Why would a 6'7"emcee that used to play professional basketball choose to take his stage name from a baseball player? Ask Cy Young. "The Cy Young winner can't just throw fastballs exclusively," he explains, referring to Major League Baseball's pitching award. "He has to be able to throw change-ups and curveballs; he has to be versatile.part of what makes him the best is his ability to do different things on the mound, and that kind of versatility is what I'm all about."
Cy demonstrates his many sides through his ability flip styles almost effortlessly; one minute, spitting conscious lyrics on tracks like "I Care"and "It's All Gon' Change"; then doing party joints like "Heat"and "Take It Off." This dexterity has caught the attention of quite a few heads, and has propelled him from Washington D.C.'s vibrant open-mic scene to his spot as one of the most exciting lyricists in hip hop.
Originally from the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, New York, Cy moved to North Carolina before relocating in the D.C. area. He began honing his writing skills in New York, and upon his arrival in Maryland, became an integral part of the area's hip hop and spoken word poetry scenes. Cy began to build his reputation as a frequent participant in open-mic sessions, which allowed him the opportunity to practice his skills on audiences.
It was at one of these open-mics that Kevin Brown, a producer and emcee with DJ Jazzy Jeff's production crew, A Touch of Jazz, became one of the first people to recognize Cy's ability. After the session, Brown gave the emcee a beat tape. The two have been collaborating ever since.
With Kevin, Cy started down the appear-on-a-bunch-of-other-folks's songs-to-further-build-your-reputation" path to success. Cy appeared on the "The Rebirth,"the Brown-produced lead single from Jeff's The Magnificent. (BBE Records, 2002). Heralded by many as one of the tightest records in ages, it was played by hip hop DJs across the globe. Cy appeared on two other Kevin Brown tracks on The Magnificent : "How We Do," featuring Shaun Stockman of Boyz II Men fame, and "We Are," featuring Raheem DeVaughn. Cy continued his collaborative efforts by dropping verses to heat up the remix of Critically Acclaimed's "Flashback" (Up Above Records, 2002), and Kevin's second 12-inch release, "Nitefall" (Up Above Records, 2003).
Cy's body of work was already receiving modest commercial radio support when opportunity knocked again. A Wu-Tang Clan affiliate dropped out of the production of a commercial for Downtown Locker Room, a popular urban clothing retailer with more than 30 stores between Baltimore and Atlanta. The chain planned a TV and radio blitz, but without an emcee to rhyme on the radio spots, their plans were in limbo. Cy jumped at the chance to fill in, saving the campaign, and earning himself further mainstream exposure in several markets.
Cy loves to perform, putting so much energy into his on-stage presentation that he was once known to lose his voice by night's end. Cy has already appeared on many television and radio programs, has ripped venues and stages on multiple continents, and has received much respect from the critics. Music Monthly claims that "The Rebirth" is one of the best hip hop songs's in ages." Hiphopsite.com declares that Cy's is a name you will be hearing from in the future.[Cy] is en fuego. "Once you've heard him for yourself, we're sure you'll agree.
Cy Young Discography
Jazzy Jeff - The Magnificent: We Are w/ Raheem Devaughn
Jazzy Jeff - The Magnificent: How I do w/ Shawn Stockman
Jazzy Jeff - The Magnificent EP: Rebirth
Wayna - Moments of Clarity: Exposed
Critically Acclaimed - Flashback remix
You Don't Know The Half - Everyday Campaign - Kaimbr/Cy Young/DJ Roddy Rod
Hidden Beach, Hidden Hits Vol. 1 - Young World - Kev Brown/Cy Young
DJ Roddy Rod - Take Notice w/ Kev Brown/Cy Young
DJ Roddy Rod - What In The World feat. Kev Brown/Cy Young
Kev Brown - Nitefall: feat. Cy Young/Oddisee
