Virginia has produced some of contemporary urban music's biggest hit makers over the years, including Pharrell Williams, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, The Clipse, and Das Efx. However, with the exception of a few local promoters that hold talent showcases, the black music scene in the capital city of Richmond hasn't made a national impact since D'Angelo sprinkled the industry with Brown Sugar in the 1990s.

"There are only a few artists out here that I would consider real talent," says VA native Matthew J. Smith aka Fundamental, who grew up in the infamous Chamberlayne section on Richmond's north side, an area with through the roof property crime, 50 different street gangs, and an alarming murder rate six and a half times the national average. "I had to deal with plenty of negativity," says the introspective 17-year-old of his turbulent upbringing. "I faced various trials and tribulations, [but] I'm a cool laid back guy."

The ultra-positive youth, who began writing poetry in the 8th grade, says he caught the "rapping bug" after hearing Kanye West's College Dropout. "Open mics/poetry slams gave me confidence, word play, and the feel of performing in front of large crowds. I can actually say spoken word and poetry have made me the lyricist I am today. From there, it just took off, but I didn't really start getting good [at rap] until my 10th grade year. People started to say I was amazing and way better than people my age. I would have people in the audience in shock. They just wouldn't expect such great lyrics to come out of kid."

It seems the all-too-common struggles of inner city childhood have given Fundamental wisdom beyond his years and an intense desire to use music to inspire young people.

"I really want to start my own hip hop community, sort of like how Mos Def has his own poetry show. I would like to have my own [event] where young artists age 21 and under can come and showcase their talent whether it's rapping, singing, dancing, instruments, poetry, or anything real and artistic. I want to do retreat programs, summer camps for kids in the hood, and charity foundations in third world countries. I take music very seriously. It's reached the point where it's not a hobby, but my career goal, so to speak."

Fundamental's first step in reaching his goals will be the release of his debut mixtape, Thinking Isn't Allowed, which is scheduled to drop April 10 and promises to feature a kaleidoscope of artistic creativity that blends cocky Rap lyricism with Hip-Hop poetry.

"My lyrics speak for themselves," says Fundamental. "I do real hip hop, I'm not dissing or knocking down any dirty south rappers, but the music I do makes you think. Like I said, I was a poet first -- before I even thought about rapping. It's all part of my deep, creative puzzle. I want to make my presence known and leave a mark so people can keep my name in real hip hop discussions as one of the top young lyricists in the game."

For more music and info on Fundamental, visit www.myspace.com/3rdeyeup

- By Bayer Mack