By Alicia CruzSenior writer
Theblackurbantimes
The apex of the earth's motion, that point of the heavens toward which the earth is moving in its orbit. It's a noun that means "the highest point (of something); the peak of a pyramid. It means what it means: On top...the top and there describes Battle Squad Records newest rapper, Apex, nee Alicia Rodriguez.
{Photo left, Rapper Apex / Photos by Battle Squad Productions}
She's a petite Boricua with that typical spiciness we Boricua's are well known for and to top that off, she's got the wicked lyrics and beats to match. Check out her myspace page here and listen to a few of her tunes.
Apex is every bit as intriguing, as she is lyrical and her passion on the mic tells you that this is one Boricua with the tenacity to make it in this tough industry. I sat in on a session of hers and I swear, this chica never came up for air.Her producer had to remind to breath. Now that is p
assion.
Apex is every bit as intriguing, as she is lyrical and her passion on the mic tells you that this is one Boricua with the tenacity to make it in this tough industry. I sat in on a session of hers and I swear, this chica never came up for air.Her producer had to remind to breath. Now that is p
assion. Several times a week, Apex can be found hard at work in the studio of Battle Squad records. She spits lyrics to sampled rhythmic break beats and some original beats produced by none other than Tone Mack.
Music is her love, but her children are her muse. Yes, she's a single parent in the throes of a difficult divorce, but this does very little to discourage the 24-year-old artist.
Music is her love, but her children are her muse. Yes, she's a single parent in the throes of a difficult divorce, but this does very little to discourage the 24-year-old artist.
{Rapper Apex in session working on her freshman CD, Sweet Dreams}
"They (my children) motivate and inspire me everyday...every night. Just knowing that one day, I'm going to make them proud of me pushes me to do what I do. Plus I get a lot of encouragement from my producers," says Apex.
Her drive to overcome her struggles led her to music. She honed her hood politics and rapping skills from the time she was "old enough to know what rap was" and that led her to BSR. "I just signed with the label two weeks ago and almost everyday, I'm in that booth spittin' lyrics," says Apex.
BLKUTMS: You mentioned "hood politics," what is that?
APEX: Hood politics is just terminology and the game of these streets. Like I grew up in Sandy Run apartments here and back when I was coming up, it was crazy in Sandy Run. I'm glad I got out of there and don't ever plan to go back.
"They (my children) motivate and inspire me everyday...every night. Just knowing that one day, I'm going to make them proud of me pushes me to do what I do. Plus I get a lot of encouragement from my producers," says Apex.
Her drive to overcome her struggles led her to music. She honed her hood politics and rapping skills from the time she was "old enough to know what rap was" and that led her to BSR. "I just signed with the label two weeks ago and almost everyday, I'm in that booth spittin' lyrics," says Apex.
BLKUTMS: You mentioned "hood politics," what is that?
APEX: Hood politics is just terminology and the game of these streets. Like I grew up in Sandy Run apartments here and back when I was coming up, it was crazy in Sandy Run. I'm glad I got out of there and don't ever plan to go back.
{L to R: Rapper Apex with Producer, Tone Mack and BSR CEO, Rick Jones}
BLKUTMS: What brought you to the Jacksonville area? The same thing as many of us? (Laughing)
APEX: The military? (laughing) Yeah that's it. My dad was a Marine. He doesn't live here now. I just moved back here from Maryland myself.
BLKUTMS: Great. Who are some of the female rappers that inspired you?
APEX: The heavyweights like MC Lyte, Latifah.
BLKUTMS: Ok, great role models. Both are heavyweights in different facades of the industry. They’ve crossed over onto the silver screen, commercials, TV...Are you hoping to do the same?
BLKUTMS: What brought you to the Jacksonville area? The same thing as many of us? (Laughing)
APEX: The military? (laughing) Yeah that's it. My dad was a Marine. He doesn't live here now. I just moved back here from Maryland myself.
BLKUTMS: Great. Who are some of the female rappers that inspired you?
APEX: The heavyweights like MC Lyte, Latifah.
BLKUTMS: Ok, great role models. Both are heavyweights in different facades of the industry. They’ve crossed over onto the silver screen, commercials, TV...Are you hoping to do the same?
{L to R: BSR artist Derek Jones aka Yung Saint and Rapper Apex in BSR studio}
APEX: Definitely and the thing is, I know I have what it takes to make it. I just need a open door.
BLKUTMS: What's the title of your freshman CD?
APEX: Sweet Dreams.
BLKUTMS: Any special reason for that name?
APEX: Well, it just means what it means. I'm giving them (my listeners) sweet dreams.
BLKUTMS: What can listeners expect when they hear this CD? What type of hip-hop?
APEX: Versatility. There's a versatile mix of stuff on it. I mean I go from hardcore to mellow.
BLKUTMS: Is it tough to be in this industry as a female?
APEX: Yes, it can be. I mean, my co-artists don't make it hard on me...well, most of them (laughing), but it can be tough getting people to take you serious.
BLKUTMS: Ok. Thank you, Apex. I'm looking forward to sitting in on one of your sessions.
APEX: That's what's up.
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