Budding Hip-Hop Star Tributes Nyack

Posted by Lou Ashby on Jun 15, 2012 in Music | 9 comments

Marquis M. Julien also known as “Marqui” was born in Frankfurt, Germany and raised in Los Angeles, California. His parents both served in the military where they initially met. After divorcing when Marquis was six years old he lived with his mother for most of his childhood years. His mother allowed him to spend his summers in New York City to keep a relationship with his father despite the parent’s differences.

The early years in Los Angeles weren’t easy for Marqui because of the environment he grew in. South Central Los Angeles was infested with gang violence and drug trafficking. In 1992 the L.A. riots took place and he vividly remembers “the whole city being on fire.” In his home environment, his mother worked rigorously as a Fed Ex courier. Marqui’s younger brother was also diagnosed with autism. These factors made Marqui mature at a faster rate than most children his age.

His first passion was basketball, it served as his escape from the stress of daily life. He grew fond of the hip-hop world with the emergence of Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur. His taste in music caused separation between his elders because of the vulgarity and violent themes the music contained. This was the beginning of his inspiration to write music. Marqui’s mother always reminded him that great music has a message. She challenged Marqui to listen to Earth Wind & Fire, Smokey Robinson, and Al Green.

When he began listening to his mother’s ideas it quickly shifted his mind to create music that could encompass all people. His goal was to ensure that his peers, elders, and strangers were not offended but received an enjoyable experience while listening to his music.

His feelings toward his music expanded once relocating to Rockland County, NY. He obtained a job at Jawonio Inc.1 as a Direct Support Professional. He felt that this job was part of his spiritual mission as an adult. He knew how much his brother benefited from the appropriate care and attention he received, and he wanted to ensure other young adults with disabilities were treated the same way. Besides his 9-5 work he immersed himself in the live music scene in Nyack, NY.

Marqui began performing at open mics and jam sessions throughout bars in Nyack. During this experience he decided to record music to allow the non night owls to hear his message. This prompted him to write a song, “I Love Nyack” as his ode to a town he affectionately cared for. “Nyack has been a place reminiscent to Mr. Rodgers neighborhood. I love L.A. but I don’t miss the murders, helicopters, and police sirens as background noise embedded in my day to day life. Music is a tool to touch others and I’m loving that I can create hip-hop music that promotes peace” Marqui wrote an EP called “The Proposal” which is a music business plan to change the culture of hip-hop. Hip-Hop was made to bring people together, not to promote negative vibes.