It (sadly) doesn't happen often, but every once in a while a new emcee will come along with a project that forces me to take note. That was exactly the case with
YC the Cynic's new mixtape "You're Welcome", a project that inspired me to ask YC to join our My City series and talk about how his roots in hip-hop's birthplace, the Bronx, has helped shape him as a man and as a rapper.
RefinedHype: It'd be an understatement to say that the Bronx has a heavy hip-hop history. Do you feel like that history influences your music?
YC the Cynic: I think the history HAS to influence my music. It influences everyone. The BX is where it started, so anything that came after it is a product of it, in some way. And me personally, I don't think it influences anything specifically, but I'm constantly put on to, and introduced to these pioneers. I feel like I have to further this culture every time I speak to one.
RefinedHype: If I didn't know you were from the Bronx, how could I tell just by listening to your music?
YC the Cynic: I think you could tell because I tell you any chance I get. LOL. Anytime I can throw that in a song (like "Why-Cee-La") I will. And I'm often the only person that reps the Bronx at shows. And its perfectly fine with me. I'll be the lone representative.
RefinedHype: Where do you go to get inspired?
YC the Cynic: Anytime I go outside of my home to get inspired, I go to Baretto Point park. Right in the back, by the water. Looking into it gives me a new calmness, that I can't get anywhere else.
RefinedHype: If I'm rolling through the Bronx where can I find you?
YC the Cynic: If you're rolling through the BX, you can catch me by the 6 train, Hunts Point stop. OR at the Rebel Diaz Arts Collective. I'll be in one of those places more often that not. Come check me.
RefinedHype: Last words?
YC the Cynic: You should definitely get that "You're Welcome" mixtape at
https://ycthecynic.bandcamp.com. And to everyone that thinks the Bronx is lost, compared to other places, you're mistaken. We have a boatload of talent, just waiting to come out. And if for some reason you don't like those emcees, listen to me. You won't be disappointed. And let me know what you think.
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