Description

Sound description: Lippsy's sound isn't similar to many. He has a very distinct sound - especially in the Youngstown area. His lyrics are creative and fun - void of obscenities and reminiscent tof the lyrics produced by true hip-hop artists. The best part about Lippsy's tracks is that they're good songs to dance to when you're out and they're good songs to listen to even when you're just relaxing at home.

Influences: Lippsy says some of his musical influences include Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Dj Qwik and a lot of 80s music (like Duran Duran). He also lists Dr. Dre and Quincy Jones.

Similar to: Music sounds slightly similar to that of Chingy and T.I.

Genres

Hip-hop / Rap, Solo Act

History

Picture a rap artist who produces his own material, has his own swagger and writes about having a blast rather than blasting someone. It may sound unreal, but Ohio native Lippsy has mastered this art. "It's easy for me to write a song without cursing if people want to hear that," says Lippsy, who got his name from childhood classmates for having, well, big lips. "There's many ways you can say something without being profane and still get the same effect."

Lippsy (born Marcellus Hayes) proved to have rhythm from the beginning. His mother acquired him private drum lessons at age 5. By the time he turned 8, he was recruited to play for two drum corporations. In 1991, Lippsy became interested in rap music after hearing DJ Quik's "Tonite" at a friend's house party. Soon after, he began writing raps and performing them in front of his cousins. "I used to take verses from three or four rappers and combine them to make my own rap," he confesses. "Whenever the words didn't rhyme, I would make up a line to connect them together. That's how I started." After graduating from high school, Lippsy moved to California in hopes of shopping his first demo.

After a three-month stint, he returned to reinvent himself. He knew a unique voice would separate him from the crowded hip-hop arena. Lippsy continued to perform in clubs throughout Ohio and surrounding states while recording new material. His new LP "GHETTO ICE CREAM MAN" will be released exclusively in Japan and later worldwide. It features the scandalous confessional “My Best Friend’s Wife”, the street banger “Lit Up” and the soon-to-be club hit “Monkey Remix” featuring Crafty Plugz recording artist Jin (former 106 & Park Freestyle Friday Champ). To stay up with Lippsy, visit myspace.com/lippsymuzic

Past shows