Splash (9)

Splash is unquestionably one of the most authentic and innovative rappers to emerge out of the North Carolina hip-hop scene. Too few Carolina rappers develop their own unique style. Instead, many choose to imitate either their crunk counterparts in Atlanta or the gangsta? posturing of the New York and LA hip hop scenes. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, 23-year-old Cory "Splash Gzo" Guion first got hooked on hip-hop when at the age of four his mother and father took him to see the world premier of Krush Groove, while his Army father was stationed in Illishiem, Germany. In 1990, the "Golden Era of Hip Hop," his family moved back to the States and settled in New Bern, North Carolina. "People overseas appreciate the quintessential elements of hip-hop more than kids here," says Splash, about the time he spent in Germany and the love he developed for hip-hop while there. Like so many of the hip-hop greats, Splash started writing rhymes and making beats at 12, but it wasn?t until 2000 while at Elizabeth City State University that he decided to take his music career seriously. He used numerous talent shows and countless emcee battles in NC and VA to sharpened his lyrical skills.