Think fast. What’s better than driving down the street blasting the radio’s newest hits? Driving down the street and blasting your own of course. Yes, you read correctly. Through the magic of technology and the teenage infatuation with music, recording tracks has become the new "thing" at Lincoln. The songs can be made by purchasing the proper equipment and software, so now the average Joe Schmoe can turn into Five-O. And while that building on 24th and Quintara won’t be mistaken for a recording studio, it does house these following talents ( and possibly many more).

Growing up in the streets of Hunter’s Point, Peter Harris started writing music in the 8th grade with a family friend, Anthony. At that point, music was just another hobby in Harris’ life, like sports or video games. But then in early 2004, everything changed. Anthony set up the equipment and software on his computer and started making tracks with Harris. Harris soon had visions of making an album after feeling more comfortable with the notion of recording his own tracks. Most people would rap or write for their own reasons, and Harris is no different. "I rap because it’s a good way to express yourself especially anger, without any actions." Harris said.

On February 25th, Harris attended a teen hip hop summit, starring the Bay Area’s own, rap artist EA Ski. At the end of the event, there was a talent show with cash prizes. Harris entered and walked out the door with 3rd place and the $100 cash prize. And oh yeah, the event was sponsored by KMEL and the DJ jotted down Harris’ phone number. So does this Lincoln talent see red carpets in the future? "If fate comes that way, then yeah." Harris said. The full CD, "Dedicated to You" comes out in April.

While most seniors are struck with severe cases of senioritis, Lincoln seniors Matt Chung and Edmund Chen are putting in work left and right. On what you ask? To drop their album of course. The duo called 5th Mission met in the beginning of the year and have become good friends since then. Their love for music and writing was what brought the two together. "I met Edmund in the beginning of the year and the creative juices just started flowing because the music is just so inspiring." Chung said. While some rappers sample beats or take lyrics from other people, 5th Mission is 100% original. Chung has been writing since middle school and the beats are completely authentic courtesy of Chen.

The non-titled album has 16 tracks and includes guest appearances by fellow seniors Heather Chen and "Uncle" Ben Hwa. Chung and Chen have been working to pump out two to three tracks a week in anticipation of an early May release date. Chung acknowledges the fact that recording tracks has become quite popular, but insists 5th Mission does stand out. "The difference between us and other guys is the lyrics. 5th Mission raps about real issues and not just whose car is nicer or whatnot." Chung said. However, while Chung and Chen may turn out to be a dynamic duo, they also know there are going to nay Sayers. "Everyone has the right to like or dislike so if you hate the music that’s fine. All I expect is for you to respect my effort." Chen said.

Senior Fernando Marquez aka "Set the Marq" started writing when he was 12. "I thought I sucked at it so I stopped until I started writing again sophomore year." Marquez said. He also raps to express himself but also to stay creative. Like Harris. "Set the Marq" has aspirations to become a star but insists in a road block first. "I’m going to college first but I’m going to keep writing and flowing. No one knows what might happen in the future." No word on a possible album, but if there will be one, Marquez will be accompanied by fellow senior Alex "A+" Kawashima. When asked for a final quote, "Set the Marq" simply dropped a line.

"different POV, you see the therapist, I see "the rapist"/ so naturally when you see "Set the Marq"/ I see the greatest

Then we have Matt Cambell. The CSM bound senior has no dreams of becoming a star. He doesn’t want to drop an album. Cambell basically does this rap thing for fun, which is coincidentally, how he got into in the first place. "Back at Hoover Middle School, me and a bunch friends just started rapping for fun because we thought it was cool." Interestingly enough, Cambell does not consider himself a rapper. "I don’t consider myself a rapper because I think in order to be called a rapper, you have to have some sort of skill or talent. And myself included, I don’t think there are a lot of people who have that skill or talent." As you can see, Cambell is of the humble sort and does not attract many haters. "I never come across many haters. "I never come across haters because I try to stay humble. People who do have haters are often the ones who brag or gloat about themselves or their music."

i'm from a land not traveled by many, but spoke of heavy and plenty

ran-sack, rape, pillage till the village is empty

the mind set of a forgotten youth exposes the forgotten truth

that we so caught up in the hype, the mic became forgotten tool

when left alone, i was told, stay put, and not to move

so until i see a cat as smooth, the throne has got my groove

i never lose, i'm a combination of what you lack

just face facts, i gets ethiopian on the track

never lookin back, move forward, raisin my fist in the air,

lettin whoevers watchin know, its time, the champ is here

the go getter, trend setter, bringin that heat like a sweater

i'm mike phelps, i'll sit it out, and still rip apart ya record