'The Problem' is Hip-Hop's Mathematics Print
Written by Robert ID1569   
Tuesday, 21 June 2005 11:33

Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens'' South Side, Mathematics (then known as Supreme Cut Master) began his career in 1987 by dj’ing block parties and throwing his own park jams in Baisley Projects. In 1988 he would acquire invaluable experience, as he teamed up with then-veteran mc Victor C, also known as Mr. X., and became his full time dj. Relentlessly performing in clubs and colleges in NYC, the pair dedicated their efforts to pushing Mr.X1s record (a parody of Rakim's classic "I know you got soul", a song titled "We Drink Olde Gold").

1990 proved to be a major turning point in Mathematic's career as he linked up with (then) Cold Chillin rap artist, and one of the legendary Wu Tang's founding members, The Genius, aka GZA. This partnership would earn Mathematics a spot on his first official tour; The Cold Chillin Blizzard Tour (which featured hip-hop and rap legends such as Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Kid Capri, Masta

Ace & Grand Daddy I.U.).

After rap artist GZA's deal with Cold Chillin took a sour turn, and soon ended, he and Mathematics took to the road yet again, but this time with the help of GZA's cousins, RZA and Ol Dirty Bastard (the other two founding members of Wu Tang). Soon after, RZA asked Math to design a logo for the up and coming crew (Math was a graffiti artist as well). His resulting design is now instantly recognized world wide; The golden W (he also went on to design Gza's logo, as well as fonts and layouts for the classic "Liquid Swordz" LP).

Mathematics'' first real exposure to the nuts and bolts of production came late one nite as he attended a session where he witnessed RZA construct a beat from nothing (the track would be come to known as the classic "Ice Cream"), and inspired Math to follow his lead.

In 1996, Mathematics dove head first into production, at home, in between heavily scheduled tour dates and rigorous road travelling. His first song made it on to the NFL Jams compilation (a track called "Fast Life" featuring Ghostface Killah & Andre Rison). This would lead to more projects between Math and Ghostface, including classics such as "Cobra Clutch", "Mighty Healthy", "Wu Banga 101", GZA's "Publicity", and countless others. All the while, Math was still contributing heavily to other classic Wu records (Supreme Clientele, Beneath the Surface, T-2; Judgement Day, Blackout (Method Man & Redman), yet still remained quiet in the background.

Released independently in fall of 2003, the record was completely mixed, arranged and produced by Mathematics himself, and went on to scan 30,000 units. Praised by critics, and garnering mention from The Source and XXL, the record showcases most of the original Wu cast (minus ODB, who was incarcerated at the time, and GZA, who was working on his own solo project), as well as gives some spotlight to Queens'' new comers Eyes-Low and Buddah Bless.

Aside from numerous projects he's currently involved in (including his own DVD, "Beat Kings", which pays homage to the leading producers in hip-hop and guests Math himself who takes the role of interviewer with such names as Kanye West, Just Blaze, Alchemist, Havoc, RZA, and many more), Mathematics is again ready to bless the masses with his next solo record "The Problem". This time out, the ENTIRE Wu makes appearances (including one of the last appearances of the late ODB), as well as Cappadonna, Ali-Vegas, Eyes-Low,Buddah Bless and more.

For Mathematics, the time is certainly Now. Through constant touring (Hard Knock Life tour, Family Values Tour, and more), important contributions to numerous groups of varied styles, and consistency, Math is now beginning to emerge as a distinct voice in the Wu family, and shows no signs of letting up.