Tell me about where you grew up and is xcypherx your actual name? (Please say its Theodore)

My real name is Manuel. Grew up in Tracy which is in the Central Valley in California. A city where the edge scene was strong but everyone sold out.

How did your neighbourhood influence your state of mind and was it intrinsic with where you are now with your life and your straight edge convictions?

I Live in an older area of town, once was isolated but due to the growth of the city we are pretty much next to all the new housing developments. The Street is mainly family and family friends. It itself didn't really influence my beliefs, it was more of the city as a whole.

At what ages did you discover your love of hip-hop and hardcore?

I was always into HipHop. The hardcore influence in my life was more towards the end of highschool.

Was it always an ambition do make music? Mine too I play guitar like RATM mashed with ACDC I think we should write a song together are you down with that?

I'm down to do whatever haha Love Rage haha and yeah this is my 2nd rap project, did some band stuff a while back and I used to throw shows. Always loved music and wanted to do something with it

What does’s it mean to you to live Straight Edge?

I Believe its treating yourself with respect. And in my case I follow the no Drugs, Alcohol, and whoring around way of life haha. I have all types of Edge friends but I keep it basic. Not to say I am a scumbag in every other way. haha

When did you decide to claim Edge? Best thing you’ve ever done for yourself and how do your family feel about that sort of thing?

I became edge 2 almost 3 years ago. I think its the best choice for ME, I hate preaching I know its a personal choice and Im happy with it. My family understands it as much as they can. They don't know the culture but try to, which helps.

Why do you think people imprison themselves with substance abuse and how is it that society deems that as an appropriate way to live ones life? Alcohol and tobacco kills more people year in and out than any other substances on earth…

I Don't know why, I probably never will understand. I know the biggest excuse in my city is "There isn't anything else to do" which i think is the most stupid thing they could use as an excuse. I also hear "You only life once" or "Live life to the fullest" But if Beer Pong is Living life to the fullest then life is lame haha. They should all go mountain climbing or sky diving. Thats more living life to the fullest.

What would you do if you had 30 minutes in Narnia?

Slaughter everything I see

Why do you think so many people think the concept of straight edge so out there and weird, like your abnormal for trying to live a positive poison free life?

My answer is gonna be the speech from the CHAMPION last show dvd. haha The speech i sampled in "Your girl fell off". Everyone go buy the Dvd for my answer haha.

What’s the gnarliest (yes I said gnarly) thing you’ve ever done, aside from being interviewed for straight edge lifestyle?

I think touring with my friends band was the most fun I had in my life. I went as their tour manager. We went to Washington and Oregon twice. I know its not that cool but for me it was addicting. haha

Funniest thing you have seen on you tube and the link?

The little kid laughing... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpsJ_19rOmk

Favourite hardcore bands ever and top five hip-hop albums?

2pac- All Eyes On Me

Mac Dre- Ronald Dregan

Tech N9ne- Absolute Power

Jedi Mind Tricks- Whole Discography

Any WU TANG haha

Ceremony- Violence Violence

Wintch Mob- In it to win it

Have Heart- The Things we Carry

The Ghost Inside- Fury and The Fallen ones

(Check out) Revenge-Self Titled

(Check out) Don't Trip- The Root of all evil

If you could be reincarnated what would it be as, you can’t be the Rancour though or a yeti cause I got dibbs…

I wouldnt want to be, I want to haunt the world when I am gone. As just me haha

When all is said and done, what message do you want kids that listen to your music to walk away with?

I do this for people to know there are people out there just like them, That feel a little alienated and "Weird" in small towns and big cities where its not common to walk down the sober path.

Do you aim to inspire and is it through presenting a positive picture of the world you hope to affect change?

I Don't see the world as a positive place, I think it has a lot of positivity in it but I think the world (or people in it rather) are actually not very positive at all. I think its important to know that but at the same time strive for something better for yourself and the people you care about. People have told me I inspire them, its hard to believe. ha ha Im glad I have an effect on people. It keeps me going

Thank you!

no, Thank you!!!!!!!!