Markeyz

"What I stand for speaks for itself…but when I do speak I will only hesitate to take a breath" -- Markeyz



Dominant, husky and in control -- that is the sound of "Markeyz", named Mark Spitz Lumpan Rabi. Born in Tacloban City, Philippines into a military family in the early eighties, he was educated on the value of discipline and ambition early in life. His Father competed on the varsity swim team to pay for his education and also served as an officer in the Philippine military. At the age of four, his Mother immigrated to the United States, working as a nurse to save enough money to bring her family to join her in North America, where they settled in London, Ontario Canada. Music played an integral role in his life, as his father was a singer and performed on local television shows in the Philippines, his uncles were performers and his late maternal Grandfather a composer, respectively.



Markeyz grew up in London, Ontario, where he began his love affair with hip hop music through writing poetry, break-dancing and free styling with older crowds on the street corner after school. At age thirteen Markeyz was inspired to rap by his older sister, also an artist and poet, who exemplified for Markeyz that one, could express feelings, thoughts and beliefs lyrically and poetically. The realism of Tupac Shakur, the introspective lyrics of Common and the essence of hip hop equipped Markeyz with the proper tools to exhibit his own passion for the music. Possessing the ability to freely express himself without contestation and the empowering elements associated with hip hop solidified for Markeyz what rap music meant and why he had to be a part of it. Citing Common's "I used to love H.E.R." as the most reflective song he's ever heard, Markeyz develops his own diction in a manner that abducts the attention of the listener to provide that feeling of well being and empowerment. These elements only strengthened his love for hip hop music which now proves to be undisputed. The name "Markeyz" is derived from his first name "Mark" and "Keyz", a symbol metaphorically unlocking his life through his music. Whether he is rapping about the hardships of an artist, the intimacy between a man and a woman, the euphoric feeling of hip hop music or the witty lyrical battle on the street corner, one will be captivated by the delivery of his passionate lyrics.



During high school, Markeyz released four mix-tapes, enduring distribution within high schools, events and parking lots in the cities of London and Toronto. In April 2005 the independent release of his debut album "My Moment" stunned the local scene in London. With very little financial backing, Markeyz created the entire album from scratch to finish; he produced every beat, wrote every lyric and edited every second of every song. Markeyz printed and labeled every copy and assumed the challenge and responsibilities involved in the promotion and organization of his release party, which took place at Spotlight Night Club in London. Within the first week alone, a total of seven hundred copies were made and sold out throughout London and Toronto. Although the project was low budget, it is evident that the release of his debut album defined his moment.



Before the single's premiere, local radio station 106.9 XFM aired a two part documentary on Markeyz in late 2005 where they discussed the life of a local artist. The album's first single, appropriately entitled "My Moment", aired on 106.9 XFM in early 2006 where it remained number one for three and a half weeks, as voted by listeners on the Rated X segment of the show. Markeyz continues to speak through his music and on March 31, 2007, Markeyz released his sophomore album STILL. Yet another independant project, it drew attention of those across Southwestern Ontario. The performance was live and the love was hip hop. The album's lead single "Before Time" is currently on rotation on 106.9 xfm.
Thank you in advance to everybody who gave me and still gives me the time.