My City: Beyond Belief is the King of Queens

Decades after its birth New York is still hip-hop's mecca, but although Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and even Staten Island are widely represented, Queens has received relatively little attention...until now. Hailing from Rockaway, Queens, up-and-coming rapper Beyond Belief is determined to put his city on the map with his impeccable flow and uncompromising lyricism. In this edition of our My City series, Beyond talks about his native city's influence on his music, his upcoming album and a certain illegal narcotic's inspirational powers.

RefinedHype: You're from one of the lesser known areas of New York City, Rockaway. How do you think being from Rockaway has affected your music and career?

Beyond Belief: I think being from Rockaway has influenced my music because it's literally like no other section of Queens. Not too many people come out here unless they're going to the beach. It's got a very small town feel, so most of its culture is centered around drinking/partying with friends. So the topics of my music reflect my everyday experience,s whether I'm talking about the positives or negatives that go on around me. There's not a lot of rappers where I come from, so I feel like a representative for the people who live there.

RefinedHype: Even if they can't define it, most hip-hop fans can tell when a rapper is from New York. What qualities defines a New York rapper?

Beyond Belief: I think first and foremost NY emcees respect hardcore lyricism. So when you hear a rapper from NY you already know they are trying to be respected for their rhymes before anything else. They almost have to be that way because of how competitive the new York scene is. In order to get noticed they have to stand out.

RefinedHype: Your new project "What About BoB?", produced by Kwame, is set to drop November 27. What will the album have to do for you to consider it a success?

Beyond Belief: I don't have any expectations. I just want the album to get me and my team noticed and set me apart from other rappers in the game as far as my sound is concerned. I want it to be the launching pad not only for my career, but also draw more attention to my future products...I also want a million dollars.

RefinedHype: Where do you go to get inspired?

Beyond Belief: Wherever I'm smoking weed - in the shower and in the bathroom!

RefinedHype: Last words?

Beyond Belief: Check out the debut album "What About BoB?" available on iTunes now and entirely produced by Kwame. Also if you're in the NY area come to 168 Delancey Street November 27th in the lower east side for my album release party that will feature live performances. You can RSVP to 718entertainment@gmail.com. Finally visit the website makenoiselive.com and follow us on Twitter @beyondbeliefnow and @kwamedidit . Thanks!

(Editor's Note: For those who have never heard Beyond Belief demonstrate the kind of New York lyricism he spoke of, or even for those who have, I can't think of a better example than his recent flow during DJBooth.net's exclusive Brooklyn cipher, also featuring Donny Goines, Esso and The Illz. Enjoy.)