Supreem Thawtz, born as Troy Rowell debuted his first completed song in 1984. The song titled “The Bubble Rap” was used to smash other playground Mc’s at his elementary school in Poughkeepsie, New York during recess, bus rides and unsupervised classroom time.

Twenty three years later, Supreem has written countless songs and developed content much deeper than bubbles. His experiences and those of the people closest to him have given this artist a broader understanding of life which he masterfully illustrates through his lyrics. Supreem spent most of his life in New York where he says he learned most of what he knows and loves about hip-hop. He has also lived in Atlanta and Chicago. His regional exposure has given him diversity and a prospective known by few.

“I wouldn’t call myself a conscious rapper”, Supreem says, but his words definitely communicate more than a rhythmic pattern. As you listen to songs like “Still Everyday”, “Amazin” and “Beautiful Life”, you quickly realize that Supreem brings vocabulary and emotions that have been missing from hip hop for far too long. His hard hitting vocals, use of metaphors, and skill crafting the English language into a style that is truly unique, make him; if nothing else…one of a kind.

So what influences Supreem? From the old school artist like NAS, A Tribe Called Quest, Poor Righteous Teachers, De La Soul, Rakim and KRS One. Who motivates Supreem? Artists like Common, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli and The Roots, he says. “Artist like them remind me what hip-hop was called to be and help me feed my desire even in a time where hip-hop seems malnourished.” Heard it all before? Well, maybe, but when you hear this artist you’ll soon realize he brings the best of both worlds. His some-times gutter delivery will have you on the edge of your seat…but not ready to “pop off”. His lyrics express his accountability and his passion for change.

“ I think with a dry eye but cry on paper and pray my tears stimulate and motivate a change…”

-The Truth, Supreem Thawtz