King Syze
{{short description|American rapper}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = King Syze
| image = Syze Planetary Zilla Paz.jpg
| caption = King Syze (left), with Planetary, Zilla and Vinnie Paz.
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = David Albaladejo
| alias = Syze
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| origin = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| death_date =
| death_place =
| genre = Hip Hop
| occupation = MC, rapper
| years_active = 2001-present
| label = Babygrande
| associated_acts = {{plainlist|
- Pajafella
- Dj Freeze
- Kinkeri
- Leissoni
- Des Devious
- Army of the Pharaohs
- Skammadix
- Crypt the Warchild
- Planetary
- M-Dot
- Lawrence Arnell
}}
| website =
}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://rapgenius.com/King-syze-cement-work-lyrics|title=King Syze – Cement Work|work=Genius|access-date=9 March 2015}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://www.last.fm/music/King+Syze/+wiki|title=King Syze|work=Last.fm|access-date=9 March 2015}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/king-syze-the-labor-union-mw0000793888|title=King Syze: The Labor Union - Jedi Mind Tricks - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic|author=Matt Rinaldi|work=AllMusic|access-date=9 March 2015}} 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.
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.{{cite web|title=King Syze – Machine Gun Rap vinyl 12|url=http://www.discogs.com/King-Syze-Machine-Gun-Rap-Blitz-Inc-Sibling-Rivalry/release/240990|work=Discogs|access-date=28 October 2016}} His Track Machine Gun Rap was featured on 7L And Beyonders compilation album; Vinyl Thug Music.{{cite web|date=2003|title=7L And Beyonder (2) – Vinyl Thug Music. Track: Machine Gun Rap|url=http://www.discogs.com/7L-And-Beyonder-Vinyl-Thug-Music/release/2681123|work=Discogs|access-date=28 October 2016}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/810368-Army-Of-The-Pharaohs-Rare-Shit-Collabos-And-Freestyles|title=Army Of The Pharaohs – Rare Shit, Collabos And Freestyles (2003, CDr)|access-date=27 October 2021|website=Discogs.com}} 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{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Outerspace-Gods-Fury/release/1524604|title=Outerspace – God's Fury (2008, CD)|website=Discogs.com}} and on their self-titled compilation album Outerspace on the tracks Qrown Royal and Front To Back{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/2774-Outerspace-Jedi-Mind-Tricks-Presents-Outerspace|title=Outerspace - Jedi Mind Tricks Presents: Outerspace|website=Discogs.com|access-date=27 October 2021}} Syze also collaborated with 7L & Esoteric on the trackThis Is War on the album DC2: Bars of Death{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/7L-Esoteric-DC2-Bars-Of-Death/master/68911|title=7L & Esoteric - DC2: Bars Of Death|website=Discogs.com}}
=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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/King-Syze-Spittin-Heavy-Band-Of-Brothers/release/831238|title=King Syze – Spittin' Heavy / Band Of Brothers (2006, Vinyl)|website=Discogs.com}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.babygrande.com/news.jsp?id=106|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930164534/http://www.babygrande.com/news.jsp?id=106 |url-status=dead |title=Babygrande News|archive-date=September 30, 2009}} OuterSpace hollered Syze again for another feature on their third studio album Blood Brothers on the track "Hustle and Flow".{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Outerspace-Blood-Brothers/master/2780|title=Outerspace - Blood Brothers|website=Discogs.com}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://ughh.com/army-of-the-pharaohs-ritual-of-battle/BBG0324CD/|title=Army Of The Pharaohs - Ritual Of Battle - Track Listing, release date, producer|author=Muhammet the Slav|date=30 May 2014|work=UGHH|access-date=9 March 2015}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/syzemology/287336794|title=iTunes - Music - Syzemology by Jedi Mind Tricks Presents… King Syze|work=iTunes|access-date=9 March 2015}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/ritual-of-battle/263135898|title=iTunes - Music - Ritual of Battle by Jedi Mind Tricks|work=iTunes|access-date=9 March 2015}} Later in 2007, German production group Snowgoons enlisted King Syzes track Blitz Inc. on their mixtape The Joining Forces.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/967901-Snowgoons-The-Joining-Forces-Mixtape|title=Snowgoons – The Joining Forces Mixtape (2007, 192 kbps, File)|access-date=27 October 2021|website=Discogs.com}}
=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. 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/King-Syze-The-Labor-Union/master/524201The|title=Labour Union|website=Discogs.com|access-date=27 October 2021}}
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. In 2009, Jedi Mind Tricks put King Syzes track Blitz, inc. on their compilation album Greatest Features.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Jedi-Mind-Tricks-Greatest-Features/release/2164183|title=Jedi Mind Tricks – Greatest Features (2009, CD)|website=Discogs.com}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17215/title.reef-the-lost-cauze-talks-chief-kamachis-split-with-army-of-the-pharaohs|title=Reef The Lost Cauze Talks Chief Kamachi's Split With Army Of The Pharaohs|author=|date=12 October 2011|website=HipHopDX.com|access-date=9 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225035201/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17215/title.reef-the-lost-cauze-talks-chief-kamachis-split-with-army-of-the-pharaohs|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=dead}}
=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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Army-Of-The-Pharaohs-The-Pharaoh-Philes/release/3375035|title=Army Of The Pharaohs – The Pharaoh Philes (2011, 192 kbps, File)|website=Discogs.com}}
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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/5379886-King-Syze-Collective-Bargaining|title=King Syze – Collective Bargaining (2011, CDr)|access-date=27 October 2021|website=Discogs.com}} An Extended Play version of the album was released on iTunes on 13 August 2013.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/collective-bargaining-ep/id674907902|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616180544/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/collective-bargaining-ep/id674907902|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2014|title=iTunes - Music - Collective Bargaining - EP by King Syze|work=iTunes|access-date=9 March 2015}} Collective Bargaining was not released on a label.{{Cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/label/1818-Not-On-Label |title=Not on Label - CDS and Vinyl at Discogs |website=Discogs |access-date=2014-02-11 |archive-date=2013-12-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226115613/http://www.discogs.com/label/1818-Not-On-Label |url-status=dead }} An Extended Play version was released on to iTunes on 13 August 2013.{{Cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/collective-bargaining-ep/id674903539 |title=ITunes - Music - Collective Bargaining - EP by King Syze |website=iTunes |access-date=2014-02-14 |archive-date=2014-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617080020/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/collective-bargaining-ep/id674903539 |url-status=dead }}
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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/3386463-Vinnie-Paz-The-Priest-Of-Bloodshed|title=Vinnie Paz – The Priest Of Bloodshed (2012, 192 kbps, File)|access-date=27 October 2021|website=Discogs.com}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Apathy-Its-The-Bootleg-Muthafukas-Vol-3-Fire-Walk-With-Me/release/3918900|title=Apathy – It's The Bootleg, Muthafu@kas! Vol. 3: Fire Walk With Me (2012, CD)|website=Discogs.com}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Jedi-Mind-Tricks-Feat-Kool-G-Rap-Animal-Rap/release/5386611|title=Jedi Mind Tricks Feat Kool G Rap – Animal Rap (2013, Orange Translucent, Vinyl)|website=Discogs.com}}
=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.[https://twitter.com/ApathyDGZ/status/428615558616334336 Apathy tweets:] AOTP "In Death Reborn". April. 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/12/25/new-army-of-the-pharoahes-vinnie-paz-projects-due-2012 |title=Army Of The Pharaohs – In Death Reborn to be released April, 2014 – |publisher=Hip Hop Site |access-date=2014-04-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054637/http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/12/25/new-army-of-the-pharoahes-vinnie-paz-projects-due-2012/ |archive-date=2013-09-21 }}
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.{{cite web|date=2014-01-28|url=http://www.thebeeshine.com/king-syze-talks-union-terminology-album-produced-by-skammadix/|title=King Syze talks Union Terminology album, produced by Skammadix: Interview|work=The Bee Shine|access-date=2016-10-28}} 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".[http://www.7thboro.com/king-syze-due-process-video/ Due Process - King Syze] on 7th Boro (Accessed: March, 2014) A music video was released the same day.{{YouTube|id=gO3JlNJcPMg|title=Due Process}} The album is confirmed to be released on 25 March 2014.[https://twitter.com/KINGSYZE/status/4423572290236784654] {{dead link|date=October 2021}} The album was titled Heavy Lies the Crown. He released his debut EP, Vested in 2015.
=Addicted to the Rhythm EP (2019)=
Syze released his second EP titled Addicted to the Rhythm on May 31, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/addicted-to-the-rhythm-ep/1487821379|title=Addicted to the Rhythm - EP by King Syze|date=May 31, 2019|website=Music.apple.com}}
Discography
=Albums=
- 2006: Syzemology{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/216620-King-Syze-Syzemology|title=King Syze - Syzemology|website=Discogs.com|access-date=27 October 2021}}
- 2008: The Labor Union{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/524201-King-Syze-The-Labor-Union|title=King Syze - The Labor Union|website=Discogs.com|access-date=27 October 2021}}
- 2011: Collective Bargaining
- 2014: Union Terminology{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUNkUFb0NZI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/xUNkUFb0NZI |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=King Syze talks Union Terminology album, produced by Skammadix|date=28 January 2014|publisher=YouTube|access-date=9 March 2015}}{{cbignore}}
=Extended plays=
- 2015: Vested {{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/vested/1058093668|title=Vested by King Syze & Skammadix|date=November 24, 2015|website=Music.apple.com}}
- 2019: Addicted to the Rhythm
=[[Army of the Pharaohs]]=
- 2006: The Torture Papers
- 2007: Ritual of Battle
- 2010: The Unholy Terror{{cite web |url=http://www.undergroundhiphop.com/store/detail.asp?=Army-Of-The-Pharaohs-Vinnie-Paz-Esoteric-Outerspace-Apathy-Celph-Titled-Reef-King-Syze-The-Unholy-Terror-Enemy-Soil-Records&UPC=IHI023CD |title=Army Of The Pharaohs - The Unholy Terror - Audio CD - Underground Hip Hop - Store |publisher=Underground Hip Hop |date= |access-date=2012-10-04 |archive-date=2011-05-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513160535/http://www.undergroundhiphop.com/store/detail.asp?=Army-Of-The-Pharaohs-Vinnie-Paz-Esoteric-Outerspace-Apathy-Celph-Titled-Reef-King-Syze-The-Unholy-Terror-Enemy-Soil-Records&UPC=IHI023CD |url-status=dead }}
- 2014: In Death Reborn{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/12/25/new-army-of-the-pharoahes-vinnie-paz-projects-due-2012 |title=Army Of The Pharaohs - In Death Reborn originally due 2012 - Still not released - |publisher=Hip Hop Site |access-date=2013-05-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054637/http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/12/25/new-army-of-the-pharoahes-vinnie-paz-projects-due-2012/ |archive-date=2013-09-21 }}
- 2014: Heavy Lies the Crown
=Others=
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Discogs artist|artist=188467-King-Syze}}
{{King Syze|state=expanded}}
{{Army of the Pharaohs}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Syze, King}}
Category:American male rappers
Category:Army of the Pharaohs members
Category:Rappers from Philadelphia
Category:21st-century American rappers