A CONVERSATION WITH RHYME CYPHA (Interviewed by The RBM)
The RBM: What was the inspiration for "The Maxi Single" and what type of feelings does that
inspiration stir when you think about it?
Rhyme Cypha: Honestly my life was the inspiration for this book. I wanted to write a definitive work of
who I am, and on my journey to completing it. I went through these experiences and decided that this is a
chapter in almost everyone's lives.
The RBM: You do a ton of spoken word, sometimes multiple venues in a night. First, how difficult is
it to maintain that pace? Is it strictly for the love of the craft? Has it helped you with "Maxi" at all?
Rhyme Cypha: Actually it's easier for me to maintain that pace than it is for me to slow down. A few
people started calling me "the hardest working man in DC," simply because I rarely need time to sleep. My
schedule usually consists of work and then shooting around DC and Maryland spreading love on average 2
venues a night. I know I have dues to pay so I figured I'd pay them as fast as I possibly can. I do it partially
for the love, partially because its a grind (and if you're not grinding hard - then it's not a grind), partly for the
practice, and some nights because I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't able to spit. Diving into so many
venues has exposed me to a lot which helped me grow tremendously with my writing. Some of my favorite
pieces are based on experiences I've had since I started performing such as "God Told Me To," which was
inspired one Thursday night by a young lady at Mocha Hut on U St.
The RBM: You self published "Maxi", as do a lot of up and coming writers do. How difficult was it
going in this direction and would you recommend it to other authors looking to be published?
Rhyme Cypha: I researched and researched publishing for a long time. I read a book by Dan Poynter called
Self Publishing Manual. That book taught me a lot. Publishing itself wasn't easy but it wasn't that hard. It's
after you get the book in your hand that starts the real journey. Who is going to buy your book is the biggest
challenge for most authors. Point blank if you're not willing to become a sales person then don't publish.
Awards are rarely given stating "Best Written Author" they say "Best SELLING Author." If you're a great
writer but afraid of selling your book then it's probably a dead issue for you. Not to discourage anyone but
you have to sell your book to big publishing houses as well as to the individuals who buy your book - so the
true art is embracing fear and selling your product - unless you want 1,000 copies of your book in your
garage. Also if you self publish please take your time, do it right find an official printer, get a graphic artist,
purchase your ISBN, and set your book at a good price ($10 should only be the starting point for pricing of
most books.)
The RBM: You've been a part of the Mecca family since before Mecca existed, way back in our AAP
days. How have you grown as a person and a writer since you've been around?
Rhyme Cypha: AAP and Mecca helped me at a time when I was my lowest. Truth be told I was posting 5
and 6 new poems a day back on Hi5 but I couldn't eat for a month and a half. "She Says She Loves My
Words" was based on a comment made by Netta or Suga (I apologize it was like 3 years ago) and it was the
first positive thing that reach me where I was. If it weren't for AAP and Mecca I wouldn't have a book
today. I've found more solidity in my work since find AAP. I appreciate and love this family. Mike thanks
for your sacrifices.
The RBM: You know how much Mecca means to me, so it's all worthwhile. Would you explain what
"The Maxi Single" consists of. What can we expect when we begin reading it?
Rhyme Cypha: *Insert Blurb Here* Basically this book talks about all the experiences that we all have from
meeting a new person to loving them making love to them and even falling out of love with them. You'll
definitely love how professional the book is laid out I took a lot of time in meticulously piecing this book
together.
The RBM: How long have you been putting "Maxi" together? How much did you enjoy writing it?
Rhyme Cypha: This book is a compilation of poems that date as far back as four and five years ago. From
conception of the idea to finish it took me about two years. Some of the book was fun a lot of it was pain.
The book itself was therapy.
The RBM: What separates your style of performing spoken word and your writing style from others
you've seen and read?
Rhyme Cypha: Point blank I talk about me. A lot of poets write political or conscious for the crowd I write
for me. To grow me to heal me. Maybe that's narcissism but it keeps me honest to talk about who I am and
what I actually know about. Also I try to speak in as plain English as possible. I want you to get it while
you're sitting there but I want it to grow a hunger in your spirit that you go home and still contemplate my
message.
The RBM: Where did the name "Rhyme Cypha" originate?
Rhyme Cypha: When I started rapping I tried to rhyme two or three times in a bar. When I freestyled I
could flow for 30 minutes none stop so it's like a forever Rhyme, forever wordplay. Ciphers never end -
hence neither will Rhyme Cypha.
The RBM: One of the reasons why I personally enjoy your work is your ability to express yourself so
your fans know exactly where you're coming from and know how you're feeling. How is it that you
are able to be so "in touch" with the reader when a lot of writers who try to do this aren't as
successful?
Rhyme Cypha: I think I kind of covered this one. I just write what I'm going through. You can never go
wrong with that. Also don't hide anything. Bare your soul. Bleed onto the page every time you write.
The RBM: What can we expect from RhymeCypha in 2007?
Rhyme Cypha: I've got a picture book which is off the chain a painter and I are collaborating on a
collection of poetry and paintings inspired buy the poetry. I've got a DVD in the works we already started
filming for. I'm planning a 2 more books one of which will be personal development. Sometime this year I
will also add an Album to the shelves.
The RBM: Finally, describe the feeling you got when you picked up a book with your name on it and
your words in it?
Rhyme Cypha: There are no words to describe that feeling. I don't think it hit me until my mother called me
and cried after she read my dedication to her. I think it was the first time in a long time I truly smiled.
You can read more about RhymeCypha by visiting his official website: RhymeCypha.com or register with us!!
The RBM: What was the inspiration for "The Maxi Single" and what type of feelings does that
inspiration stir when you think about it?
Rhyme Cypha: Honestly my life was the inspiration for this book. I wanted to write a definitive work of
who I am, and on my journey to completing it. I went through these experiences and decided that this is a
chapter in almost everyone's lives.
The RBM: You do a ton of spoken word, sometimes multiple venues in a night. First, how difficult is
it to maintain that pace? Is it strictly for the love of the craft? Has it helped you with "Maxi" at all?
Rhyme Cypha: Actually it's easier for me to maintain that pace than it is for me to slow down. A few
people started calling me "the hardest working man in DC," simply because I rarely need time to sleep. My
schedule usually consists of work and then shooting around DC and Maryland spreading love on average 2
venues a night. I know I have dues to pay so I figured I'd pay them as fast as I possibly can. I do it partially
for the love, partially because its a grind (and if you're not grinding hard - then it's not a grind), partly for the
practice, and some nights because I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't able to spit. Diving into so many
venues has exposed me to a lot which helped me grow tremendously with my writing. Some of my favorite
pieces are based on experiences I've had since I started performing such as "God Told Me To," which was
inspired one Thursday night by a young lady at Mocha Hut on U St.
The RBM: You self published "Maxi", as do a lot of up and coming writers do. How difficult was it
going in this direction and would you recommend it to other authors looking to be published?
Rhyme Cypha: I researched and researched publishing for a long time. I read a book by Dan Poynter called
Self Publishing Manual. That book taught me a lot. Publishing itself wasn't easy but it wasn't that hard. It's
after you get the book in your hand that starts the real journey. Who is going to buy your book is the biggest
challenge for most authors. Point blank if you're not willing to become a sales person then don't publish.
Awards are rarely given stating "Best Written Author" they say "Best SELLING Author." If you're a great
writer but afraid of selling your book then it's probably a dead issue for you. Not to discourage anyone but
you have to sell your book to big publishing houses as well as to the individuals who buy your book - so the
true art is embracing fear and selling your product - unless you want 1,000 copies of your book in your
garage. Also if you self publish please take your time, do it right find an official printer, get a graphic artist,
purchase your ISBN, and set your book at a good price ($10 should only be the starting point for pricing of
most books.)
The RBM: You've been a part of the Mecca family since before Mecca existed, way back in our AAP
days. How have you grown as a person and a writer since you've been around?
Rhyme Cypha: AAP and Mecca helped me at a time when I was my lowest. Truth be told I was posting 5
and 6 new poems a day back on Hi5 but I couldn't eat for a month and a half. "She Says She Loves My
Words" was based on a comment made by Netta or Suga (I apologize it was like 3 years ago) and it was the
first positive thing that reach me where I was. If it weren't for AAP and Mecca I wouldn't have a book
today. I've found more solidity in my work since find AAP. I appreciate and love this family. Mike thanks
for your sacrifices.
The RBM: You know how much Mecca means to me, so it's all worthwhile. Would you explain what
"The Maxi Single" consists of. What can we expect when we begin reading it?
Rhyme Cypha: *Insert Blurb Here* Basically this book talks about all the experiences that we all have from
meeting a new person to loving them making love to them and even falling out of love with them. You'll
definitely love how professional the book is laid out I took a lot of time in meticulously piecing this book
together.
The RBM: How long have you been putting "Maxi" together? How much did you enjoy writing it?
Rhyme Cypha: This book is a compilation of poems that date as far back as four and five years ago. From
conception of the idea to finish it took me about two years. Some of the book was fun a lot of it was pain.
The book itself was therapy.
The RBM: What separates your style of performing spoken word and your writing style from others
you've seen and read?
Rhyme Cypha: Point blank I talk about me. A lot of poets write political or conscious for the crowd I write
for me. To grow me to heal me. Maybe that's narcissism but it keeps me honest to talk about who I am and
what I actually know about. Also I try to speak in as plain English as possible. I want you to get it while
you're sitting there but I want it to grow a hunger in your spirit that you go home and still contemplate my
message.
The RBM: Where did the name "Rhyme Cypha" originate?
Rhyme Cypha: When I started rapping I tried to rhyme two or three times in a bar. When I freestyled I
could flow for 30 minutes none stop so it's like a forever Rhyme, forever wordplay. Ciphers never end -
hence neither will Rhyme Cypha.
The RBM: One of the reasons why I personally enjoy your work is your ability to express yourself so
your fans know exactly where you're coming from and know how you're feeling. How is it that you
are able to be so "in touch" with the reader when a lot of writers who try to do this aren't as
successful?
Rhyme Cypha: I think I kind of covered this one. I just write what I'm going through. You can never go
wrong with that. Also don't hide anything. Bare your soul. Bleed onto the page every time you write.
The RBM: What can we expect from RhymeCypha in 2007?
Rhyme Cypha: I've got a picture book which is off the chain a painter and I are collaborating on a
collection of poetry and paintings inspired buy the poetry. I've got a DVD in the works we already started
filming for. I'm planning a 2 more books one of which will be personal development. Sometime this year I
will also add an Album to the shelves.
The RBM: Finally, describe the feeling you got when you picked up a book with your name on it and
your words in it?
Rhyme Cypha: There are no words to describe that feeling. I don't think it hit me until my mother called me
and cried after she read my dedication to her. I think it was the first time in a long time I truly smiled.
You can read more about RhymeCypha by visiting his official website: RhymeCypha.com or register with us!!
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November '06
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January '07
San Culberson
February '07
Rhyme Cypha
March '07
Lesley S Munyuki
April '07
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May '07
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exclusive Spotlighted
Author interviews!!
June '06
Vincent Alexandria
July '06
Mary Monroe
August '06
Cold August
September '06
L.R. Hatcher
October '06
Various
November '06
Melanie C. Jordan
December '06
Mark Goggins
January '07
San Culberson
February '07
Rhyme Cypha
March '07
Lesley S Munyuki
April '07
Joseph Phillips
May '07
Hannah Drake
June '07
Kateb Nuri Shunnar
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