Rhythmic
Born and raised the early part of his life in the famed 7th Ward of New Orleans, La., the man who would come to be known as Rhythmic was seemingly destined for greatness from the start. Birthed to a self-taught guitar- and piano-playing father and a first soprano opera-singing mother, Rhythmic comes from a musically-inclined family, which includes local New Orleans music icons, like Winnie Cola, who was a renowned jazz singer, performing in the famous French Quarter’s Preservation Hall until she was well into her late 80’s; and George “Kid Sheik” Cola, who was a member of New Orleans’ own Olympia Brass Band, and also released one solo album, for which he played the trumpet and sang vocals, entitled “The Sheik of Araby,” along with his band, ‘Kid Sheik’s Storyville Ramblers.’
When he was three years old, Rhythmic’s family moved to Nassau, Bahamas, where, for the next three years, he would be immersed in its rich Caribbean culture. It surrounded him daily, infusing him with a flavor for the music—reggae, calypso, and even some latin jazz. It was here that he would develop a love for the deep, seductive bass lines that originate in the islands and are a constant reminder of the Caribbean culture and people.
In 1992, Rhythmic and his family moved to Virginia, where he met many of the friends that would eventually become instrumental in his musical endeavors. It was here that he began, in his teenage years, to write, mostly poetry. He went on the win a ‘President’s Award for Literary Excellence,’ and had two works published in an anthology of poems. From this he began speaking at local libraries, and received commendations from two of his favorite and most prominent writers, Nicki Giovanni and Maya Angelou.
In late 2002, Rhythmic was dealt a crushing blow by the death of his mother. Just before her unexpected death, Rhythmic had told his mother of his plans of “trying to make music.” Her reply was simple. “Don’t TRY to make music, son. MAKE It.” That statement has been the compelling force behind Rhythmic’s drive to excel in his musical career, even to this day.
In early 2003, Rhythmic approached his long-time friend, the soon-to-be-rapper/producer, Jimmie Doughleone, to ask if he would be interested in making music. The answer was a resounding “yes.” They started off slowly, with Rhythmic making beats, recording, and rapping, and Jimmie Dough rapping. Soon enough, it was easy to see that the two were musically made for each other. A name for the group was chosen—it would be S.Y.N.S., a hard-hitting acronym for Somethin’ Ya Never Seen. The duo started making a buzz locally, handing out cd’s and playing tracks for friends and family. They would later be featured on several local radio stations.
As their musical prestige grew, Rhythmic decided he wanted to branch out and start recording other artists as well. After weeks of careful consideration, he decided on a name for his independent label and publishing company—LaVa Camp (Productions, Records and Publishing, respectively), so named for his birthplace Louisiana (La) and the place he had settled in, Virginia (Va). His first draft choice, after consulting with Doughleone, (Jimmie “Dough” would come to be his second-in-command and President of LaVa Camp) was Kev-E-Kev, remembering that his old friend had been a noted free-styler while they attended Fluvanna Co. High School, the county name from which derives the term, “Flu Sick,” coined by the local youth, but capitalized on by Kev-E-Kev, who would later leave the camp for personal reasons. Next came Quintussential, Freak Aliaz, and D. Ricardo. The next gunners added to the squadron were True da God, PimpStar and Boss Lady, who had already actively been long-term supporters of the Camp, but later decided to be exclusive factors in the equation. Laced among the structuring of this foundation were many other collaborations and affiliations, including New York native Da Realest, and Virginia’s own Audio State representers, the Beetnix and Supreme Council.
Rhythmic is a self-taught producer, as well as recording, mixing, and mastering engineer. It’s easy to hear the influences of his Costa Rican and Creole roots through his production and the seductive accent that caresses his lyrical flow. His soulful music dynamic ranges from the Dirty South’s intense hats, expressive 1970’s basslines and West Coast claps, along with touches of East Coast sampling, Latin discoteca and Latin jazz, as well as Classical Orchestra and Opera. He now executive produces for LaVa Camp, and is a hopeful to sign with E1 Ent., thanks to S.Y.N.S.’ acting manager, Antonio “Bink” Younger, owner/director of Everythang Green Films.
