By Sean Maldjian, Contributor

Meet Really Hiim

Powered by occult imagery and fantastic production Really Hiim (448Pounds, $ha Hef) unleashes potent lyrics on his latest release ‘The CRUX’. Proving once again that the Syracuse rap scene is alive and well. In our latest interview, we chat with him about truth, lies, and influences.

Two truths and a lie

Answers at bottom of the article.

I speak 6 languages fluently

I am from Syracuse, NY

My first cousin was the former Treasury of the United States Under Obama

Would you rater

be trapped in a dark closet with a swan or a scorpion? Please explain why.

I would definitely rather be stuck in a dark room with a swan, especially if that swan looks like Mila Kunis

Some questions with Really Hiim

What gear was essential in finding your sound as a musician?

I started producing around the LimeWire/Black Market Fruity Loops era. I didn’t have money for any equipment but I wanted to create sample-based rap beats. All I had was a shitty computer and a cracked version of FL Studio. I pretty much still have the same setup but I work out of larger studios from time to time.

Where is your favorite venue in NYC to see a show?

Never been, but I would love to visit BB King one day. I’m also a fan of hole in the walls, as long as the vibe is dope

What kinds of narratives and moods do you gravitate towards in your production style?

When I dig for samples or melodies, I tend to listen for a certain grittiness. If I feel like if the sound won’t get an emotional response from the listener I’ve failed.

Who are three producers that influenced the music you are making under Really Hiim?

The Alchemist, DJ Muggz, RZA

Where is the most underrated spot in NYC? Why?

Honestly, I wouldn’t know! Haven’t been around enough

What makes a collaboration a success to you?

Definitely execution, if the collaboration doesn’t equal to a successful outcome there’s no point. You’ve got to be on the same page and willing to compromise, creatively.

The artwork for your 2021 release leverages some provocative imagery. What was the inspiration behind this?

we really wanted to find an obscure aesthetic only influenced by our original ideas. It’s easy to hire a graphics artist and let them create but we wanted to attempt to set our own trend. ( myself and executive pro PUZZLE) The aesthetic we chose reflects the mood of the music, dark... cult-like)

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

This is the first project of many this year!

Two truths and a lie answer key:

Lie: I speak 6 languages fluently

Truth: I am from Syracuse, NY

Truth: My first cousin was the former Treasury of the United States Under Obama