A love for hip hop spanning two decades has led J’Silva Jermaine (Scrappy) DeSilva to release an album of his own.The firefighter spoke with The Royal Gazette about his endeavours, family and his all-time love for hip hop.RG: How long have you been working on this album?JS: I’ve been working on this album for just under two years. The first single and album title ‘Silva Lining’ was recorded and released in September 2009.RG: Where does your love for hip hop come from?JS: My love for hip hop comes from the 80s. I submerged myself into the whole culture of it. Breakdancing, fat boy lacings, boom boxes, beep boxing, graffiti, and of course rapping.RG: Where does your inspiration come from for your songs?JS: My inspiration comes from everyday life, either from my experiences or from close friends and family. I draw inspiration from current and past world events also. Sometimes I may actually write about things I would like to experience.RG: When do you write?JS: Most of my writing is done when I have some ‘me’ time. Because I have a wife and two children I sometimes have to write in the late hours or wee early hours of the morning. I’m not complaining though, because those hours are quiet and I can hear my thoughts better.RG: How long have you been performing?JS: I’ve been performing off and on for approximately 20 years. I took a long hiatus though after I married in 2002.RG: How does it feel to perform in front of a live audience?JS: To perform in front of a live audience is very fulfilling. For me it is where I’m most comfortable. It makes me feel alive; I guess it’s akin to a Michael Jordan type athlete being in the ‘zone’.RG: Is this something you’ve been dying to do over the years?JS: I’ve been dreaming of excelling at hip hop and making it on the world stage. I can only imagine the rush a Lupe Fiasco or Drake must feel performing in front of millions.RG: Do your wife and children support your musical endeavours?JS: My wife is extremely supportive. Actually if it wasn’t for her I probably wouldn’t be on the cusp of this momentous achievement. She encouraged me to regain my focus. My daughter sings in baby language and claps her feet when my songs come on. Hands down I believe my son is my biggest fan. He knows the majority of my songs word for word. He has been on the stage with me also. He is also in my music video, ‘Do It Baby’. He loves dancing too, so watch out for him in the future.RG: As a child did you learn to play an instrument if yes, which one?JS: I learned to play the recorder as well as the drums when I was young. I didn’t stick to the recorder, but I did play drums a little in the church. I also was part of the Bailey’s Bay Majorettes drum section in a few of the Heritage Day parades.RG: Where was your album recorded?JS: The majority of the album was recorded at Near Future Records Studio although a few of them where also recorded at Just Platinum Studio.RG: How was that process ie did you have to alter any of your songs?JS: The process was real smooth. Both studios are very professional with knowledgeable engineers. I don’t like to play when I go in the booth so I’m usually well prepared. I did not have to alter any of my songs, but I did incorporate some old material into one or two of the singles.RG: Who are some of the other artists on the album with you?JS: The album features some of the best R&B and hip hop artists Bermuda has to offer. KT (the lead singer in ‘Proud To Be Bermudian), Candace Furbert, Malz, Force Proph, Yung Mack and KD da Beast. Stephan Johnstone also did some poetry. I would have loved to collaborate with a few more of my ‘Onions’ also, but hopefully the next album will see this come to fruition. The only overseas artist is Mecca who hails from St Lucia.RG: How much is your album and where is it sold?JS: The album will be on sale all night at the release party for $15. Other than that it will be available at The Sound Stage in the Washington Mall, both Dub City locations, as well as New Life Fashions and from myself for $20. It will also be available on iTunes.The ‘Silva Lining’ launch party will be held at Ferrari Bar on Bermudiana Road on Friday, from 8pm to 1am. There will be live performances by J-Silva as well as artists who are on the album. General admission is $20. VIP tickets, $35, include a free drink, free ‘Silva Lining’ CD, hors d’oeuvres and hostess service. Tickets are available at Secrets and Kit & Caboodle.