WunTu Media sat down with music industry’s hidden gem, Sly Pyper ‘The Wizard’ to learn about his musical roots and inspiration in the craft:
WUNTU: When did you begin singing?
SLY PYPER: I started singing in middle school around the same time I began playing saxophone. Initially my intent was to transpose Charlie Parker solos. Learning to sing the solo first helped me to figure out the notes on the sax.
WUNTU: When did you realize you wanted to make music as a career?
SLY PYPER: I realized Music was my career path in college when I neglected my electrical engineering classes, but somehow found the energy to not miss one music course! I guess I was more passionate about melodies than I was about numbers.
WUNTU: Which artists do you admire and why?
SLY PYPER: I admire anyone who has displayed the discipline it takes to master a craft. That includes Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Steve Jobs, Dr. Dre, and the likes. Not everyone has the focus required to reach epic heights in Music, or any industry for that matter. I admire those who have it.
WUNTU: What type of music do you like to vibe to the most and why?
SLY PYPER: Initially I secluded myself to the jazz world but ever since I became a songwriter only the spectrum will do. I like to hear something different everyday. Classical, rock, Afro Latin, country, and blues (among other genres) are sprinkled throughout my gumbo playlist. To be on the cutting edge of one genre one has to be able to relate to and understand many styles.
WUNTU: What do you want fans to know about you?
SLY PYPER: I want the fans to know that I’m just like them. I may be a little more poetic at expressing myself but our experiences are the same. Life is universal so in essence we are fans of each other. I may have a number one single (Beautify Girls – Sean Kingston) and a couple Grammy nominations, but it’s only because I talked about what we all go thru in a clever way. My best accomplishments are on pages unturned. Looking forward to the rest of the journey!
Sly Pyper has worked with the legendary Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and the newest breakout artist on the roster Anderson Paak. He has also worked with top rappers in the Hip Hop world, and various A list Pop stars, such as Snoop Dogg, Kelly Rowland, R. Kelly, JoJo, and Jessica Simpson to name a few.
Above: Snoop Dogg & Sly Pyper performing ‘Sunrise’ from Snoop Dogg’s ‘Bible of Love’ Album on Jimmy Kimmel Live, April 9th, 2018
Also known as the HookMaster, Sly has written and/or performed hooks for artists such as The Game, Slaughterhouse, and his most notable to date FASTLANE with Eminem and Royce the 5’9. He is also sprinkled over the entirety of Dr. Dre’s ‘Compton’ album. Furthermore, Sly has also done well in the Pop world as he was directly involved with the overnight success of Sean Kington’s single ‘Beautiful Girls.’
Sly’s range has no boundaries. With his involvement on numerous gold and platinum projects, his record speaks for itself. He is not only a songwriter with a knack for lyrics that touch the heart, but an artist that can vocally and instrumentally touch the soul of the people.