Siyam

SIYAM Passion and perseverance have led to the release of Siyam's debut EP, "My Soul Purpose," featuring such tracks as "Lost In The Darkness," "Promise to Me," and "Just Wanna Rap." Siyam (pronounced SEE-YOM) was born on Nov. 19, 1972 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. Nine months later, he moved with his parents to an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County located between the cities of Arcadia and Monrovia. It was in this suburban area where, at an early age, he developed a passion for music. During the early 1980's Siyam caught an appearance by Run-DMC and Jam-Master Jay on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and it was then that he knew hip-hop music was his destiny. Run-DMC, deejay Jam-Master Jay, LL Cool J, Rakim and the Sugar Hill Gang are some of those who influenced Siyam. Beginning in 1983, Siyam became heavily involved with hip-hop, creating his own mixes and scratches using his family's old eight-track unit. The unit had a turntable he used for spinning records that contained break beats. He would play the break beats and then do a live recording on the cassette recorder in his boom box, into which he had plugged the eight-track unit. His first recordings were made in 1986, and at that time he went by the name of Def K. Def K was known by many people in the community, as they were familiar with his performances at talent shows and backyard parties in Monrovia. A gifted songwriter, Siyam grew lyrically through the reading of books his mother had supplied, knowing that her son may one day make it big. To this day, his mother remains his number one fan and supporter. Siyam continued his journeys with hip-hop continually writing, rapping, free-styling and performing. In 1992, he began a demo project recording in a studio in Pasadena, Calif. After recording multiple songs in Pasadena he had one in particular that caught the attention of many. Titled "Lost in The Darkness," Siyam approached music directors at influential Los Angeles radio station Power 106 about playing it. Siyam's radio debut came when his song made it to air on the station's "make it or break it"-type show. Listeners responded favorably to the song, but the show was soon cancelled and Siyam had to find another outlet for his music. In an effort to broaden his understanding of music and the music industry, Siyam enrolled in recording engineering classes at Pasadena City College (PCC). It was there that he became friends with music producer Matt Lavella, who at the time was also just a student. Since leaving PCC, Lavella has produced several of Siyam's songs. Although Siyam took a hiatus from music to focus on his family - wife, Maricela, and their five-year-old son - his passion for music has never wavered. From his days at PCC until today, Siyam has continued to write and record music and he believes that some of his best work has been created since his marriage and the birth of his son. On Oct. 13, 2003, Siyam's music made the radio airwaves again, this time on KUCI-FM (88.9), the radio station of the University of California at Irvine. Siyam's music can be heard on the station as part of its regular rotation. Siyam intends to have his music heard throughout the nation and world and he has plans to perform across Southern California this year.

Siyam has been involved in HIP-HOP for about 20 years now starting at the age of 11 in 1983. Siyam continues work towards accomplishing his goals through his hard work and soul driven determination. Through the street battles to the stage performances to the writing of his lyrics, Siyam will prove to be an artist that stands out!!!

Honestly my last live performance was on Figueroa in Los Angeles, outside of the Staples Center in Aug-2002. Warehouse Shoe Sale (WSS) was holding an event that I participated in. Other than that I have a lot of stage experience ranging from drama classes in Junior High to performing rap songs at talent shows dating back to my 7th,8th and 9th grade days in 86,87 and 88. I used to perform raps at back yard parties in Monrovia, Ca from time to time. As far as street performing, I have rapped for many people just freestyling and causing people to stop and listen. My latest live performances have been at the KUCI radio show in Irvine, 88.9FM (Innamissions). The show is hosted by DJ JP and the last appearance I made was with the Dirty Treats from San Diego. I invited them down to get them some exposure in OC. I love it, love doing the writing, the singing, the music,and the performing all on my own. Don't get the wrong picture, I enjoy working with other producers but ultimately you must be in touch with yourself before anyone else. I would say the moment that touched me the most was in LA when I performed in front of Staples Center and I did this song I wrote called, "What's Wrong With Love?". The last part of the song goes, "Throw ya guns down, throw a peace sign up high/ and stop wondering about how young you're gonna die/ There's no need to cry and can't nobody deny, when your mind's full of intelligence your power is amplified." At that moment, people put their peace signs up and were really feeling the message I was trying to get across. The other special moment I could add for yall is when I performed for my friend Dereck Dedeaux at his wedding held at Ceasar's Palace, Las Vegas. I just spit a little verse but they were excited to see me rhymin' and that alone made me feel good.

Rakim is the man who inpired the hell out of me. Writing wise Rakim was the one that got me writing on another level. LL got me to be confident and aggressive. My wife and son give me a lot of inspiration to write and just people and life in general get my thought process kickin'.

Be on the look out for artists such as Jon Doe, The Bruise Brothers, Noah Jones, Gunnie Sanotchra,C4,Ammo 1, Mr. Lefty and Dirty Treats. All of these bands are good people and good musicians. Dopest DJ's, Deps and JP of KUCI radio in Irvine. Dope producer (LOZO) what up!!! Postscript: Siyam is getting pretty clever with the beats himself so all rappers YELL AT ME!!! Can't forget my favorite guy and CUZZ in the world, Mohammad Iqnabi, I love you brotha!!! PEACE OUT TO ALL!!!