With the advent of technology, the Internet has been either an artist’s best friend or worst enemy. Although primarily known as a source of audio pillaging and MySpace hocking many up-and comers have used the power of fiber optics to their advantage, creating a healthy buzz unlike no other. And no recognition is perhaps as buzz-worthy as an Okayplayer backing.

As a reservoir for talent, OKP has been the defining source for breaking new talent since its growth from a ?uestlove-helmed, loose musical collective nearly 20 years ago, to a bustling online community sporting a diverse medley or artists from Common to Amy Winehouse.

For Theo, however, an Okayplayer endorsement could not have come at a better time. With labels struggling to find footing on a shaky terrain and fellow online rhymers spreading their lyrical gospel, the 22-year-old multitalented artist is utilizing his voucher to mark his own unique territory.

DXnext introduces you to Theo.

Repping: Providence, Rhode Island.

Influences: Thanks to a strict upbringing, rap music was rarely found in Theo’s home as a child. “I listened to a lot of alternative music and Classic Rock and not necessarily on Hip Hop, because my family didn’t play too much music with cursing in it. Instead it was James Brown, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Madonna, records like that. While I didn’t grow up on the typical Ready To Die or All Eyez On Me. But when I did listen to those albums as I got older, I had a much deeper understanding for them."

Musical Style: "My style is Hip Hop-based, but it’s more experimental. I really just dabble in anything, actually. I don’t want to say I’m this certain type of rapper because it’s so broad, but my style is really random. One day I can go off on a dark record one moment, then tomorrow I can be on something with Gavin Degraw.”

Don’t Worry, Be Happy: A stark contrast to today’s clichéd tortured soul rapper from a nondescript ghetto, Theo is quite content living the life of the average person. “I love life. I love music. My favorite color is purple. I was born and raised in Providence, one of the smallest states in the country, but we’ve been doing our thing for a while now.”

It’s A Family Affair: “Music’s been in my family since I’ve been alive. I started deejaying at little parties when I was 14, and when I turned 18 I got into clubs. So I’ve had a good familiarity with music as a whole. I love all kinds of music, but Hip Hop is the foundation for it.”

“Arise O Compatriots, Nigeria's Call Obey:” With the exception of Chamillionaire [click to read], Nigerian families aren’t exactly too keen on rappers in the household. “Being a Nigerian, education is always at the forefront before anything. That’s one thing we know from birth. I just graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in communication studies and a minor in music composition. I’m lucky to have parents that support my endeavors in music, but their first goal was for me to finish school. I really enjoyed going to school, and it helped me with my networking as well as being more independent.”

He’s The Deejay, I’m The Rapper: As both a turntablist and lyricist, Theo is able to play both sides of the field. “I feel like deejaying and rapping were both submerged within each other. When I was younger I used to listen to the flow of rappers while I was spinning, and as time went on I began studying it. I’ve always written music, and within these past couple years I just started pulling everything together. But even though I did start rapping I still spin at events, parties and clubs.”

On The Okayplayer Co-Sign: “For them to recognize The Birth the way they did was a big look for me, and I really appreciate that. They gave me a stamp, and for me to have a backing from a major website means a lot to me. I had sent out a snippet of “Sweetest Language” [click to listen] and they heard it, and a couple people from the site reached out wanting to be the first people with the album. And I’m not gonna say no to Okayplayer [Laughs].”

The Birth Of A (Hip-Hop) Nation: “Even the title of my album is an emergence of something, something’s coming forth. We’re born in many different ways: like me graduating college or putting out a CD, it’s a new step into something else.”

What Makes Theo DXNext-Worthy: With real world insights weaving with an Art Nouveau, colorful rhyme cadence, Theo is a breezy in Hip Hop’s neo-alternative renaissance.

[click here] for more information on Theo.