Queens, the Burrough of Kings; we’ve heard it before. The same spot that brought you Run DMC, Nas and, Mobb Deep is it about to deliver another talent from that city’s lineage; 20 Year old emcee, Julian Stephen. Just like the many legendary artists to come from arguably Hip Hop’s mecca, Julian packs a ridiculous flow, superstar charisma, and an infectious energy that helps his case as the next breakout star in Hip Hop.

Instead of the hardcore artists who came from Julian’s hometown, Julian found an interesting taste in Hip Hop music early. “When I was eleven, I used to listen to Mase, Will Smith, and Eminem. Those artists made me believe that with my character, I could something special happen.” Julian explains. When one listens to Julian’s music, its evident that all three artists are embedded in his lyricism, tone, and energy. Its easy to hear the corky and playful nature of The Fresh Prince, the rapid fire flow of Slim Shady, and the charm of Mason Betha oozing in every cadence.

“Man, when I started this shit, I was rapping for the chicks” explains Stephen with a huge laugh. “And they were like….this dude is so corny.” Fueled by the laughter of the ladies and his peers, Julian began to attack his dreams with a passion not seen in many people his age. “I see people around me who are working half as hard and getting recognition; much props to them but I want to show everybody that its my turn to make an impact; its my turn to get what’s mine.” Unlike many urban artists in the onset of their career, Julian understands how to tip toe the thin line between critical recognition and crossover appeal. Like his aforementioned early influences, Julian can make a true to core record such as “Royalty” in which he exhibits his double time flow over rapid fire drums and electric guitars that will get any hip hop head sprawling out of their seat. However, he can also make a record that beams crossover appeal such as “Cheerleader”, a light mood hard drum affair with a catchy hook that promises to resonate in many listeners I pods this summer.

Also just like one of his early inspirations, Julian is a multi-faceted entity, balancing his musical efforts with an online sitcom, “Alien N Kick” and an online reality series “The University of Julian.” Does this say The Fresh Prince anyone?

When asked what is his message to his music he replies,“I speak about a young kid with a boatload of ambition trying to accomplish his dreams, while being pulled back by the temptations of being so young…its easy to party…its easy to make mistakes…but if all of that is going to happen…I need to make something out of it.” As Julian himself explains, his records are filled with aspiration and hope along with being the party animal that a girl’s mama warned her about. “I know one thing…I’m gonna get mine…but shit…I’m also gonna get mine.” He explains with a devilish grin.

With Hip Hop on a resurgence in recent years, look to see Julian Stephen add his name among the aggressive herd of talent bum rushing the rejuvenated genre while challenging industry standards. “I’m done with the questions, can Julian do this? Can Julian do that? I won’t talk no more. I’ll let the records and recognition speak for itself.”