VS (Verbal Science) is a Tampa, FL Bay Area based rapper who had been accumulating fans as a straight rapper in the local markets, he had worked with some people in the scene who had some visibility and was hustling like everyone else in the industry. Then, at the end of 2009, he suddenly came out of the closet, as we reported here.

Here is our first interview with him since his announcement last Fall.

Introduce yourself to the world of out hip hop that might not have heard of you yet.

What up, out hip hop world?  I go by the name VS (Verbal Science).  If ya don’t know, now ya know…or at least after this interview, then you’ll know. 

Alright so you have had some exposure as a rapper before you came out. Tell us about some of the people you've performed with or worked with?

When I first moved to Tampa, I signed with DJ Shorte’s independent label (Hot4eva Records).  This gave me the opportunity to work with several talented local artists and producers, as well as an official music video that featured T-Pain, Paul Wall, Mike Jones & Chopper (Making Da Band) to name a few.

When did you start rapping or get involved with music?

I’ve been listening to hip hop since cassette tapes.  I enjoyed writing poetry and short stories at a young age and that progressively transformed into “rap” songs as early as 1995.  It was a hobby.  I didn’t get seriously involved with the music until about 2002-2003.

You seemed to be doing quite well in the closet, what made you decide to come out?

I felt the time was right.  I came out for the first time about a year before I moved to Florida, but as soon as I got to Tampa I was thrown deep back into the closet.  I think coming out the 2^nd time, as a hip hop artist, was even harder to be honest, but it was either come out or lose my mind.  I finally got to the point where I didn’t care about what people thought about it.

What has the reaction been by your fans, friends, and the people you work with since coming out?

Well, I’ve gained hundreds of more fans in the past six months or so, which is humbling.  Some friendships broke apart, but weren’t genuine friendships to begin with.  My good friends keep supporting me no matter what and they are my biggest fans. 

We see you represent Tampa. Is that where you're originally from?

No, I was born in Brooklyn and raised in the suburbs of The Empire State.  New York is tatted on my chest, that’s my heart.  But since January 1^st 2004, I’ve been reppin’ the whole Tampa Bay Triangle; Tampa, Clearwater & St Pete, Florida.

Just out of curiosity, What is your ethnic background?

I’m a white boy, Italian and Russian.

How many CDs have you put out? Including any EPs, mixtapes, etc. Fill us in on your discography.

My debut album, “In Da Lab” was released in 2005.  It was re-released in 2007 with 5 new tracks added.  I enjoy flooding the streets with Mix CDs as much as possible.  To date, I have approximately twenty mix cds out.

Had you ever heard of other out rappers/hip hop performers? If so, who, how and when. 

Around 2 years ago I heard about DeadLee in some magazine headlining an all ‘out’ tour.  I didn’t know an all out tour even existed before that.  I tilt my hat to all the other out-emcee’s who have paved the way.  You are all an inspiration.

If someone could only listen to one song of yours, which would you recommend?

Wow.  I would say “Take the Pain Away”.  It is a powerful & touching song.  The main reason I would choose that track is because it’s the type of message I am intentionally trying to send as an artist and as a human being.

Where have you performed? Are there any tours planned?

I have performed at several nightclubs in the bay area like Skye, The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Headliners, Studio INC, to name a few.  I am looking forward to performing in GLBT clubs and lounges in the near future.

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, gay or straight, who would it be?

Tupac Shakur.  Enough said.



What's next for VS, what are you working on?

New mix dropping next month, “The G-Mix” look out for it.  I am working on a couple upcoming underground projects with local artists, as well as other internet collaborations from artists across the globe.

Any shout outs?

Big shouts to my man A.P. for everything he does, all my people who stuck by me since day 1, all the club DJ’s and radio stations who have ever played any of my tracks, my Family, my fans, OutHipHop.com, my sexy dime piece boyfriend Bryan, and a special shout goes out to the haters, of course.

Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked yet?

www.Myspace.com/VerbalScience is the best place to check out brand new music, updates, photos & contact info.   Thanks to everyone from OutHipHop.com for the opportunity, you guys are the greatest.