Julius Wright aka Lyrical God - PLAYGROUND

Julius Wright a.k.a Lyrical God sees the world as a "playground". Julius is a 21-year-old Philadelphian beat/rap artist, a combination of urban percussionist and MC, whose exceptional talents combine to deliver a moving and sometimes brutal street soundscape.

Anything he can pen-tap or beat on is used for his music - stop signs, trash cans, post boxes - the city of Philadelphia becomes a re-appropriated soundboard reflecting the rhythm of his life.

Wright picked up a pen and started tapping on his school desk in the eighth grade and has now grown from the street to the studio. Julius tells us the city made him who he is, he in turn has remade the city, digging out its hidden rhythms and reaching out to its people.

Let That Beat Ride, the original Lyrical God track heard on this film is now available on iTunes, pick up the live version or check out the DJ APT One Remix.

This film, directed by Glendyn Ivin, was created alongside two other Burn productions, one a film portrait featuring Jess Kimura and the all-girl hardcore snowboarding film collective Peep Show, and the other a short film collaboration on the ultimate Mexico City street skate, featuring LA legend Steve Berra.

After the making of the film, we caught up with Julius and asked him a few questions. Here's what he came back with...

How do you define yourself when people ask about your work?

When people ask about my work, I tell them it is an iconic symbol of hip-hop. I'm spreading my message and beats, not just in Philly but every city and every country. I represent the voice of the people, absorbing their life struggles and placing it in my music.

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What was the most memorable moment for you during the making of Playground and what did you take away from the experience?

The most memorable moment I had was on South Street, in Philly. So many people were crowding around me. I was beating on a metal box, just rapping with so much passion. The people felt my energy and were going bananas.

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What are you working on at the moment?

At this very moment, I am working on my single and video called 'R.I.P. SP', meaning putting to death the negativity in South Philly. I'm explaining the biggest controversy in South Philly, in a profound storyline. Also, my team is throwing around some endorsement deal ideas including a BIC or Papermate commercial. School is about to get started, so let's make it happen.

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How often do you go out and perform live in the streets?

I perform live in the streets about four times a week. It is great practice for increasing performance and stage stamina. The people are always so supportive of the movement.

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Who were your influences growing up and who do you admire that's around right now?

My greatest influences growing up, then and now, are my father in heaven and my father on earth. I believe that a man can't truly understand himself if he doesn't know what he stands for, and those two will teach you. By understanding their principles and doctrine, an emcee will speak phenomenal truth.

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What role did/does the CODA program and AskForMercy Music play in your journey as an artist?

A great role, especially teaching and inspiring the kids. I realise there are a lot of kids who want to do what I do, so I provide my time and encouraging words.

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What has been your greatest live performance so far and what challenges do you face when taking your sound to the streets?

My greatest performance was at this very special middle school in Harlem, New York. It felt like a new start! It felt like I was launching into a new territory. The children were loving me there, they had so much fun that day...One of my greatest challenges is having the proper portable table to beat on, that gives sound that I am looking for.

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I saw a clip of you with Anthony Riley on YouTube recently, what other singers have you collaborated with and who would you like to collaborate with?

I have done many many collaborations with Philly talent from singers, rappers and other musicians... I would love to work with an artist like Fantasia because she has a beautiful voice. Plus I have this track called 'IF YOU SHOULD KNOW' that is perfect for her. HER GIFT COMBINED WITH MINE WILL BLOW THIS WORLD AWAY!

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What does the future hold for Lyrical God?

The future, first and foremost, holds prosperity... an iconic emcee who will take the world by storm with every music video, every movie and with every business move made. I see myself becoming a great leader in this world. Expect to see me in everything such as movies, television shows, and commercials. I see all types of blessings and opportunities in store for the future.

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Burn Studios, aka Burn music, seeks to highlight individuals passion for what they do by exploring how they channel their energies in music.

@burnstudios #burnstudios
burn-studios.com
YouTube.com/burn

Find Julius on youtube.com/lyricalgodmusic
or myspace.com/lyricalgodmusic
Contact details available at lyricalgodmusic.com

Watch Jess Kimura in PEEPSHOW vs QUEBEC

and RIDE feat Steve Berra