Storm the Unpredictable is a hip hop artist with a lyrical style that can instantly change the mood of any crowd. This is one artist that is very known around the Washington, DC area. His musical style, as seen on his previous single, "MCs Be Killin' Me", is party-oriented but still gives listeners something intellectual to think about.  He has songs that will make you laugh like "Stop Lying," and watching the video, you will see how creative he really is.

Rhythmplaza.com: Where are you all originally from?
Storm: I was born in Indianapolis, IN. and then moved to Oxon Hill at the start of 4th grade.

Rhythmplaza.com:  When and why did you all start using the name Storm the Unpredictable?
Storm:  I was originally called Quiet Storm which is a name that that was given to me in high school.  When it was time for the first release, I could not use it because the name was already trademarked.  I needed something that could give the same kind of feeling when you heard it as well as stand for the many sides of one person so I came up with Storm the unpredictable.  

Rhythmplaza.com: Who was inspirational to you when you were coming up? 
Storm: I was inspired in one way, shape, or form by many different people from my parents, to my church pastor, all the way to the Mighty Lord Melody reggae artist).  As far as hip hop I was greatly inspired by Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, and Dougie Fresh.  I definitely can't forget Stinky Dink, James Funk, Little Benny, and Fat Rodney.  I came up on go-go as well as hip hop.

Rhythmplaza.com: When did you first get into the music business?
Storm: I first really got into the music business in 1988 when I decided to seriously pursue getting my music out there.  There were not many contacts for me so I had to really start from ground zero.  Once the internet was in wide use, it became a huge catalyst for my career, let alone me being able to make new contacts.

Rhythmplaza.com: When did you get your first opportunity to showcase your talent?
Storm:  My first opportunity was at a talent show in 1986.  As you can see I've been doing this for a long time.

Rhythmplaza.com:  What does rap music mean to you? Where is it headed?
Storm:  To me rap music is a means of expression.  It's not just something I do as a means of making money.  I believe my music has a higher purpose than that.  I think my music can meet a great many people and touch them no matter age, color, whatever.  I hope it's headed in a more balanced direction.  Things have been so out of balance that I was wondering if I could ever rap music  about more than cars, money, and the gear your wearing.  It seems to getting better in that area.

Rhythmplaza.com: What’s up with the new album?
Storm: The new album is called AMALGAMATION. It drops January 28th on Ty-She Recordings/H2Pro/Orpheus/EMI nationwide and in Canada.  We are working on overseas distribution now.  It features Priest da nomad as well as the production of  Carl Walker aka Kokayi, DJ D'Salaam, DJ Symphoni, Sub-Z, and Danja Mowf.  It was recorded at Urban Intalek studios in Washington DC ad the promotions are being handled by Lastreet promotions (http://www.lastreet.com).  The album contains 15 tracks and is very diverse but still focused. 

Rhythmplaza.com: What do you like to do when you are not rapping?
Storm: When I'm not rapping I like to do whatever I can do to relax. Exercising, reading, cooking, and working with children the most.

Rhythmplaza.com: What projects are you currently working on?
Storm: Right now the only project I am totally focusing on is my album AMALGAMATION that drops January 28th.  I'm putting all my energy into it because it is the springboard for what is to come.

Rhythmplaza.com: What does music means to you?
Storm: My answer for this question is the same as the question about hip hop/rap music.  I listen to all types of music and they are all forms of expression.  I especially listen to lyrics and the type of emotion it brings.  If I can't feel the direction the music is coming from or if you can't make me feel what you are going thru or want to relate to me then I really don't mess with it to much.

Rhythmplaza.com: How long have you seriously been involved in the music industry?
Storm: I would have to say since 1988.  That's when I made a conscience decision to really pursue this.  It's been a blessing because by me not getting signed and turning down certain deals I was able to gain a large amount of knowledge and more of a do it yourself attitude.  I think I'm much more respected for that as well.

Rhythmplaza.com: What advice would you give to some of the up and coming rap artists in the DC area?
Storm: Well, I'm still an up and coming artist as well but I would say be consistent and don't stop.  This thing takes a long time and many people don't seem to have the patience for the long haul.  They just want to make a song, put it out there, and think that it's hot so it will immediate blow up.  That may happen, but more often it won't.  It takes years to make a name for yourself and I've seen many hot artists just quit because it did not happen fast enough.  I'd also say use whatever resources are available to you rather than complaining what you don't have or can't do.  When I started all I could do was perform at open mics and sell cassettes of my songs that I was dubbing at my house.  It was start and once I developed some kind of plan I wanted to follow (another important thing to have) over the years thing built up.  I could have just complained about not having radio play, vinyl records, or whatever but that would have just been a waste of energy.  Especially in this day and age with cd burners being so easily accessible. 

Rhythmplaza.com: Tell us about the new project that you have out?
Storm: Right now I have released my 1st single from my forthcoming album.  The single is Get Your Weight Up (Big Girl Anthem) and it rose to #2 on the national college charts.  We are also about to shoot a video for it.  The vinyl for it also includes the songs I Hate When, So Unpredictable f/Priest da nomad, and Up In You 2002.  I also have a few compilations out that I'm on.  One is called Strength In Numbers.  It's a benefit cd for the victims of the sniper shootings as well as the family in Baltimore who lost their lives when the drug dealer they called the police on set their house on fire.  My song is called Contradictions and more info on the compilation can be seen at www.Baltimorehiphop.com.  Contradictions is also on a compilation coming out on the west coast in 2003.  I'm also on a compilation called On Top Of The World along with m crew Plexus. Plexus consist of myself, Kokayi and Sub-Z of Opus Akoben(http://www.opusakoben.com), and Priest da nomad and our song on there is called Take Offense.  Since I won the 2002 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting competition's grand, first, and second place prizes, I will have 2 songs on their winners compilation.  Those songs are Get Your Weight Up (Big Girl Anthem) and Darker The Berry.  Darker The Berry also won first place in the 2002 USA Songwriting competition's hip hop/rap category so it will also be on their winners compilation. 

Rhythmplaza.com: Whom would you like to leave a shout out too?
Storm: Definitely you for giving me this opportunity.  Also, Ty-She Entertainment, Latonya St. Clair and Lastreet Promotions, DJ D'Salaam and Urban Intalek studios/records, my crew Plexus, Priest da nomad, Kokayiand Sub-Z, DJ Symphoni, Skinny Corleone, and all the crews in he MD/DC/VA area who are really putting in work to hold things down and not just talking.  Also, everyone who has supported me over the years.  I truly appreciate the love and support.  God bless.

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