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Tyquan, Hip Hop's Throwback Kid

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Don't sleep hip hop is not dead, emerging from northern California, the self proclaimed SpokesMan For Ghetto America, a dope Some have criticized that over the past decade, the artistic flow and meaning behind hip hop has slowly been on a decline. Mainstream artists have taken to filling their bars with punch lines about flashy jewelry, naked women and above all else- SWAG; Luckily for TRUE hip hop junkies, an MC by the name of TyQuan Thomas has breached the scene and has recaptured the sound of hip-hop through his musical story telling.

Born on April 15th, 1988 in the Northern parts of California, TyQuan was raised by his grandmother and mother Chepelle Thomas. Being the oldest of eight siblings in a fatherless home TyQuan faced adult responsibilities at a young age, and sought after writing music as an escape. His writing has since been influenced by the death of his

cousin, Deantwan Thomas, and he has slowly transformed himself into a lyrical story teller. Influenced by the likes of NAS, and many other great story tellers of our time, TyQuan's brand stands on realism. Representing the struggle, he speaks on issues of importance in his home town of Meadowview, California, and abroad where not only the people he knows but all are suffering from hardship.

With all of the raw tools in place, TyQuan Thomas is patiently waiting for his due time, while learning the ropes of the industry. When asked, TyQuan mimicks that It has been a long time coming, and the dedication/determination that has been put in shows in his delivery. Much sooner than later, he is convinced, the rest of the world will know.

Basquiat: U STRIVE TO REPRESENT THE BLUE COLLAR INDIVIDUAL WITH YOUR MUSIC AND PRESENTATION, WHY IS THAT SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?

TyQuan: Because That's who I am. I'm a Hard Worker, I come from where you got to go get it on your own. I've never had the luxury of having someone do things for me.

Basquiat: IF YOU HAD TO SAY, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST VOID IN HIP HOP TODAY?

Me. But on a serious note, originality is missing. Too many people are Trying to follow what the trend is; we need more artist to do

Photo by Zephyrance Lou