The world of Hip-Hop has been on the rise since the mid-nineties when Tupac, Puffy and Biggie ruled the urban airwaves. As the raps over the speakers have changed, so too has the level of support and acceptance of who can rap lyrical masterpieces, walk with swagger and pimp that all important “street cred.” Over the last decade we’ve seen a white rapper emerge as one of the greatest Hip-Hop artists ever: Eminem. If that wasn’t already a huge step in a new direction for Hip-Hop, Verbal Science, based out of St. Petersburg, is making his move as an “out” artist in a world where Cristal and flocks of gorgeous women are the norm. Verbal Science, whose second mixtape is set to drop on April 30^th, recently opened up to Mark’s List about being an openly gay Hip-Hop artist, his new mixtape and the journey of finding himself through his music.  

For someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe your style?

Unique—but I have many styles.  Every flow is created for that specific beat.  The beat, the lyrics, the message, the emotion, the mood; every track is different.   A love or a club track would have a much different style than an activist or “F the world” type track.  I’m all styles wrapped in one.

Where did the name “Verbal Science” come from?

I had the name ever since I first rapped over a beat.  In my senior year of High School, a couple friends and I used to rap & DJ in a basement for fun.  It was just an old mic with a beat playing over two turn tables, but we would rap lyrics off paper over the mic and thought we were the shit. I thought of Verbal Science for a possible group name, but since I was the only one without  a “rap” name, I made it my own.  The name stuck with me since then.  I produce Verbal Science, but can also shorten the name to V.S.

What can fans expect from your new mixtape? What is the overall vibe of the record? 

Fans can expect a lyrical slaughterhouse with futuristic wordplay and delivery, featuring some of the hottest “out” hip-hop artists doin’ it.  The overall vibe is positive, swagga-filled, turn that ‘ish’ louder, feel good, real hip-hop.  The mixtape is titled, “Industry Knock OUT” to show everybody that we (out hip-hop artists) are here now, have always been here, will continue to be here and will take this whole game further to a whole new level.

Do you have a favorite track on the record?

My favorite track would have to be, “Hate On We” featuring Foxx Jazell (a re-fix to Snoop Dogg’s “Boom” produced by Scott Stortch).  It is a party, club banga, full of swag and positive energy.  That’s exactly how I was feeling towards the finalizing of this mixtape.  Also, Foxx Jazell is an icon to me.  Like Dead-Lee on my previous mixtape, “Rude Awakening,” Foxx Jazell was one of the first “out” hip-hop artists I ever heard of.  Both of these talented, courageous artists are true inspirations and have paved the way for artists like myself.

What was the reception like for your first mixtape “Rude Awakening”?

A lot of people were feelin’ it and it created a great buzz in the gay community.  The mixtape was a turning point for me (free download @ verbalscience.bandcamp.com).  The positive feedback and embrace I received let me know that I made the right decision to come out.  My fans and fellow “out” artists who appreciate my music give me my motivation and make this passion worthwhile.    

Were you surprised to win best mixtape byouthiphop.com for “Rude Awakening”?

Yes, I was very surprised.  “Rude Awakening” was my first mixtape released as an “out” artist.  I was hoping it would get some buzz, but never would have thought it would have won for best mixtape.  I have a high respect for outhiphop.com and it was a true honor just to be nominated. 

Why did you decide to “come out” in the hip-hop world?

It was a personal decision.  When I first moved to Florida after signing with an independent label, I was forced to be pushed back into the closet.  After pursuing my career as a straight artist for several years, I started to live two completely different lives.  This led to depression, panic attacks and a sense of false reality.  It finally came to a point where I had to come out, or literally go insane.  

Was it a risky move? Did you think it would possibly hurt your career?

It was a very risky move and I knew my decision would have consequences.  I figured it would hurt my career and especially damage relationships with my label at the time.  I was right on both counts.  Most of the artists I worked with turned their back on me.  The label and I are no longer on speaking terms for several reasons.  There were even some local rappers and producers who made specific “hate” threads online threatening me to move out of Tampa Bay.  Looking back now, it is what it is.  This experience has only made me stronger as I continue to grow as a human being and an artist.

How has the industry treated you since you came out?

Well, even though 95% of the straight rappers I worked with did not show support, the out Hip-Hop community has shown, and continues to show, nothing but an outpour of support and love.  I couldn’t be more thankful for that.  The out Hip-Hop community really saved my career and opened so many more doors and possibilities. 

Is there difference between the Hip-Hop community and the “out” Hip-Hop community? If so, who is your audience?

I think there’s a lot less unity in the Hip-Hop community then the “out” Hip-Hop community.  It seems “out” artists are more open to collaborations and working together to promote a cause or message without pride getting in the way.  Most often, straight Hip-Hop artists are focused on building up their own ego while ‘dissin’/’hatin’ on everyone around them.  As far as my audience, I personally feel that a Hip-Hop fan, is a Hip-Hop fan.  Some of my lyrics are more directed towards the LGBTQ community, but overall, people who enjoy listening to Verbal Science, enjoy listening to Hip-Hop.

How much has the song “Red & White” raised for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund? 

Close to $500 and counting.  I did the song just for Japan and I was very content and gratified to see how people responded.  You can download “Red & White” for $1 on VerbalScience.Bandcamp.com – 100% of the ongoing proceeds will go directly to the Relief Fund.

Who are some other hip-hop artists you would like to collaborate with? 

Wow, there are so many.  I would love to collaborate with Nas, Outkast, Kayne West, Eminem, Busta Rhymes & Wiz Khalifa to name a few.  I would also like to branch out into different genres of music and do a Hip-Hop/rock track with Linkin Park, Korn, or a similar group.  

What other artists out there are you listening to the most?

I mainly listen to Hip-Hop so my iPod is always full with 2aPc, Nas, Big L, Saigon, Biggie, Talib Kweli, Little Brother, J Millz, Canibus, Papoose, Lupe Fiasco, Jay Z, Jadakiss, Kaoz, Verbal Science and plenty of others I’m forgetting.

What kind of message do you want to send to up-and-coming Hip-Hop artists who might be struggling with coming out?

I would tell them to hold their head up and keep believing in themselves.  If you continue to make real music from the heart, it will eventually get noticed.  You need to make music for yourself and let the audience migrate to it.  Up-and-coming “out” Hip-Hop artists need to realize there IS a huge support within the “out” Hip-Hop community and the gay community in general.  I am still learning that myself.  I recommend everybody go to verbalscience.bandcamp.com to download some of my tracks expressing the feelings, hardships & struggles that similar artists are currently experiencing and dealing with.  The most important advice I can give is to never give up.  In the words of Councilman Joel Burns, “It will only get better.”

Follow Verbal Science on Twitter: @verbalscience or contact him at verbalsciencebiz@yahoo.com.