The Gramophone (4243 Manchester) in The Fall Out. You can catch this tech savvy rapper on MySpace, Twitter, and of course Facebook (click the links to get directly to him). This young man is most definitely on his huSTLe