Photo By Spc. Elvyn Nieves | Spc. Scedric Moss, center, a native of Baltimore, hangs out with his friends, Sgt....... read more read more
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By Spc. Elvyn Nieves
3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs,
4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – It's undeniable there's a lot of talent among the Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers who serve their country overseas. Besides working in their designated military occupational specialties, a lot of them stand out with their skills in the arts, like playing an instrument, dancing or even singing.
Such is the case for Spc. Scedric Moss, a native of Baltimore, who serves as a human resources information systems specialist in Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
What makes Moss stand out? He's a young Soldier striving to emerge in the rap music industry. He's been rapping since 2006, when he was stationed in Camp Henry, Korea.
"I decided to go with rap because I wanted to do something different," said Moss. "I'm always joking around. One day, my friends told me to get the microphone and joke around, and I came out with rap. Now I'm one of the biggest people in my little city in Colorado Springs, Colo., where I'm stationed in the states."
In the ensuing two years, the young artist had exposure in Hood magazine in Orlando, Fla., and Rewind magazine in Colorado Springs, among others. He also made music videos and performed as the opening act for Jim Jones and Mike Jones.
"People like good music, and I do good music," said Moss. "In my lyrics, I talk about everything: life, relationships, money and friends."
When it comes to his musical creations, Moss said he does most of the lyrics, production, direction, recording, editing and marketing. He also gets plenty of assistance from his friends: Cpl. Eric Young, who is stationed in Mosul with 3rd BCT's 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, helps him with the lyrics, and Staff Sgt. Demetris Johnson, who serves as a supply sergeant in the same unit as Moss, helps him with the beats.
"He's got some good music," said Johnson, a St. Louis, Miss., native. "He can go professional. He's got talent to make it. All he's got to do is apply himself."
Moss described his musical style as similar to Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco. But currently, the rapper focuses his time and efforts serving his nation in Iraq. This is his first deployment, which he said has been very significant for him.
"It gave me the chance to get away from everything," said Moss. "And when you have everything taken away from you, you appreciate what you had before."
Moss said he receives a lot of packages and support mail from his Family and friends, including his fans, which makes his deployment a lot easier.
What's next for Moss? In his military career, Moss will be promoted to the rank of sergeant in April. He also is in the process of completing an associates' degree in business management at the American Military University. He has a new CD coming out called "A Reason to be Cocky, Vol. 2."
"It would be fantastic if I can make it rapping and live comfortable with it," said Moss. "But if not, I would go as far as I could go in the Army. It would be fun to have the lifestyle of Kanye and 50 Cent, but you can't only live off dreams. You also need a backup plan in the real world."
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.10.2008 14:18 |
| Story ID: | 17192 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 310 |
| Downloads: | 125 |
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