Slyce Perspective on Pay Me

About Slyce x Hustle
 

Emerging in 2025 from Atlanta, Georgia, United States, Slyce x Hustle blends hip hop, rap, and boom bap into a genre-defying sound. Slyce x Hustle represents the collision of legacy and hunger—two voices, one undeniable chemistry.

It all began in 2006 at LA Fitness, where pickup basketball games turned into freestyle sessions that revealed something rare: the kind of natural chemistry that can't be manufactured—think Nas and Jay-Z trading bars, pushing each other to higher heights. What started on the court evolved into years of collaboration, culminating in performances together at shows and the development of a creative partnership that never truly stopped, even when life pulled them in different directions.

Slyce, born in Buffalo, NY, carries music in his DNA. His father founded the legendary Process and the Doo Rags, discovered by Rick James, which earned gold albums and a permanent place in the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame and the Brooklyn Museum. Music wasn't a choice—it was an inheritance. Since 2008, he's been translating that legacy into his own language, recording through relocations from Buffalo to Florida to Georgia, always with the pen sharp and the perspective wider. His path has also taken him through film, appearing in Van Wilder 3: Freshman Year and Black Panther as a Border Tribe member.

Hustle, straight out of Passaic, New Jersey, never stopped writing. Even when paths diverged, he kept sending rhymes to Slyce, keeping the flame lit. His dedication to the craft remained constant—bars honed in notebooks, verses refined in the margins of daily life, always sharpening the blade.

Now, both family men—Slyce with four children, Hustle with three—they're back in the booth sounding like they never left. The storytelling is sharper. The lyricism is at an all-time high. The bars hit harder because they're lived in, earned through years of experience, sacrifice, and growth.

Slyce x Hustle isn't a comeback. It's an arrival. And their forthcoming EP, Built Before The Algorithm, is proof—real hip-hop crafted before the culture became a formula, now refined for a world that needs it.
 

My background as a recording artist and storyteller heavily influences Pay Me (Slyce ft. Hustle). Over the years, I’ve experienced the ups and downs of pursuing success in the music industry and in life, from navigating business challenges to taking risks for my craft. This song reflects those experiences—highlighting ambition, determination, and the drive to be recognized and fairly compensated for hard work. Collaborating with Hustle brings an authentic perspective from someone who shares a similar journey, making the track a genuine expression of our hustle and perseverance.

My earliest memory of listening to music is just being around the house growing up in Buffalo, New York. My father was the lead singer of Process and the Durags, a group that was discovered by Rick James, so music was always a part of my environment. I remember hearing soul, funk, and doo-wop constantly. Later, through my older sibling, I was introduced to hip-hop. I can clearly remember listening to Michael Jackson, Rick James, and Earth, Wind & Fire, and then later Nas and Tupac. Music was a constant companion growing up, shaping the way I think about rhythm, storytelling, and expression.

I’ve always admired artists growing up, but the moment I decided I could actually do it myself was when I saw and heard Lil Bow Wow perform as a kid. Seeing someone my age on stage and making music made me realize that I could turn my passion into a reality, too.

Pay Me (Slyce ft. Hustle) is high-energy hip-hop and rap. It’s an up-tempo, hype track that works for the party or the club, but it also packs real bars—so while it gets people moving, it’s grounded in authentic lyricism.

Over the last three years, I took some time off from making music, and during that time I’ve grown a lot in life. That growth is reflected in my sound—I’m still an authentic, raw storyteller with bars and a keen ear for beats, but I feel more confident and mature. I’ve always had wisdom in my music, but now I feel even wiser, and I can approach the mic knowing I can do whatever I want creatively.

The main themes we explore in our music are the come up, the grind, and the real-life ups and downs that come with chasing success. Pay Me (Slyce ft. Hustle) reflects years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief in our craft. The chant “Pay me like you owe me” isn’t just about money—it’s about recognition, respect, and getting our due after putting in so much time, effort, and passion. It’s a statement for every artist and everyday person who’s been grinding for years and is finally ready to be seen and heard.

If we could go on tour with any artist, it would definitely be Jay-Z and Nas. Those are the artists we’ve always looked up to—the blueprint for lyrical excellence, longevity, and authenticity. When I think of Slyce and Hustle, I think of that same energy: real bars, real stories, and timeless impact.

It’s fresh—you’ve never heard it before. My music doesn’t sound like everybody else’s; it’s a unique take with a fresh perspective, quality production, and witty lyricism. It stands out because it brings something real and different to today’s hip-hop sound.

If we’re talking hip-hop, it would definitely be Nipsey Hussle. I really connected with his later music and the message behind his grind and motivation. If it could be any genre, I’d have to say Michael Jackson—his energy, stage presence, and impact are unmatched.

That’s a tough one because every song I release means something different to me. Each track tells its own story and captures a different moment or perspective from real life. I connect with all of them in unique ways, so my favorite really depends on the mood I’m in at the time.

Probably in the bathroom—hearing a song come through the speaker while I was in there caught me off guard. Either that or in a random shopping store where the track just hit differently out of nowhere. I don’t go to too many strange places, so those are probably the oddest ones for me.

My dream performance would be on a big stage with legends like Jay-Z and Nas performing—and then they bring me out as a surprise guest. I’ve always pictured coming up from under the stage on a riser, lights flashing, and stepping out to a dope set with the crowd going crazy. That moment of energy and recognition would be unforgettable.

I’d like fans to describe me the same way my name represents—Slyce means sharp and on point. I want them to see me as an artist who’s precise with his words, intentional with his message, and always delivers with impact.

One of the most memorable moments was the very first time we performed Pay Me. After the show, a gentleman came up and asked for a copy of the song on CD. I think we were only selling it for about five dollars, but he handed us twenty and said he just wanted to support. That moment meant a lot—it showed that the music really connected and inspired someone to give from the heart.

Beyond music, I’ve built a successful career in corporate America as a senior project management consultant, earning recognition as one of the Top 100 strategists globally. I’m a certified PMP, an author, a podcaster, and I’ve also been involved in film, including being a Border Tribe member in Black Panther. Early in my career, I taught for a couple of years, so I bring a wide range of experiences that influence my artistry. (Slyce)

One of the most embarrassing moments—but also a huge lesson—happened during a national contest called Ignite Urban. I made it to the finals, flew to California, and shot a music video at Berkeley College. At the finale, I performed in front of over 1,000 people with a live band, but there was very little rehearsal time. During my first song, the judges told me I sounded too much like Jay-Z, right in front of the crowd—it was tough and a little disappointing. But for my second song, I came out full of energy and really killed it. The experience taught me to stay confident, never give up, and always make sure my team is there to handle the details.

I continue making music because I have a deep passion for it—it keeps pulling me back. Music is a part of me; it’s in my DNA and an essential way I express myself.

The main goal of making music for me is to connect with people and create a sense of therapy or relief. I want my music to reach as many ears as possible and let listeners be the judge of whether it resonates with them. I hope it can accompany them through tough times, exciting moments, or just chill vibes—helping them relate and go on a journey with me. Beyond that, I aim to turn music into a full-time career that allows me to do what I love while providing for my family.