UP CLOSE: The Black Sunn

Baltimore artist Trey R, was the first person to put me on to The Black Sunn. He said, " This guys got some shit, I think you would like". I had been searching myspace, and google for artists on the Baltimore scene that were worth a download to my ipod. The Black Sunn fulfilled this search. Filled with melodies, and rhymes reminiscent of "Golden Era" Hip-Hop. The Black Sunn is a strong piece in the future of Baltimore Hip-Hop. I caught up with him yesterday, to speak on his movement. - Ryan Lyons

Where does the name The Black Sunn originate?

There's many reasons why I chose the name The Black Sunn but mainly I wanted to get away from the cliché name I had before and stand out on my own. So I took elements from that former name and decided to also represent some of my influences (Wu-Tang, Black Star) because they made me who I am today.

How would you explain your sound? What picture are you trying to get people to see with your music? 

 I don't usually like labeling my sound but if I had to I'd say it has the soul of Hip Hop infused with who I am.I know what I want to say with my music but as far as the sound behind it I like to have dusty break beats mixed with samples, 808s & other sounds/synths...I'm trying to create something new and I feel as my last full length project GodSound was a step in that direction. 

Photo Credit: Kelly Connelly




"I have a long way to go before I reach what I'm trying to convey, and I can say for sure that I want it
to sound like nothing else out there." 


- The Black Sunn

I've been seeing you on your grind, building your buzz, and creating good music. What's your 5-year plan, and do you have one?

Ha, I do have a 5 year plan; I have a 10 year plan as well but as far as what it is I would like to keep the fine details to myself. I do plan on slowly taking over the US and then the world, region by region though.

What music do you listen to besides Hip-Hop? What's in your playlist right now?

I listen to a lot.Reggae, Soul/R&B, Rock. Generally anything that's good music from the heart. Hip Hop is my main addiction though and always has been.Right now I've been listening to a lot of Wu Tang, O.C. & Jadakiss. That new Lupe song “I'm Beamin’” is my shit too.

What is the Baltimore music scene right now? 

That's a good question.I'd say it's growing but splintered.The talent is there but the unity & support still has a ways to go. In my opinion age limits (on club parties) and a lack of a huge nightlife are the biggest things that hurt the Baltimore music scene, but I believe in my city and I think with the casinos & other things they're tryna build it will spark a lot of good opportunities & life into Baltimore

What's great to me about your music is that it feels like you've found your sound? Do you feel that way and if so how'd you get there? 

Really? Thanks man I appreciate that, but I feel as if I'm not there yet. I have a long way to go before I reach what I'm trying to convey and I can say for sure that I want it to sound like nothing else out there.
“Still Hip Hop, but new”, not this whole futuristic thing going on now, but something real, something to hold onto forever. That’s what I'm going for. Maybe in the future you can ask me this again, and I'll tell you if I'm there (laughs). I know I'm on the path but I gotta lay the foundation one brick at a time.

Sorry I couldn't make it to your last show. What do you feel like the best asset of your show is? Who do you look up to as far as stage presence?

My energy, the live experience should never be dull so I always try to spaz out when I'm on stage. I got a lot to release when I'm out there too so there's no way I could just stand in one spot & be a stiff you feel me? (laughs) Artists like Lupe Fiasco & Method Man are the kinds of people that I look up to when it comes to performing live. I remember seeing Lupe downtown at Artscape in 06’, and that was one of the greatest shows I have ever been to in my life and it was free! The live performance is, to me, what sells you over completely as a musician. If your stage game is wack, then I can't even listen to you anymore. That’s how I feel though.

What's next for The Black Sunn?

Shows & music! I got a few shows booked for the summer and I'm working on as many as I possibly can. As far as the music, I am currently working on two projects. One is a collaboration album with another Baltimore emcee, who goes by the name 810 and the other is a solo debut. When the time is right, the world will hear both projects but until then I'm just spreading the word about GodSound and doing what I do best u know? Beyond that I'm just doing songs with other artists I think make dope music and slowly rising to where I need to be.

Any Shout-outs? 

 Lemme say PEACE to my nikkahs 810 & Mydus, PEACE to everyone in Baltimore, PEACE to my Brooklyn & East NY fam (what up Mmadu!), PEACE to my DC & PG fam (DCypher holla at me!), my NC, Miami & Philly fam, PEACE to my supporters (especially those from day one) and PEACE to anyone else who needs a shout-out.Too much hate in the world ya'll SPREAD LOVE!!! One.


Listen to some great tracks from The Black Sunn:


 Lady with the Green Eyes - The Black Sunn by RyanLyons
 Leave Luck To Heaven by RyanLyons