Big Syke was a rapper from Inglewood, California, largely known for his membership of the group “Thug Life” as well as his multiple verses on 2Pac’s seminal album
All Eyez On Me. His solo work is largely unrecognized outside of the hit “Good Timez” but a further look into his story will reveal he has a true underground classic.
The production on this album is magical. Done by Johnny “J” (known for his prominent work on 2Pac’s aforementioned opus) and Big Syke himself is very organic; full of warm piano leads, bright synthesizers, colorful guitar chords, and strong drums. It feels very comfortable to listen to, but never feels stale or becomes only serviceable. They always find a way to compliment the vocals; superb enough to grab your attention while never taking away from the main focus which is the rapping.
What sets Big Syke apart from most rappers is how tangible his words feel. His lyricism is very poetic, often utilizing rhetorical questions, imagery, and symbolism to weave powerful stories of pain and joy, hate and love, and death and life. On
Ain't No Love he speaks on the unfortunate situation many are born into in the ghetto with:
From the first day of birth it was like we was cursed,
For our destiny to ride away in a hearse
Unseen tomorrows so many hearts are hollow
Can't help 'em they'll put me down if I let 'em
and
Who makes the call will I fall a victim like the rest
Slug in the chest one in the dome and make sure I'm gone
Send me home all alone in these cold streets
In desperation constantly drinkin' and I can't sleep
Far from a glorification of the streets, Syke is pleading for an escape route but does not know where to go. All he has ever known is how to survive in the ghetto so even when he has reached his breaking point he remains in the same situation.
Good Timez is a wonderfully nostalgic song that straddles the line between painfully sentimental and joyfully reminiscent. Syke recollects:
I remember playing in the street with my little bro
Kickin' it wit' Mental and Big Kato where you go?,
Dizzy D, Big Chip, rest in peace
Nissy T and all my other people deceased,
Can't let memories slip away
I ain't okay, cause I haven't seen you today,
Nothing but good times on my mind, can I rewind?
That question...
Where you go?... it's heartbreaking. His friend long ago slain may have left the world but will will never leave his memory. It’s something impossible to get over and it’s a common thing for people in his situation to deal with on a regular basis.
Big Syke is heavily aware about his dire situation and how his life could end at any moment and
On My Way Out he illustrates his inner thoughts perfectly with:
If I die right now there's some things I want to say
Don't plan for the future cause the future is today
Live your life like you're dying, cause in reality you are,
Sometimes sacrificed, but keep praying to the stars
and
I want to lay in a far deep away seclusion
But I can't get away it's an illusion
I'm falling further into darkness,
That's why we heartless
Time is constantly fleeting and the best he can do is live day by day and choose his steps as carefully as possible. His words are chilling. Unbelievably real and inexorable once he starts rapping.
At Your Convenience is a unique love song from a gangsta rapper and gangsta rap album finding Big Syke and singer Tonya Holloway going back and forth telling a story about two people who are in love with each other, but just can't be together because of their situations in their lives.
I want to know why your friends come before me
All the free time you get you ignore me
Breaking dates, you're always late
You're making my love turn into hate
With Syke replying:
My way, I been used to for a long time
Souls are hard to combine, it takes time
Me and my homies have a bond and a plan
I'm your man, it's just some things you don't understand
Can we work it out and try to find a way?
Or never let it out and go our separate ways?
I don't know, but I can handle it baby
It isn’t just a song about a male and female talking about how the other one is loyal or disloyal, and it isn’t just a song about sex. It’s a common story that people all over the world can relate to when what
should work out in love, can’t.
I give so many lyrics to say this: Big Syke is different from most rappers. From his commanding yet melodic low-toned voice to his artistic and expressive lyrics, he’s one that deserves attention. This isn’t a typical album, even if it may appear so on the surface. He wasn’t just another rapper and he wasn’t just a notable rapper from the west coast, he was a remarkable rapper in a world full of remarkable rappers that must get his due recognition.
RIP Tyruss “Big Syke” Himes (November 22, 1968 - December 5, 2016)
