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JAVA- Give us a quick overview of your early life before Hip Hop.
SP- I was born in Colombia but came straight to NJ at age 3. Lived in Irvington until middle
school then moved to Parsippany where I still reside. I was a wild child but at the same
time always still knew limits, had a lot of fun in Irvington then moved to Parsippany where
it was much different. Didn’t like it at first but then I adapted and in turn, became very
diverse from it. Enjoyed Parsippany. Had a lot of good memories and wild ones too,
especially in Parsippany. l always had a big curiosity about life and outside of earth as well
as secrets from the govts since the earliest days which reflects my music
JAVA- Your name is so different, there has to be a story behind it.
SP- I originally used to go by other names. First I went by "headcase" then by "heaven
walker" during my first recordings. then I changed to many styles b/c I was always trying
to flip my styles. That was around the same time I started striving to be righteous. but
even though I had that change of spirit, I still had a side of me that was still bothered by
many things and I would create songs sometimes in a negative mood, throwing shots at
the world. Also, that ugly side of me would erupt without any control of it if someone
crossed the line with me. So, as a joke I started calling that side of me "monster child".
soon after is when I decided, rather than go by two names, I would use Split Personality
to represent both. I feel like my name is not only a representation of me, but of the world
itself and most people in it. The world is definitely a yin yang. Full of balances. My split
personality reflects the half positive, half negative forces that swirl inside me, and this
world. At the same time, I feel like that negative side of me is my weapon for when people
try to play me out.
JAVA- What was the first hip hop song, project or event that had a special meaning for
you?
SP- My earliest writings were just scraps to me. Never had special meanings. Even my first
recordings were with other members, and the verses would just be random thoughts I
threw out there. I’d have to say the first songs or projects that had meaning to me weren’
t until I recorded my first solo track titled "Breathe with me". My first performance was in
99 with my crew The Highlanderz at a small venue we threw parties at, and performed a
few tracks. Then did my first open mic with The Highlanderz members in 2000.
JAVA- Did that help make you the emcee you became later on?
SP- My first solo song did help me become a better emcee, because that "Breathe with
me" track became popular amongst the locals and because of the positive feedback, it
made me confident that I can rock on my own. My first performances also helped me
because after performing on stage for the first times in the 99-2000 period, it made me
comfortable with an audience and allowed me to be confident of rocking live.
JAVA- Do you remember the first rhyme you wrote?
SP- I don’t at all. I don’t remember any of my earliest writing because I didn’t take them
serious. I used to just throw away all of my earliest writings.
JAVA- As a fan of hip hop I want to thank you for your project Blessed by GOD, Cursed
by Man. When I heard it, I said to myself; this dude is on a different level, both
lyrically and with the subject matter. Is that the effect you wanted it to have on the
listener?
SP- Thanks so much for the love. I appreciate the support so much more when I get it
because I never expect it. I'm glad you can recognize what I do because that is the effect
I want to have on people. Most people that listen to rap don’t really understand rhyme
structure etc and cant understand that what I’m doing with my rhymes is a lot harder than
most rap you hear out there. On that alone, I always expect people to get moved by that
regardless if they don’t care about my subject matter. And luckily, there are heads out
there who do. I have many fans who I can tell don’t really care about my subjects but they
give me dap b/c they feel my flow and style was nice, different. and complex. But of course
I rather have the listeners paying attention to my subject matter just as much and hope
that’s the effect I always have on as many people possible.
JAVA- How was the time with the Highlanderz? How was that experience?
SP- The Highlanderz has a history of its own. in a nutshell, there were other members and
I didn’t come until later. The member who actually came up with the name eventually
parted. You can kind of say I took his place. The members that stayed officially and began
recording and performing were only 3...Anom, Vecs One, and myself. To be honest, those
were the greatest experiences I had. It was with The Highlanderz that I learned a lot.
Anom and Vecs One taught me a lot. We did so many shows, recorded so many tracks. It
was a lot of fun.
JAVA- How did that shape you as a solo artist?
SP- Everything I learned about the rap game in the Highlanderz days helped make my
solo debut possible.
JAVA- Do you think you’ll work with them in the future?
SP- I always hope so. For now, they aren’t really pursuing a rap career but they still love
hip hop and will always be down to link up. I'm waiting until I kick down some doors to
motivate them to join forces again.
Java- One of my many sources told me, you're into the gaming culture.
SP- Not as much as I used to be, unfortunately.
Java- Oh, so you used to be. What were some of your favorite games when you did
play?
SP- Definitely, Ninja Gaiden... all three of them, the whole trilogy. During the NES days, I
played Double Dragon and so many games... I was a big fan of Kung Fu, also the Ninja
Turtle and the Mario games.
Java- What about now? Is the interest still there?
SP- It is, I just don't have the time like I used to. Oh... the Zelda games also. As of right
now, I've been playing the latest Zelda that just came out, The Twilight Princess. It was
for Gamecube and I didn't really get a chance to get into it. The Zelda's are some of my
favorite games, along with the God of War series. I played the first one and the second
one for the PS2 and I also went through the PSP version. The third one just came out. I've
played the demo version... and just when you think it can't get any better, it got better. I
just played the demo version so I can't judge it overall yet, but they threw in a lot of new
things that I never thought they could get more creative with. Props to the God of War
designers, they've got some creative skills.
Java- So the series is working?
SP- Yeah. I've also been playing Dead Space. It's like a Resident Evil meets the Future.
It's off the hook. If you saw the film Pandorum, the game is like the movie. It's a realllly,
good game. It's very intense.
Java- What about Halo?
SP- I missed out on the Halo's. I have a 360 but I haven't had the time to mess with it. I
missed out on all the Halo's but I know they're very good. I played it just for a second to
test it out, but unfortunately I never got back to it. The same for the Gears of War. I have
the Gears of War and haven't played it yet. Then the Gears of War 2 came out...
Java- You've got a lot of making up to do.
SP- Another game I have to mention, that I just remembered, is a game called Ninja
Blade. It didn't really get a lot of notoriety, but it's like a God of War meets Tenchu. It's off
the hook. I realized just recently how good this game is and that's another one I'll have to
dedicate myself to.
Java- I've got a big closing question for you. Let's say you're getting sent away to a
deserted Island for 5 years and all you can take is 3 music CD's, 3 games and one
chick.
SP- #1- I'm a big fan of a dude that goes by the name ONE DAE. He never got big, he had
a chance to come out with a super underground artist named Jedi Mind Tricks. I'm a big,
big, big fan of his. I'm always pumpin his stuff. As far which project I’d say, Gemini’s Curse.
#2- I'm not a huge fan of rock, but there's this group called, The Mars Volta. They’re like a
Pink Floyd, meets Led Zeppelin. Combination, classic experiential rock. The main composer
goes by the name Omar Rodriguez Lopez, I mean you listen to them and you think you’re
trippin. He uses all kinds of effects, all the songs are extended. They’ve already come out
with like 5 songs, but Omar is such a beast he’s also put out like 3 side projects and he’s
done like 10 solo albums. He states that he’s recorded about 40 different projects and he’
s just going to be releasing them every few months. As far as which project I would take, I’
d have to say, Bedlam and Goliath. #3- I would definitely want to say Canibus since I’m a
fan of his, but I might switch it up and say something from the Ultramagnetic MC’s.
Java- Wow! I bet these three answers are the last thing people would’ve expected to
hear from you.
SP- Yeah, I’m definitely a big fan of the Ultramagnetic Mc’s, so maybe The Four Horsemen.
Java- Okay… and the 3 games?
SP- #1 I would say a Zelda, maybe the Twilight Princess or any of the series. #2- A God of
War and #3…. The Ninja Gaiden. As much as I was a big fan of Kung Fu and Double
Dragon, Ninja Gaiden is the one that I don’t ever want to stop playing. That could change
when I get into Ninja Blade and all the other games I haven’t gotten a chance to play, but
for today that’s it. And one chick, I have to say my girl.
Java- I knew you were going to go out like that. I know what the readers want me to
do right now is press you for somebody famous they would know, but if that’s your
answer…
SP- Yeah, I owe my girl and the truth is she helps with my sanity, she helps keep me
focused. I would have to bring her. She would be a big help for me out there cause if I
was out there alone I’d be going crazy.
Java- She’s gonna be glad to hear that. In closing what’s your next move?
SP- I want to put out the Sophomore album but I want to take my time with it. I don’t
want to get anywhere near releasing the second album until I make a bigger buzz with
the first album. It’s been out almost 2 years and I haven’t gone far enough with it
because of my own reasons. I’m trying to go for some marketing so I can get it in a lot of
magazine’s, a lot of stations and a lot of sites, so it could reach it’s full potential. According
to how that goes, it will guide my second album. I’ve recorded 3 albums for the second
album, but they were all features that were unplanned. I got an opportunity to work with
big people, like Canibus, Phantasm from the Cella Dwellas and C-Rayz Walz. I’m gonna
hold them off for the second album or I might have to leak them out because people like
them a lot.
Java- One thing about music… there’s no expiration date.
SP- True. It’s new when they hear it.
SP- I was born in Colombia but came straight to NJ at age 3. Lived in Irvington until middle
school then moved to Parsippany where I still reside. I was a wild child but at the same
time always still knew limits, had a lot of fun in Irvington then moved to Parsippany where
it was much different. Didn’t like it at first but then I adapted and in turn, became very
diverse from it. Enjoyed Parsippany. Had a lot of good memories and wild ones too,
especially in Parsippany. l always had a big curiosity about life and outside of earth as well
as secrets from the govts since the earliest days which reflects my music
JAVA- Your name is so different, there has to be a story behind it.
SP- I originally used to go by other names. First I went by "headcase" then by "heaven
walker" during my first recordings. then I changed to many styles b/c I was always trying
to flip my styles. That was around the same time I started striving to be righteous. but
even though I had that change of spirit, I still had a side of me that was still bothered by
many things and I would create songs sometimes in a negative mood, throwing shots at
the world. Also, that ugly side of me would erupt without any control of it if someone
crossed the line with me. So, as a joke I started calling that side of me "monster child".
soon after is when I decided, rather than go by two names, I would use Split Personality
to represent both. I feel like my name is not only a representation of me, but of the world
itself and most people in it. The world is definitely a yin yang. Full of balances. My split
personality reflects the half positive, half negative forces that swirl inside me, and this
world. At the same time, I feel like that negative side of me is my weapon for when people
try to play me out.
JAVA- What was the first hip hop song, project or event that had a special meaning for
you?
SP- My earliest writings were just scraps to me. Never had special meanings. Even my first
recordings were with other members, and the verses would just be random thoughts I
threw out there. I’d have to say the first songs or projects that had meaning to me weren’
t until I recorded my first solo track titled "Breathe with me". My first performance was in
99 with my crew The Highlanderz at a small venue we threw parties at, and performed a
few tracks. Then did my first open mic with The Highlanderz members in 2000.
JAVA- Did that help make you the emcee you became later on?
SP- My first solo song did help me become a better emcee, because that "Breathe with
me" track became popular amongst the locals and because of the positive feedback, it
made me confident that I can rock on my own. My first performances also helped me
because after performing on stage for the first times in the 99-2000 period, it made me
comfortable with an audience and allowed me to be confident of rocking live.
JAVA- Do you remember the first rhyme you wrote?
SP- I don’t at all. I don’t remember any of my earliest writing because I didn’t take them
serious. I used to just throw away all of my earliest writings.
JAVA- As a fan of hip hop I want to thank you for your project Blessed by GOD, Cursed
by Man. When I heard it, I said to myself; this dude is on a different level, both
lyrically and with the subject matter. Is that the effect you wanted it to have on the
listener?
SP- Thanks so much for the love. I appreciate the support so much more when I get it
because I never expect it. I'm glad you can recognize what I do because that is the effect
I want to have on people. Most people that listen to rap don’t really understand rhyme
structure etc and cant understand that what I’m doing with my rhymes is a lot harder than
most rap you hear out there. On that alone, I always expect people to get moved by that
regardless if they don’t care about my subject matter. And luckily, there are heads out
there who do. I have many fans who I can tell don’t really care about my subjects but they
give me dap b/c they feel my flow and style was nice, different. and complex. But of course
I rather have the listeners paying attention to my subject matter just as much and hope
that’s the effect I always have on as many people possible.
JAVA- How was the time with the Highlanderz? How was that experience?
SP- The Highlanderz has a history of its own. in a nutshell, there were other members and
I didn’t come until later. The member who actually came up with the name eventually
parted. You can kind of say I took his place. The members that stayed officially and began
recording and performing were only 3...Anom, Vecs One, and myself. To be honest, those
were the greatest experiences I had. It was with The Highlanderz that I learned a lot.
Anom and Vecs One taught me a lot. We did so many shows, recorded so many tracks. It
was a lot of fun.
JAVA- How did that shape you as a solo artist?
SP- Everything I learned about the rap game in the Highlanderz days helped make my
solo debut possible.
JAVA- Do you think you’ll work with them in the future?
SP- I always hope so. For now, they aren’t really pursuing a rap career but they still love
hip hop and will always be down to link up. I'm waiting until I kick down some doors to
motivate them to join forces again.
Java- One of my many sources told me, you're into the gaming culture.
SP- Not as much as I used to be, unfortunately.
Java- Oh, so you used to be. What were some of your favorite games when you did
play?
SP- Definitely, Ninja Gaiden... all three of them, the whole trilogy. During the NES days, I
played Double Dragon and so many games... I was a big fan of Kung Fu, also the Ninja
Turtle and the Mario games.
Java- What about now? Is the interest still there?
SP- It is, I just don't have the time like I used to. Oh... the Zelda games also. As of right
now, I've been playing the latest Zelda that just came out, The Twilight Princess. It was
for Gamecube and I didn't really get a chance to get into it. The Zelda's are some of my
favorite games, along with the God of War series. I played the first one and the second
one for the PS2 and I also went through the PSP version. The third one just came out. I've
played the demo version... and just when you think it can't get any better, it got better. I
just played the demo version so I can't judge it overall yet, but they threw in a lot of new
things that I never thought they could get more creative with. Props to the God of War
designers, they've got some creative skills.
Java- So the series is working?
SP- Yeah. I've also been playing Dead Space. It's like a Resident Evil meets the Future.
It's off the hook. If you saw the film Pandorum, the game is like the movie. It's a realllly,
good game. It's very intense.
Java- What about Halo?
SP- I missed out on the Halo's. I have a 360 but I haven't had the time to mess with it. I
missed out on all the Halo's but I know they're very good. I played it just for a second to
test it out, but unfortunately I never got back to it. The same for the Gears of War. I have
the Gears of War and haven't played it yet. Then the Gears of War 2 came out...
Java- You've got a lot of making up to do.
SP- Another game I have to mention, that I just remembered, is a game called Ninja
Blade. It didn't really get a lot of notoriety, but it's like a God of War meets Tenchu. It's off
the hook. I realized just recently how good this game is and that's another one I'll have to
dedicate myself to.
Java- I've got a big closing question for you. Let's say you're getting sent away to a
deserted Island for 5 years and all you can take is 3 music CD's, 3 games and one
chick.
SP- #1- I'm a big fan of a dude that goes by the name ONE DAE. He never got big, he had
a chance to come out with a super underground artist named Jedi Mind Tricks. I'm a big,
big, big fan of his. I'm always pumpin his stuff. As far which project I’d say, Gemini’s Curse.
#2- I'm not a huge fan of rock, but there's this group called, The Mars Volta. They’re like a
Pink Floyd, meets Led Zeppelin. Combination, classic experiential rock. The main composer
goes by the name Omar Rodriguez Lopez, I mean you listen to them and you think you’re
trippin. He uses all kinds of effects, all the songs are extended. They’ve already come out
with like 5 songs, but Omar is such a beast he’s also put out like 3 side projects and he’s
done like 10 solo albums. He states that he’s recorded about 40 different projects and he’
s just going to be releasing them every few months. As far as which project I would take, I’
d have to say, Bedlam and Goliath. #3- I would definitely want to say Canibus since I’m a
fan of his, but I might switch it up and say something from the Ultramagnetic MC’s.
Java- Wow! I bet these three answers are the last thing people would’ve expected to
hear from you.
SP- Yeah, I’m definitely a big fan of the Ultramagnetic Mc’s, so maybe The Four Horsemen.
Java- Okay… and the 3 games?
SP- #1 I would say a Zelda, maybe the Twilight Princess or any of the series. #2- A God of
War and #3…. The Ninja Gaiden. As much as I was a big fan of Kung Fu and Double
Dragon, Ninja Gaiden is the one that I don’t ever want to stop playing. That could change
when I get into Ninja Blade and all the other games I haven’t gotten a chance to play, but
for today that’s it. And one chick, I have to say my girl.
Java- I knew you were going to go out like that. I know what the readers want me to
do right now is press you for somebody famous they would know, but if that’s your
answer…
SP- Yeah, I owe my girl and the truth is she helps with my sanity, she helps keep me
focused. I would have to bring her. She would be a big help for me out there cause if I
was out there alone I’d be going crazy.
Java- She’s gonna be glad to hear that. In closing what’s your next move?
SP- I want to put out the Sophomore album but I want to take my time with it. I don’t
want to get anywhere near releasing the second album until I make a bigger buzz with
the first album. It’s been out almost 2 years and I haven’t gone far enough with it
because of my own reasons. I’m trying to go for some marketing so I can get it in a lot of
magazine’s, a lot of stations and a lot of sites, so it could reach it’s full potential. According
to how that goes, it will guide my second album. I’ve recorded 3 albums for the second
album, but they were all features that were unplanned. I got an opportunity to work with
big people, like Canibus, Phantasm from the Cella Dwellas and C-Rayz Walz. I’m gonna
hold them off for the second album or I might have to leak them out because people like
them a lot.
Java- One thing about music… there’s no expiration date.
SP- True. It’s new when they hear it.
Get the Special Edition Michael Jackson Tribute |
| Hip Hop Artist Splitpersonality Gets his Game on Interview by Java Bomani For No Way Net Magazine March 2010 |
| Additional Information Visit Splitpersonality at his Myspace Page To get Blessed by GOD, Cursed by Man By Splitpersonality For Physical copies go to: CD BABY UNDERGROUND HIP HOP.COM ILLESTLYRICS.COM DIGITAL DOWNLOADS available at RHAPSODY AMAZON.COM NAPSTER.COM ITUNES LASTFM.COM AND MORE… SEARCH FOR IT! |
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