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Meet Symone Maddox aka “Sy|x” in San Bernardino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Symone Maddox.

Symone, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At 16, I joined a volunteer team called “THE R.E.D TEAM”. We volunteered to work for events such as Juneteenth, Talent Expos, office lunch parties, red carpet events, etc. I always got compliments from guests and clients about how great my customer service and how dope my energy is. In 2014 after graduating high school, I became a self-made Public Relations Representative. I worked for myself, providing PR and promotional services to businesses, artists, events. In 2015 I worked as a talent assistant for Shaun Robinson at the Gospel Goes Hollywood Award Banquet. I’ve seen many parts of Hollywood and that’s off the strength of actually getting out there and putting in the work. After realizing that what I do, many others can, I created my own team called ” Urban Squad”. Our main focus is to SHOW the millennial from my town that Hollywood is very much possible, with the right mindset, proper tools, and inspiration you can be there as well, you just gotta work for it. Urban Squad has done promo for venues like The Observatory of Santa Ana, artists like Radio Base, RJ, Omarion. Our lady version of the squad is the “Urban Dolls” they get booked to host clubs, parties, events.

In 2017, my life took a complete turn and I never saw life the same after. March 24th the Urban Dolls got booked to host at OHM Nightclub in Hollywood. Four of them went and two of them never made it back home. Emauri “Tokyo” Scott and Claudia “Dash” Orantes transferred into eternity after a fatal car accident on the way home from the club. I had no idea what to do with that pain. I lost all my joy, my faith, I started doing drugs, drinking, not eating, lost my job. I literally saw no purpose in waking up everyday KNOWING/FEELING like I’m the reason why their both not here. I had many thoughts and still do. Why wasn’t I there…..why didn’t I drive….the list goes on. One day it was raining and I sat in my car and cried for hours, really just trying to piece it all together. The first words that came out of my mouth in that moment was, “I think about you every single day, and I be asking God to take the pain away” I remember the shift in my body, my heart opened up and poured. The song “Convo with The Clouds” was my first song I ever wrote and I’ve been writing since. After that, I realized I had somewhere I was able to release my pain, music. Haven’t stopped since.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road has been far from smooth. To my music alone, I’ve lost friendships, relationships, time with my family, I’ve invested every dime into it, while still paying my bills and rent. This road has been very lonely but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I go by Sy|x. I rap/sing and entertain. I’m known for my single, “Convo with The Clouds” and my town anthem, “Dino Mentality” I’m most proud of my successes so far as an independent unsigned artist. I am now an intern for Singer & Multi-Platinum songwriter Eric Bellingers’ label, YFS. (Your Favorite Song Records)

Many things separate me from other female MCs.
– I’m not just a rapper, I sing too
– I’m iRREGULAR
– Different sounds, different looks, different approaches, different attitudes.
– I’m from the Inland Empire so I already got something to prove.
– I make music for people to relate too and heal.

What were you like growing up?
As a kid, I did everything. I was always outside with my big brother and his friends until I got to high school then I made a name for myself by dancing (jerking, Dougie, etc.) at the parties and school dances. Full of energy, always keeping everybody entertained, playing sports.

I was born in Long Beach, CA. Raised in San Bernardino, Inland Empire. I grew up in a gospel household. My father is a Pastor and my mother was a registered nurse before both became foster parents. We cared for about five foster kids in my upbringing. When I was 14, my dad was given an opportunity to take on a church full-time in Palm Springs which caused us to move out to Indio. That type of change was probably the worse I could ever endure. It was hard getting to know people, they opened up a location called the “TEEN CENTER” where teens could go during the summer and play games, use computers, they even had a studio in there. That’s where I spent most of my time until school started. I played basketball every year of school until I got injured in a winter tournament before my senior season. I had many troubles with my coach at my new school and it caused me to completely lose the love for the sport. After graduating High School I moved back to the IE.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Philicia Scott

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