King Syze

King Syze
King Syze (left), with Planetary, Zilla and Vinnie Paz.
King Syze (left), with Planetary, Zilla and Vinnie Paz.
Background information
Birth nameDavid Albaladejo
Also known asSyze
OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
GenresHip Hop
Occupation(s)MC, rapper
Years active2001-present
LabelsBabygrande

David Albaladejo (better known by his stage name King Syze) is an underground rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, of Puerto Rican descent. He is a member of the underground hip hop supergroup Army of the Pharaohs (AOTP), having featured on all their studio albums. He is known for his frequent collaboration with AOTP members; OuterSpace. Outside of rap, Albaladejo works as a member of a trade union which has inspired the names of many of his studio albums.[1]

Many have likened the witty aggressive flow and opposing mic presence of King Syze to that of Big Pun. King Syze has been featured on notable albums by Jedi Mind Tricks' Visions of Gandhi, Vinnie Paz's God of the Serengeti, 7L & Esoterics DC2: Bars of Death and OuterSpace's Blood and Ashes, Blood Brothers, God's Fury, and My Brother's Keeper as well as prominent features on the current smash full-length Army Of The Pharaohs' The Torture Papers. He released his first full-length album Syzemology in 2006 and features appearances from fellow Pharaohs Vinnie Paz, 7L & Esoteric, OuterSpace, Reef The Lost Cauze, Des Devious as well as verses from Sabac Red (of Non Phixion), Pumpkinhead and Block McCloud, as well as production from DJ 7L, Jon Doe, Block McCloud, Louis Logic, Crisis Center and Archrival.[2]

In 2008, King Syze released his second studio album The Labor Union. The album was known for "Syze lacing his relentless, rapid-fire flow over a slew of spine-tingling gutter tracks" It contained production from Team 707, DJ Waxwork, Skammadix, and MTK. The album was considered an underground cult classic.[3] On October 4, 2011, King Syze released his third studio album Collective Bargaining. It was entirely produced by Skammadix and featured Vinnie Paz, Ill Bill, Celph Titled, Esoteric, Planetary and Crypt the Warchild of OuterSpace, Baby Blak, Burke The Jurke, Doap Nixon, Kev Turner, Side Effect, Blacastan, V-Zilla, OuterSpace, Diabolic, Jus Allah, King Magnetic, Reef the Lost Cauze, Apathy, Chris Webby, Lawrence Arnell, Rockie Reyes, Poynt Blanc, M-Dot, and featured cuts by DJ Kwestion.[4]

Biography

Career beginnings (2001–2004)

King Syze grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he found his hip hop influences in his family, friends and school environment, all of which were ripe with young talent. Syze started rapping at 12 years old, heavily inspired by his older brother, Marcus Albaladejo (Crypt the Warchild) and now brother-in-law Mario Collazo (Planetary), who together make up the Philadelphia hip hop group OuterSpace.

His first 12" Single was released in 2002 containing: "Street Poetry" featuring Doap Nixon and OuterSpace, "Philly's Finest" featuring Doap Nixon, and "Last Standin'" featuring rap duo OuterSpace. It was produced by Tim the Toolman, executive produced by Vinnie Paz and put out by Superegular Recordings.

On 23 September 2003, King Syze released another 12" Vinyl with the tracks; Machine Gun Rap, Blitz Inc. which featured fellow rappers Esoteric and Vinnie Paz and Sibling Rivalry which featured OuterSpace.[5] His Track Machine Gun Rap was featured on 7L And Beyonders compilation album; Vinyl Thug Music.[6] It was in 2003 that Vinnie Paz gave Syze the proposition to join hip hop supergroup; Army of the Pharaohs. Syze agreed and saw his first feature with them on their compilation album Rare Shit, Collabos And Freestyles on a freestyle track and the track Syzemology.[7] He then went on to feature with Planetary and Crypt the Warchilds rap duo; OuterSpace where he was seen on the track Gods And General alongside Des Devious[8] and on their self-titled compilation album Outerspace on the tracks Qrown Royal and Front To Back[9] Syze also collaborated with 7L & Esoteric on the trackThis Is War on the album DC2: Bars of Death[10]

The Torture Papers, Syzemology & Ritual of Battle (2005–2007)

In 2005, Syze recorded the tracks Spittin' Heavy and Band of Brothers which featured Crypt the Warchild, it was released as a 12" vinyl in early 2006.[11] He was then featured on Jedi Mind Tricks fifth studio album Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell on the track Blitz, inc.' alongside 7L & Esoteric.[12] OuterSpace hollered Syze again for another feature on their third studio album Blood Brothers on the track "Hustle and Flow".[13]

Army of the Pharaohs released their debut studio album The Torture Papers the roster at this point contained Apathy, King Syze, Crypt the Warchild, Des Devious, Esoteric, Celph Titled, Chief Kamachi, Planetary, Vinnie Paz, Reef the Lost Cauze and Faez One. The album peaked at number 48 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums.[14]

In 2005, King Syze announced that he was working on his debut album titled Syzemology. It was officially released 13 June 2006 and contained guest appearances from Block McCloud, Pumpkinhead, Des Devious, OuterSpace, Reef the Lost Cauze, Vinnie Paz and more.[15]

In 2007, the second album by hip hop supergroup Army of the Pharaohs was released titled Ritual of Battle on September 21, 2007. The album features group members Vinnie Paz, Jus Allah, OuterSpace, Chief Kamachi, Reef the Lost Cauze, Esoteric, Celph Titled, King Syze, Des Devious, Doap Nixon, Demoz, and King Magnetic. Although he was prominently featured on the group's debut album The Torture Papers, Apathy does not appear on Ritual of Battle.[16] Later in 2007, German production group Snowgoons enlisted King Syzes track Blitz Inc. on their mixtape The Joining Forces.[17]

The Labor Union, The Unholy Terror (2008–2010)

In 2008, King Syze released his second studio album The Labor Union. The album was known for "Syze lacing his relentless, rapid-fire flow over a slew of spine-tingling gutter tracks" It contained production from Team 707, DJ Waxwork, Skammadix, and DJ Cru Cut and more. The album was considered an underground cult classic.[3] The album saw appearances from fellow Pharaoh soldiers Vinnie Paz, Reef the Lost Cauze, Apathy, Des Devious, and Doap Nixon as well as OuterSpace and Ill Bill of Non Phixion.[18]

OuterSpace released the track Gods and Generals 2 which saw appearances from King Syze and Des Devious again just like the original Gods and Generals song and was released on the album God's Fury.[8] In 2009, Jedi Mind Tricks put King Syzes track Blitz, inc. on their compilation album Greatest Features.[19]

March 19, 2010 marked the release date of Army of the Pharaohs third studio album; The Unholy Terror. Apathy returned to the group and new additions were added to the roster including; Block McCloud and Journalist. Chief Kamachi, however, got into a feud with Vinnie Paz and Apathy and therefore decided to leave AOTP.[20]

The Pharaoh Philes & Collective Bargaining (2011–2013)

Tracks of OuterSpace featuring Des Devious and King Syze; ‘Gods and Generals’ and ‘Gods and Generals 2’ were listed in the second compilation album by Army of the Pharaohs; The Pharaoh Philes which was presented by Babygrande Records.[21]

On 4 October 2011, King Syze released his third studio album Collective Bargaining. It featured Celph Titled, Esoteric, Planetary, Baby Blak, Burke The Jurke, Doap Nixon, Kev Turner Side Effect, Blacastan, V-Zilla, OuterSpace, Diabolic, M-Dot, Jus Allah, King Magnetic, Reef the Lost Cauze, Apathy, Chris Webby, Lawrence Arnell, Rockie Eyes, Poynt Blanc, Crypt the Warchild, Ill Bill, and Vinnie Paz and is fully produced by Skammadix.[22] An Extended Play version of the album was released on iTunes on 13 August 2013.[4] Collective Bargaining was not released on a label.[23] An Extended Play version was released on to iTunes on 13 August 2013.[24]

In 2012, King Syze was featured on Vinnie Paz' mixtape The Priest of Bloodshed on the track Golden Casket which also featured La Coka Nostra frontman Ill Bill.[25] Syze was also featured on Apathys third compilation album It's The Bootleg, Muthafuckas! Volume 3: Fire Walk With Me on the tracks; And Now alongside Vinnie Paz and Water to Wine alongside Chris Webby.[26] In 2013, King Syze was also featured on Jedi Mind Tricks' 12" Vinyl for the Animal Rap Release Party which took place Live at Silk City (Philadelphia, PA) on 4 March 2003 other guests featuring include Chief Kamachi, King Syze and OuterSpace.[27]

Union Terminology, 2 AOTP albums and Vested (2014–2016)

On November 30, 2013, Vinnie Paz revealed that two new Army Of The Pharaohs albums would be released in 2014. In Death Reborn is slated for a release on 22 April and the second LP is expected to drop in November.[28] King Syze is confirmed to be on the upcoming albums. New members including Blacastan of The Demigodz and Zilla from Houston, Texas, are said to be joining the group.[29]

On 28 January 2014, Syze announced he was working on his fourth studio album titled Union Terminology. The project is produced entirely by Skammadix (who also produced the whole Collective Bargaining album) and will be of the usual genre of hardcore rap that Syze raps with and will incorporate a diverse array of topics such as daily struggles, and working as a union member.[30] The album is said to be available for free download. On 28 February 2014, Syze released the first single off the album titled; "Due Process".[31] A music video was released the same day.[32] The album is confirmed to be released on 25 March 2014.[33] The album was titled Heavy Lies the Crown. He released his debut EP, Vested in 2015.

Bloodaz and Addicted to the Rhythm EP (2017-2019)

Bloodaz, Syze's fifth studio album was released on December 17, 2017.[34] Syze released his second EP titled Addicted to the Rhythm on May 31, 2019.[35]

Discography

Albums

Extended plays

  • 2015: Vested [39]
  • 2019: Addicted to the Rhythm

Army of the Pharaohs

Others

References

  1. ^ "King Syze – Cement Work". Genius. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  2. ^ "King Syze". Last.fm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  3. ^ a b Matt Rinaldi. "King Syze: The Labor Union - Jedi Mind Tricks - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  4. ^ a b "iTunes - Music - Collective Bargaining - EP by King Syze". iTunes. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  5. ^ "King Syze – Machine Gun Rap vinyl 12". Discogs. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  6. ^ "7L And Beyonder (2) – Vinyl Thug Music. Track: Machine Gun Rap". Discogs. 2003. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  7. ^ "Army Of The Pharaohs – Rare Shit, Collabos And Freestyles (2003, CDr)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  8. ^ a b "Outerspace – God's Fury (2008, CD)". Discogs.com.
  9. ^ "Outerspace - Jedi Mind Tricks Presents: Outerspace". Discogs.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  10. ^ "7L & Esoteric - DC2: Bars Of Death". Discogs.com.
  11. ^ "King Syze – Spittin' Heavy / Band Of Brothers (2006, Vinyl)". Discogs.com.
  12. ^ "Babygrande News". Archived from the original on September 30, 2009.
  13. ^ "Outerspace - Blood Brothers". Discogs.com.
  14. ^ Muhammet the Slav (30 May 2014). "Army Of The Pharaohs - Ritual Of Battle - Track Listing, release date, producer". UGHH. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  15. ^ "iTunes - Music - Syzemology by Jedi Mind Tricks Presents… King Syze". iTunes. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  16. ^ "iTunes - Music - Ritual of Battle by Jedi Mind Tricks". iTunes. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  17. ^ "Snowgoons – The Joining Forces Mixtape (2007, 192 kbps, File)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  18. ^ "Labour Union". Discogs.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  19. ^ "Jedi Mind Tricks – Greatest Features (2009, CD)". Discogs.com.
  20. ^ "Reef The Lost Cauze Talks Chief Kamachi's Split With Army Of The Pharaohs". HipHopDX.com. 12 October 2011. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  21. ^ "Army Of The Pharaohs – The Pharaoh Philes (2011, 192 kbps, File)". Discogs.com.
  22. ^ a b "King Syze – Collective Bargaining (2011, CDr)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  23. ^ "Not on Label - CDS and Vinyl at Discogs". Discogs. Archived from the original on 2013-12-26. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  24. ^ "ITunes - Music - Collective Bargaining - EP by King Syze". iTunes. Archived from the original on 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2014-02-14.
  25. ^ "Vinnie Paz – The Priest Of Bloodshed (2012, 192 kbps, File)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  26. ^ "Apathy – It's The Bootleg, Muthafu@kas! Vol. 3: Fire Walk With Me (2012, CD)". Discogs.com.
  27. ^ "Jedi Mind Tricks Feat Kool G Rap – Animal Rap (2013, Orange Translucent, Vinyl)". Discogs.com.
  28. ^ Apathy tweets: AOTP "In Death Reborn". April.
  29. ^ "Army Of The Pharaohs – In Death Reborn to be released April, 2014 –". Hip Hop Site. Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  30. ^ "King Syze talks Union Terminology album, produced by Skammadix: Interview". The Bee Shine. 2014-01-28. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
  31. ^ Due Process - King Syze on 7th Boro (Accessed: March, 2014)
  32. ^ Due Process on YouTube
  33. ^ [1] [dead link‍]
  34. ^ "Bloodas by King Syze on Apple Music". Archived from the original on 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2019-12-09.
  35. ^ "Addicted to the Rhythm - EP by King Syze". Music.apple.com. May 31, 2019.
  36. ^ "King Syze - Syzemology". Discogs.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  37. ^ "King Syze - The Labor Union". Discogs.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  38. ^ "King Syze talks Union Terminology album, produced by Skammadix". YouTube. 28 January 2014. Archived from the original on 2021-12-19. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  39. ^ "Vested by King Syze & Skammadix". Music.apple.com. November 24, 2015.
  40. ^ "Army Of The Pharaohs - The Unholy Terror - Audio CD - Underground Hip Hop - Store". Underground Hip Hop. Archived from the original on 2011-05-13. Retrieved 2012-10-04.
  41. ^ "Army Of The Pharaohs - In Death Reborn originally due 2012 - Still not released -". Hip Hop Site. Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-05-04.
  42. ^ "Year Of The Hyenas, by Reef The Lost Cauze x King Syze". King Syze.