Cymarshall Law ft: Planet Asia & DJ Rhettmatic - Blowtorch (Single) + 10 Questions
From the US to the UK, Cymarshall Law has spread his powerful message to a diverse hip-hop audience. A deeply spiritual MC, he delivers hard-hitting rhymes with a commanding presence that not only elevates his lyrics but also radiates the passion that has fuelled his success as an underground artist and entrepreneur.
With a track record of releasing music, books, clothing, and more, Cy continues to make his mark. We caught up with him as he celebrates the release of his new single, “Blowtorch,” featuring Planet Asia and DJ Rhettmatic.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
The music within me comes from my father, a Jamaican-born man who moved to England in the '60s. There, he started and ran a reggae sound system called Freedom Sound, often clashing with other sounds. Growing up, we frequently had reggae artists staying at our house, and reggae music was a constant presence.
When my family moved from England to New Jersey, I was immersed in hip-hop culture, which I instantly connected with. Groups like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and The Roots became early inspirations. My love for hip-hop grew alongside the reggae artists I’d been listening to since childhood.
2. As an MC who steers clear of stereotypical tropes, who were some of your biggest influences?
Bob Marley, Bruce Lee, Nina Simone, Wu-Tang Clan, Slick Rick, and KRS-ONE.
3. Your music consistently explores self-empowerment, wellness, mindfulness, and spiritual health. How do you approach crafting lyrics that inspire reflection and emotion without sounding too preachy?
I write as if I’m talking to myself. I’ve never enjoyed being preached to, so I avoid that in my lyrics. If the message doesn’t catch my interest, it won’t resonate. The key is delivering a message without becoming overbearing.
Having children taught me the importance of balance—it’s a skill to make listeners bob their heads while simultaneously empowering and teaching them. Avoiding a “holier-than-thou” tone is crucial. Listeners need to feel that you relate to them. If you go too heavy with the message, you lose them. It’s like bubble gum medicine—you mix something they relate to with the core message to make it digestible.
4. As an MC with over twenty years of experience, how have you navigated the hip-hop industry without compromising your art for the sake of opportunities?
It’s simple: to sell out or not to sell out? I was always taught to follow my heart, not the money, and I’ve lived by that—sometimes too strictly early in my career. My name, Cymar, is original, so I’ve always felt it was essential to stay original and true to myself.
When opportunities arose to take a more commercial route, I refused to dilute my music or change my image for popularity. Winning on your terms is the only true victory; otherwise, is it really a win?
5. You’ve worked with rappers like KRS-One, Sean Price, Elzhi, Grafh, Sticky Fingaz, and Homeboy Sandman. In a time when hip-hop can often feel transactional, how crucial is community and collaborating with artists whose artistic visions resonate with your own?
Every artist you named is elite—top-tier talent. To be in their company means we’re on similar frequencies. Energetically, if our vibes didn’t align, the music wouldn’t work. It’s important for me to demonstrate that I belong among the greatest to ever do it.
6. Speaking of collaborations, you and Rochester UK beatmaker Slimline Mutha have an upcoming single titled “Blowtorch,” featuring West Coast legends Planet Asia and DJ Rhettmatic. How did this track come together, and how does an MC from New Jersey link up with such influential figures on the other side of America?
Good question! I first connected with DJ Rhettmatic after he remixed a song I was on with Sean Price called “Street Life.” Later, I’d release free songs to DJs, and Rhett would sometimes go to my Bandcamp and buy those same tracks. That level of support meant a lot to me.
I’ve been listening to Planet Asia since his Cali Agents days with Rasco. We already worked together on “Hip Hop in the Soul 3,” so this was me returning to the West Coast legend for a classic verse. When I sent him the grimy beat with my verse, it all came together. Asia’s been at my recent shows and showing love, so this collaboration made perfect sense.
7. “Blowtorch” is the lead single from your collaborative project with Slimline Mutha, The Peaceful Warrior 2: Raw Self Expression. What made you choose this track as the single, and how does PW2 differ from the first project?
This track epitomizes hip-hop—raw, rebellious music with a message. When I heard the beat, it reminded me of Wu-Tang’s early sound. Rhett’s cuts elevated the track further after Asia and I poured everything into the lyrics. This is hip-hop as it was meant to be.
On *Peaceful Warrior 1*, I explored my peaceful, vulnerable side. On *Part 2*, the Warrior takes center stage. Even during calmer moments, you can hear me slicing through opposition with clarity and precision.
8. Can you share more about your UK roots? How did you and Slimline Mutha first connect, and is a UK tour for this album in the works?
I was born in Luton-Dunstable Hospital and lived in the UK until I was nine years old. I still have family there and try to visit often.
Slimline and I initially connected online through social media and collaborated consistently over the years. In 2024, I flew to England, and we finally met in person. Yes, a UK tour (or tours) is definitely in the works!
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I enjoy reading—currently, *The Untethered Soul* by Michael Singer. I’m a football (soccer) enthusiast and a comic book fan. Meditation helps center me, and I cherish spending time with people who speak well of me when I’m not in the room.
10. Can you name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Honestly, no. To me, the strongest person is one with empty hands—that’s the essence of a Peaceful Warrior. That said, a computer, a mic, and some water would definitely be helpful in the studio.