While many rappers claim to come from violent neighborhoods, few can state that they are from the actual murder capital in the U.S. which happens to be Youngstown, Ohio.  Growing up in this environment has made, Pryslezz, who he is today; a man of tough experiences and strong determination.

Pryslezz’s focus is to now solidify his presence as a successful MC through personal and thought-provoking lyrics as found on his release, Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King featuring such guests as Dwele and Raheem Devaughn.

Sixshot spoke with the rising artist about his experience with selling and using drugs, the challenges of growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, being a soulful MC, and more.

When was your death and when and how were you reborn?

I would say probably a little bit after I came home from college.  I kind of went through a lot of changes and that’s what the album is about—it’s about change.  I have to say that the change probably came from when I got out of the drug situation.  I was in involved in a little bit of this and that; and putting all that behind me and moving forward to do music was the rebirth.  I got motivated in music and in not going back to what I was into.

Did you sell or use drugs?

Selling, using—a little bit of both.

It was a tough city that I grew up in.  I came home from school and didn’t have much.  I came home with an associate’s degree in English literature, but that doesn’t get you too far.  So basically it was what I had to do at the time in order to do the things that I want to do like go out with my friends, and have some kind of money in my pocket.  It was a means.

Often people are using drugs to deal with something in their past or emotional issues.  Was that the case for you?

It was more like dealing with being at home.  When you’re in a place where you’re friends with somebody in one minute, and the next minute you pick up the newspaper and read their obituaries, it’s a little tough on you.  When all the people you’re around are into the same things; either it’s selling drugs or using drugs, or into something not healthy then it’s kind of easier for you to get caught up and do the same things.  You turn to drugs to cope, but there are different things you have to go through.  It was stuff I said I’d never do.  So to go from there and end up being in a situation where I had to—it’s like that’s me coping.

You mentioned coming home and seeing your friends die which was a major emotional issue for you.  It sounds like you experienced some form of depression.  Much of that goes on in urban environments but many don’t talk about it.

Yeah, I wouldn’t really call it depression because if that’s the case my whole city is depressed.  It’s like the way of life where I live at right now—if you’re not doing one thing you’re doing the other.  So it’s real hard.  There isn’t too much of an outlet for anybody other than trouble.  So when you find yourself back in that situation and most of the people you associate with are in trouble, it’s real easy for you to get in trouble.  When you handle a lot of drugs yourself it’s easy for you to use them, especially when they’re in your hands.  You're always giving to someone else and you also get in a situation where you might sell something to somebody and then use with them.  So it kind of depends on the situation, but I wouldn’t call it a depression.  I would call it a way of life right now in Youngstown, Ohio.  That’s pretty much the way it is.

Right now with the rebirth you are carving a niche for yourself as a soulful MC.  Most MC’s are coming out as thugs with a bunch of swag and all that stuff, so speak to us about your image and who are as an MC.

It’s a little bit of everything.  The songs right now are soulful and some people want to say it’s neo-soul because of the vibe.  But there’s a lot more to come out of this album.  There’s lot more songs.  I got real street songs too.  The only difference is I'm not gonna talk about 20” rims and ice.  I'm not gonna talk about the drug game in a positive light.  I'm more like a reporter than I am somebody that’s gonna glorify it.

You’re described as poetic.  Is poetry something that greatly influences your sound and flow?

That’s interesting.  On my first albums I got reviewed as saying it was real poetic, but I would tell people I do poetry and like poetry.  I was an MC before I was a poet and it so happens that’s the way my style is.  So I don’t know which influences which.  I don’t know if me being an MC influences my poetry or vice versa.  I can't really call it but it’s in there.

You’re said to have a spiritual outlook on life.  How would you describe that outlook and where does it come from?

My outlook on life really comes from my faith in God, my experiences, and how they develop.  That’s really where it comes from. 

What would you say is the most "Pryslezz" thing about you?

The most priceless thing about me—I can't think of one thing.  I think it’s all of me is priceless.  I can say my music ‘cause I put all of me into it so that can be priceless.

You’re gonna love me because….

I’m unique.

For more information please visit:
www.myspace.com/pryslezz