Paradox fuses rap and slam poetry

(Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff) Stu Fransman, known as Paradox, in his townhouse.

Click here to listen to Paradox – Buzzin (ft. AC)

“My music doesn’t define me, I define myself with my music,” said rapper Stu Fransman, also known as Paradox.

Anyone who’s had a poetry or writing class with Paradox knows about his devotion and passion towards poetry and rap music. “I often use contradiction as the subject matter in my writings, whether it’s an introspective, social, genetic, or political issue. It’s a universal constant,” Paradox said.

You can usually catch the free spirited MC at the Elf Parlor on Friday nights for their open- mic sessions. Sometimes, you can even catch him writing down rhymes during class.

“When I get an idea, I’ll take it as far as I can until I think I said enough. If I really want to make the song longer, I need to wait until I’m in the same mindset again, which could be months.”

While Paradox considers himself to be mostly a rapper, he could also be considered a slam poet due to the aggressive delivery and fast, rapid fire rhyme flow that he incorporates in both his rap songs and poems. His complex metaphors and rhymes as well as his multisyllabic lyrics come at his listeners in an almost forceful manner that it usually takes a second or two to fully understand the meaning behind his message.

The young MC notes that lyrically, Rakim, Nas, Eminem, 2Pac, Big Pun and Big L are some of his inspirations who deserve recognition.

Paradox’s interest in producing rap music has helped him cope with stress and he’s also stated that it plays other roles as well such as “a hobby, a job, a game, a career, a compilation of my thoughts and emotions throughout my life.”

At times, Paradox claims that feelings and opinions get so twisted up that rap seems to be the only outlet for these emotions. “I write rhymes so truthful that I’d be embarrassed to say them in front of a psychologist. When it’s in my song, I say it loud and proud.”  And according to the MC, that’s what it means to be a real artist. “To me, it’s the search for self-actualization. I’m not talking about searching for the meaning of life through music; I’m talking about creating a meaning with your life with music.”

As far as his next work is concerned, Stu plans on releasing a mix tape titled “Twisted Dimensions” by April 20. The album is titled “Twisted Dimensions” because of its “uniquely distorted perspective on the world; it’s definitely darker and deeper than my last album,” Paradox said.

When asked about the difference between his last mix tape, “Test Site,” and “Twisted Dimensions,” Paradox said “the skits are more imaginative, taking place in space with inter-dimensional beings and such.”

“Some of my favorite tracks that I think others will enjoy are ‘Always Greener,’ ‘Way to Live,’ ‘My Child,’ and ‘Typical.”’ He also has a song dedicated to MCLA titled “MCLA Knows.”

“Five years from now, I hope to have a solid professional career, while still making songs and doing shows every now and then. I’d love to get signed but the music industry is shaky, I’m not relying on a handout so I’m just gonna do the best I can, with what I have, and be happy with the results.”

On March 6 Stu Fransman opened up for Bitter Breed, a hip hop group, at Tommy’s Lounge located at 99 India Street in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Click here to listen to Paradox- Lay Myself To Rest Feat (C. Kane, Cryptic Wisdom)

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