Werdplay was that bigger-than-life-figure, hyperactive gargoyle on the big side speaker, shirt ripped off, veins popping through his forehead, water and spit splashing everwhere, rapping, moshing. He was that voice, that harmony, that honesty… that wordplay. Werdplay was that third of that trio known as BLESTeNATION (with MC Various and DJ/Producer Fafu), that group that wrote the theme song to the Blue Crush Soundtrack but also dropped “Sunset of My Life” (FAM III) and “Zombies Can’t Swim” (FAM II), them dudes who put on the best live show… and let young AWKWORD rock. BLESTeNATION signed that deal with that legendary major label. And then that major label went to shit, so Werdplay went out on his own.
In 2009, still reppin Bleste and MBC Digital, Werdplay completed his first solo LP, “Ryantology”, and it’s personal.
To listen to Werdplay’s “My Big Wheel”, from “Ryantology”, click here.
To watch the video, click 'play' below.
Werdplay appears on World View, the AWKWORD 100% nonprofit global hip hop album/project.
Click here to listen to AWKWORD - “Colors” feat. Werdplay; prod. by FNTM of Czech Republic].
Vitals
1. Stage Name:
Werdplay.
2. Birth Name:
Ryan William Gibbs.
3. Age:
Old enough for a groupie to have to be legal.
4. Zodiac Symbol:
Libra.
5. Birth Place:
Flushing Queens, NY.
6. Current Location:
Here, there and everywhere. Right now, I’m in New York City.
7. Relationship Status:
Do any of you girls wanna fuck?
8. Religion:
Ryantologist.
9. Ethnicity:
Irish, German, Austrian, and some other shit, I’m sure.
10. Political Affiliation:
Fuck politikin, unless it’s over a blunt.
Fill in the Blank
1. Childhood Ambition:
To be famous.
2. First job:
Video store, as far as I can remember… Or, it mighta been the produce section of a supermarket.
3. Favorite City:
Whichever one I am in for the first two weeks I am there — and then I get bored and sick of it. Then I leave.
4. Soundtrack:
My own whispering voice telling me negative and positive things about myself all fucking day long really fast.
5. Inspiration:
Entirely too many people, things and experiences to answer.
6. Indulgence:
Mostly things that aren’t good for my health and/or stress level.
7. Most Fucked-Up Thing I’ve Seen in the Game:
The sight of a talented, hungry artist being stripped financially by people in the biz that don’t even contribute to the artistic value of the product that is being released.
8. Biggest challenge:
Biting my tongue and letting shit slide.
9. Question:
Why do people think I have a lot of money?
10. Answer:
Because you iron your clothes.
Multiple Choice (choice: in italics)
1. My biggest fans would say I am:
a) an ill MC
b) a hip hop singer who doesn’t need Auto-Tune
c) a man true to himself, and to his fans
d) crazy
2. My biggest detractors would say I am:
a) brash
b) arrogant
c) no longer significant
d) crazy
3. The Cool Kids are:
a) talented MCs/Producers
b) leading the way
c) not my thing
d) not that famous
4. President Obama is:
a) a revolutionary
b) a puppet
c) on both sides of the aisle
d) caught between the aisles
5.) Facebook, Myspace, etc., are:
a) the death of hip hop
b) the birth of hip hop
c) the re-birth of hip hop
d) meaningless
Q&A
1. How did you find out about AWKWORD and World View? What was it that attracted you to the cause/project/album?
Years ago, I was introduced to AWK through a super-talented cat that goes by the name of Whatsizface. I was introduced to “World view” by AWK himself while I was living in Minneapolis. I had been on a previous mixtape he released, which made it easy for me to agree to jump on this one. What really attracted me to the project would have to be that it is dedicated to helping people in need. I am all about something that is charitable to those less fortunate.
2. What is hip hop?
I can’t describe it without using shit like “it’s way of life,” that’s what everyone says, and I must maintain my individuality, so my answer to this question is “hip hop” is a word that looks very silly when it is written out. Doesn’t it? I think so. Hip hop — that shit looks funny. It makes me think of jumping, while you’re hoolah-hooping.
3. What is BLESTeNATION? And who is Werdplay?
BLESTeNATION is big, bold, no-holds-barred, rock-inspired arena rap music made by three individuals who continue to believe that there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel they travel through, which, most of the time, happens to be the inspiration for the lyrical content that can be found in their music…
Werdplay is who Ryan William Gibbs wishes he could be at all times but is not. Werdplay is fearless, unapologetic, and careless and relentless with his thoughts and words. Werdplay is like a misbehaving child who’s been punished so many times that he doesn’t even worry about the consequences of his actions anymore. He doesn’t say “I’m sorry.” He doesn’t’ acknowledge that what he does is wrong.
Werdplay is who Ryan William Gibbs follows, with broom and dustpan, trying to sweep up all the things getting picked up and smashed on the floor of the china shop. Werdplay is not paying the bill for anything broken. Ryan is."
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About the AWKWORDrap.com Flipbook
In advance of the release of AWKWORD's World View album, www.AWKWORDrap.com will host a digital flipbook featuring interviews with the MCs, producers and other artists, who, along with AWKWORD, are making World View possible. The flipbook will include photos of -- and links to free mp3 downloads from -- each of the artists.
About the Interviewer
Lewis "LH" Hegeman is Manager for New York City-based indie rapper AWKWORD. He also serves as Director of Promotion for AWKWORD's 100% nonprofit global hip hop album "World View", as well as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Guns 4 Cameras, the 501c3 registered nonprofit to which all proceeds from World View are directed. An award winning writer (New England Press Association) and photographer (Reebook), LH proves eclectic and adaptable, having written and/or shot for the likes of MTV and AOL; LIFE, Grolier, and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Elemental Magazine, Mass Appeal and YRB; Big Daddy Kane, ILL BILL and Block McCloud; Miss Ecuador; and The Gear-Up Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of America, and Visiting Nurse Association.
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