Five Schneider Hall residents take matters into its own hands

The world of hip-hop grows by leaps and bounds every day, much like any other popular musical genre. It's a competitive business where the chances of hitting the big-time are slim, but if it happens, the payoff is astounding.

To try and make this dream a reality, four SIUC students from Schneider Hall are banding together to make their own way in the University hip-hop scene by launching their own production company, Intrinzic Records.

The minds behind this operation are Curtis "Spank" McCall, Jeremy "Showboat" Ransom, Stan "Genius" Hall, Lance "Freelance" B. and Derrick "Beadz" Jones.

Spank and Showboat hail from East St. Louis, whereas Genius and Beadz are students from the Chicago area. This blending of big-city rap ideals has helped these young men to share perspectives on the possibilities of future careers in hip-hop.

They have started Intrinzic Records with the main goal of promoting their music, specifically that of Beadz. Showboat, Spank and Beadz, all rap, while Genius focuses on creating beats and producing the music. They all agree, however, that it is Beadz's talent they wish to put forth first and foremost.

Showboat said he began rapping early on in school when someone would come up with a beat out in the schoolyard and he would come up with lyrics to go along with it. He sees himself as more of a battle rapper.

Beadz began rapping with his cousins back in Chicago and is greatly influenced by Tupac Shakur.

Spank started out creating beats and put his own lyrics to them later on, eventually working to open for Nelly back in his hometown of East St. Louis.

Genius said all of his other friends rap, so he monopolizes his time to create beats for them and works on being a producer for the label. His personal influences include Run-DMC and Dr. Dre.

Although they are optimistic and confident in their skills as lyricists, producers and battle rappers, they still keep things in perspective. Each of the five are pursuing degrees that they feel will serve as backup plans in the event little develops out of Intrinzic Records.

Showboat is pursuing political science, whereas Spank is involved with education. Genius is in mechanical engineering, and Beadz is pursuing radio-television.

Spank said that once Beadz' music gets recognition, then he and Showboat will follow suit. Beadz is putting out an album in the near future, titled "8-12-84: Born to the Game." The release will be the first official album to be promoted through Intrinzic Records.

Beadz and Genius said they all understand that this process is going to take a lot of hard work with each one of them taking on responsibilities. Whether it's organizing and promoting shows, or making up fliers, they understand that it takes more than mere words to make things happen.

"You have to be willing to work," Beadz said. "Talent comes, but the best option is to hook up with others."

According to Showboat, part of succeeding also comes from being organized and having a sharp representation.

"It's about looking professional," Showboat said.

The process of running the label and getting publicity are factors that are open to fluxuation, but the music and the lyrics remain consistent.

"This is something that we take seriously," Beadz said.

"When you rap, you live and tell the story for them [the audience]," Showboat said. "Either they love you or they hate you."