My City: Sean Falyon is Philly Born, Atlanta Bound Posted by Nathan S. on 04/26/10 | Filed under Top Stories, Features, My City, Sean Falyon

As a born and raised Bostonian now living in sunny L.A. I know what it's like to keep your hometown close to your heart as you travel. The same goes for superbly bearded heavyweight emcee Sean Falyon who, although his roots run deep in his native Philly, now calls hip-hop mecca Atlanta home. Fresh off the release of his BE Everywhere" project, Falyon joins our My City series to talk about how his Philly days influence his music, the difference between the North and South rap scene and explains that if you're looking for him, you might want to check out Figure 8 (my ATL folks know what he's talking about).

RefinedHype: As we hear in your new track "S.O.S.", although you now live in Atlanta you have strong roots in Philadelphia. How do those Philly roots influence your music now?

Sean Falyon: I'm about 90% Philly. A majority of the music I was raised on is from Philly-natives like Teddy P and Hall & Oates. I often think back to when I rapping all over West Philly, from Overbrook High lunchrooms to the corners of South St. While growing up, I was blessed with the opportunity to meet a lot of talented emcees, and they all in some way influenced my flow. The Philadelphia lifestyle influences our slang, which in turn influences our lyrics and delivery. So now, I have learned to incorporate some southern aspects into the music.

I got a PA tat a few years ago with the 'P' from the Phillies logo and the 'A' from the Braves combined to show my love for both cities.

RefinedHype: In terms of the hip-hop community, what are the major differences between Atlanta and Philly?

Sean Falyon: In Philly you have more of a battle rapper mentality. It's all competition. Lyrics are more of a focus than melodies and hooks. Atlanta is so much of a melting pot that you receive bits and pieces from everywhere. You have your hardcore lyricists here, your storytellers, your animated emcees and people who just want to make you dance.

RefinedHype: Your new project is called "Be Everywhere", suggests that you're a frequent traveler. Other than ATL/Philly, do any cities feel like a home away from home for you?

Sean Falyon: I've only been once, but LA showed me a lot of love. Not so much Hollywood but spots like Inglewood...the real LA. Another place I dig a lot is Brooklyn. I stay in Bedstuy when I'm in NY and I always feel at home there.

RefinedHype: If I'm rolling through Atlanta where can I find you?

Sean Falyon: Everywhere. I like to enjoy different vibes on different nights. I might hit Slice or 255 on Peters St. to chill or slide out to the East side to a club...Shit you might even find me at Figure 8. If you know ATL then you know how the Figure 8 gets down.

RefinedHype: Last words? Confessions? Shout outs?

Sean Falyon: Sean Falyon "BE Everywhere". If you don't have it ... GO GET IT!!!! Oh yeah, one confession.... I do all of my own Stunts! Shoutout to JazzStixx (my drummer) and my momma.