By: Carmen Corea
There's no question about it. Miami is the hot spot, and the place where aspiring Hip Hop artist Theory resides. The name says it all--Anthony Bless, 23, originally from Queens, New York, is that man whose mind is only focused on one thing--"keeping the Hip Hop culture alive."
Big Dreamers Inc., a music production company, discovered Bless in July 2001. CEO Maximo Aguilar gave Theory his first big break by bringing him into the family that year, after Bless had been living in Miami since he was 16 after moving here with his mother and brother in 1997.
The production team has helped him release two major projects: Mind Theory-- Hosted by DJ Khaled in 2003 featured other artists such as DJ Miner, Sucre, Patty Taylor and ENO. In late 2004, Theory was at it again when Respect Comes First-- Red was released. This time it included artists Pitbull, Keiry and Yaisel as well.
His lyrics highlight anything from personal experiences to his views on politics, from his past love life to the city of Miami. Bless shows off his writing abilities when creating story-telling lyrics, and uses his imagination to write impressive songs. He considers himself like an author of a book.
At times, he integrates life situations that haven't happened to him, but could. Bless's musical influences range from hip-hop artists NAS and Mob Deep to great writers like William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe.
In "Lonely Girl," a song from his sophomore project about two lovers that are separated after one of them commits murder and is sentenced to prison, Theory makes sure to incorporate the two lovers' bond, and gives the reason why the male lover shot the victim: "I'm sorry but you gotta understand these cowards tried to prove that I'm less than a man/ Still got a reason to be upset but what am I without the street's respect ?"
Theory's lyrics contain explicit content, and most of his songs include that hip-hop vibe-- but they don't really end there. Producer Maximo uses his musical creativity as he includes numerous classical elements, like pianos, brass and percussion instruments in the background of most of the tracks.
Bless is currently working on his new album, Succeed or Suffer, which is due out winter 2005.
"I want people to know that I am here to make real music with lyrics that have strength in them. I'm bringing in what happens in real life and truth," Theory said. "Success is important too, but in order to get there, you have to stay humble first."
For more on Theory, check out www.theory305.com.
