News flash: there are excellent white rappers out there and they are not named Eminem. One such artist is Double S, a 23 year-old UB graduate. Also known as Slice, the rapper has several names worth remembering.
Double S, whose real name is Jason Teague, was born and raised in Oceanside, N.Y. While some hip-hop fans might be skeptical about the street credibility of a white rapper from Long Island, all doubts are put to rest during the introduction to his debut album, "Debut Retirement EP."
Although rapping since his teens as a part of the five-member emcee team Upward Avalanche, Double S also began to make his own beats two years ago. Now a year out of college and fresh into the game, the rapper has already put in serious work.
Double S was a contestant in the pre-show MC Battle at Spring Fest last year.
Since he's been out of college, Double S has worked for rap label D&D Records, a company that has released work by such artists as Jeru tha Damaja and Afu-Ra, while also doing work with the Boot Camp Click. D&D's recording studio was also used by major industry hip-hop professionals like DJ Premier and Nas.
But the studio recently closed due to changes in the industry brought about by the advent of sound-mixing technologies now available on personal computers. However, the company still remains active and relevant as a record label whose artists are known nationwide.
"The game has changed. Programs like Pro Tools make it possible for anyone to become their own producer, and anything that could previously be done in a studio can now be done just as well on a PC or a Macintosh," Double S said.
Double S is working to gain experience in the industry as a production assistant. Most recently, he has been promoting rap veteran Craig G's new release.
"At this point I'm just trying to get my foot in the door. I'm not in any rush to become famous right now. I want to refine my style and pay my dues. When the fame comes, I'll be ready for it," Double S said.
He recently made a surprise appearance at Broadway Joe's for Baby Steps' monthly MC Showcase. The battle was markedly laid back until a young rapper stepped up to Double S directly. The second half of the rapper's set was performed about an inch and a half away from Double S's face. But he remained calm during the onslaught and eventually decided to literally turn his back on his lyrical adversary.
When the time came, Double S got on stage and calmly grabbed the mic. He proceeded directly towards his opponent and introduced himself as a songwriter, not a rapper interested in a petty battle. Once Double S broke into his first verse it was clear who was the better rapper, and who had simply embarrassed himself. As if the scene couldn't resemble "8 Mile" any more, Double S ended the confrontation over the battle-friendly Mobb Deep's "Shook Ones" instrumental.
As for the new album, its production, delivery, and lyrics are all top notch. A lot of time and energy was spent on "Debut Retirement EP" and it shows.
"I'm not one of these kids out here trying to change hip-hop, but at the same time I'm not trying to conform to what's going on currently," he said. "I love the music, and I'm just trying to bring my own style and individuality into it."
Highlights off the album are "Wrong Path," "Clock Wise," and "Soul Controller," a song that, according to Double S, is a favorite among the ladies.
His powerful beats and the overall package are bleeding with raw energy. At the same time, the rapper focuses heavily on lyrics to make sure they're simultaneously sophisticated and edgy. Double S combines the hunger and the anger of youth in a way that is completely authentic. Whether it is Double S, Jason Teague, or Slice, remember the name. In a couple of years you may be able to brag that you saw him battle at your school before he became famous.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
