"When I was rockin' it on the stage of the Apollo Theatre, one of the most famous stages in the world, I realized that this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Thanks to TeenPeople Magazine for choosing me as the winner of the 'What's Next' Award for Rap, and inviting me to perform at the Apollo Theatre.
Lyric Inforca grew up in a white, middle-class, Jewish family in Staten Island, New York. Lyric had a lot going for him, but "...because I was Jewish, an identical twin, and, (at the time) one of the shortest kids in my grade, I had various, nasty encounters with people who had nothing nice to say. " Growing up listening the Wu (Lyric's favorite group), and deeply influenced by the music of the 60's - especially Jim Morrison, Lyric began to write poetry to express his frustrations and anger; creating his own style of lyrics from this blend of genres. He hung out with all types of people - from skaters, ravers, and breakers, to hustlers, gangsters and eventually rappers. More and more into rap, Lyric decided to take things one step further and apply his street slang to his poems.
Lyric started working at parties as a dancer for many DJ companies in the metropolitan area. (It was at one of these parties that Lori Majewski, then the Entertainment Director for TeenPeople Magazine, saw the potential of Lyric Inforca.) He also worked as a gymnastics and break dance teacher for kids; as well as a free lance dance choreographer. By doing shows for a variety of crowds, Lyric began to make a name for himself in the underground rap scene on Staten Island. WSIA, the Staten Island radio station, started to play his tracks, and provided a forum where he engaged in battles with other mc's. "You should keep in mind though, that most of these battles didn't take place in a radio station, or in clubs, but in the street, where the rules for winning might change at any time. It got dangerous at times, but the fear actually was a driving force. It's what you do with that fear that proves your ability."
His first real experience in the industry was when he and his twin brother were picked to dance, and be extras in the Rah Digga video "Break Fool". On the set, he took part in friendly battles and got the respect of a lot of underground rappers. But, it was a few months later that he received his first big break - a full page picture and article in TeenPeople Magazine's Dec/Jan2000/2001 special "What's Next" issue, for winning the "What's Next" Award as a rapper, and, of course, the invitation to perform at the Apollo.
"The exposure and recognition from TeenPeople Magazine and the Apollo has been ridiculous. At the Apollo, when I walked off stage and back into the crowd, I felt that people really respected what I was doing. The crowd showed me mad love, and, it was cool when Wyclef approached me and said 'Yo white boy - you just flipped it. Keep doin' your thing.'" Again, at the after party, on the dance floor, Lyric gained his props after a friendly battle with one of the LMNT group members.
Soon after his performance at the Apollo, Lyric went on to make his live, television debut on "Studio Y", an interactive show for teens, broadcast by the Metro Channel and hosted by B-boy London and Moni Love from the radio station "Power" 105.1. This was followed by an appearance on News 12 New Jersey. More recently, because he is a white, Jewish rapper in a predominantly black industry, Lyric was asked to share his views on the topic of racial profiling and reverse racism on The Ananda Lewis Show. Ananda also wanted to know "...just what does this white kid have to rap about?" Lyric replied by spitting a hot freestyle that impressed Ananda, as well as the audience.
Shortly after the airing of The Ananda Lewis show Lyric's grandfather passed away. "This hit me really hard, but I felt like he was right there with me on the way down to his funeral ." In the JFK airport terminal, waiting for his flight to Florida for the funeral, Lyric met the first rapper he ever listened to - "...none other than the most famous pimp in the world - ICE-T." Lyric introduced himself, and ICE then introduced Lyric to the new members of his rap group, SMG (SexMoney&Gunz) - Brownsville rappers, Smoothe da Hustler and Trigger tha Gambler, best known for "Broken Language" and their work on the Nutty Professor soundtrack; as well as inventing the backwards rap style. Coincidentally, we all were flying JetBlue, and my seat was next to Smoothe and Trigger. Smoothe recognized me from TV and we just vibed and decide to do a track together once we got back to New York."
Lyric went on to record the track with Smoothe ("All this Time"), with the production done by Charlemagne. Additionally, Trigger appears on the intro to "Reppin' Shaolin". Inforca also has stayed busy performing by opening up for artists like DV Alias Christ, China White, and Smoothe & Trigger at a show in Riverhead, Long Island. Since then, he has performed at the China Club twice and at the El Flamingo Club in Manhattan.
Lyric brings everything together with his enhanced CD - "The Art of Lyricism" produced by Lyric Inforca Enterprises. It includes his tracks, performances, break dancing, and cameos and freestyles with Smoothe and Trigger. "I'm well aware that being white and Jewish might have some marketing appeal. However, bottom line, I would much prefer to be recognized for my skill and my business mentality to make it in this game." If you have any comments for Lyric, please visit his website at www.lyricinforca.com
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