WHO’Z HOT N DA STREETZ

 “Virginia’s own Saint Anger”

By Moe Nitty

   Okay, I admit it.  Just as many people have been known to do since the introduction of caller ID, I too have fallen into the habit of ignoring phone calls when I don’t recognize the number.  So when I saw a 704 area code come across my cell phone screen my first impulse was to ignore it, but boy am I glad I didn’t!  Reaching out to me all the way from the south was Dumfries, Virginia’s own rising rap star Marcus Young a.k.a. Saint Anger. 

   From the first of many lengthy phone conversations, Saint’s pleasantness shined through wiping any doubts of his southern upbringing as he explained he’d been raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  Humility and humbleness are not characteristics openly displayed in a music genre which thrives off swag and arrogance.  Yet that’s exactly what I got from Saint Anger as he accredited an unnamed good friend as being his greatest asset in music.  Influenced by hip hop heavy-hitters such as Ice Cube, Pimp C, and Rakim, Saint confesses he’s been in love with hip hop since the first time he watched "The Vapors” music video by rap legend Biz Markie.  To quote Saint: “That experience gave me the feeling that one day I would find a way to be involved in hip hop on a business level”.  As the co-owner and a recording artist of Bizzle Boy Productions LLC, he has surely made good on his vow to be involved in the business aspects of the music industry.  His business savvy has placed him in a position whereas a certain major record label has him and his company under their watchful eyes (for legal reasons I’m not of liberty to name which label). 

   Saint Anger’s recent cd release, Champagne Room, is a musical testament of his lyrical flexibility. Dubbed as Slim 100's by his crew and producers due to the many styles he can deliver, he simply stated, "That’s the swagger that the chemistry of the beats and hooks demand".  The lead single from Champagne Room titled “Put Me On” features a soulful sample running through the length of the song while painting a picture of determination and perseverance.  Despite its title the song “I Get Love” featuring singing from J D’Wayne has nothing to do with sex, but rather goes on about receiving love in the streets as a rap artist.  Full of refreshing beats paired with swagger-filled lyrics, Saint’s latest cd Champagne Room definitely will not disappoint his supporters.

   For more info on how to follow Saint Anger’s journey to success, log on to www.myspace.com/bizzleboysaint.     

(You can reach Moe Nitty at myspace.com/mrmoenitty or moenitty1@aol.com)