A rebirth can often happen at the most unexpected of times. For Delroy "Scarzeo" Fleming, that moment came while incarcerated in New York City. The St. Thomas native stared down a sentence of 15 years to life for drug charges, and he decided to make a change.

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"I wanted to turn tragedy into triumph," 

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"I had an opportunity to sit and reflect about where my life was at. I decided if I had a chance at freedom again, I was going to start taking music seriously. That was what I wanted to do with my life at that point."

 

 

Said "chance" arrived upon his release. Not only was his revelation chronicled in the notable publication Feds Magazine, but Scarzeo immediately thrust himself into his craft.

 

Living in St. Thomas, he developed a passion for reggae early on, becoming transfixed by Bob Marley. That eventually transformed into a love for all things hip-hop, and he spent years studying LL Cool J, Jay-Z, DMX, and other legends. As he began working in the studio in 2010, the rapper merged his Caribbean upbringing and his hip-hop soul. He also didn't hold back one bit." I do straight reality rap," 

 

"It's grittier, and that keeps you in touch with your feelings and who you are. Simultaneously, I stay humble and give listeners a glimpse at the underworld of the Virgin Islands. It's not just beaches and palm trees. You get the streets as well as the sun. I put my heart into every word." 

 

“I feel like when I give you reality then it becomes timeless.”

 

Between that light and dark, Scarzeo unleashes an unbridled statement on his forthcoming full-length debut album, From the pockets of good men. His introduction comes in the form of the 2015 single "Date of Birth." An orchestral stomp gives way to his gruff and tough flow, culminating on an instantly catchy refrain. "It says, 'I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

 

"I love high fashion. At the same time, you can be fly in your own way. If you feel fly and secure with yourself, then you are. That's what the song is about for me. Put your insecurities aside and be you."

 

Ultimately, Scarzeo espouses a message of an empowerment. "I want to show people that anything is possible." 

 

"Don’t get too attached to the negative in my story—it doesn’t have to be tragic in order for it to be triumphant.”

 

"I hope From the pockets of good men touches and motivates anyone who gives it a chance. My journey really starts now, and I'm inviting everybody to join me. This is authentic. This is who I am."

 

Scarzeo isn't just reborn.

 

Rap is too.

 

 

 

 

 

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