People enjoy joking around with their friends and making quick rhymes that amuse one another, but to some, rapping is more than a game; it’s a lifestyle.
At Palmetto, many rappers roam the halls, but the two that have risen to prominence in the hearts and minds of the student body are seniors Travis Wasser and Silas Saunders.
Travis Wasser, or T-Wass, has a serious passion for hip hop and has been rapping for two years.
“My favorite rapper is Eminem,” Wasser said. “You already know his rap comes from the heart and he tells a story. That’s the kind of rap I want to listen to and I think everyone should listen to.”
Despite his obvious influence, T-Wass has his own distinct style of rapping. He wants his current and future fans to like his unique and personal flow. T-Wass can be caught in school with his headphones on and in the zone.
Silas Saunders, who does not use a rap name, has participated in musical activities for a long time. He has played piano since he was in fourth grade.
“I’ve always been inspired by music,” Saunders said. “It’s a part of me.”
For Silas, it all began with his favorite rapper, Kanye West. His fans compare his rap to that of Kanye’s, Kid Cudi’s and Common’s. Silas performs his music at school functions, such as the Senior Pep Rally and Mr. Panther 2011.
Currently, both musicians work hard on producing their first mixed tapes. T-Wass’s tape will be titled “Higher” and will be released on December 24. Silas Saunders’ tape will be titled “The Trip” and the release date has  yet to be finalized.
T-Wass and Silas perform in shows outside of school and have even made a track featuring one another called “Live in the Sky,” dedicated to Andrew Parker, a Palmetto alumnus who recently passed away.
T-Wass and Silas Saunders are aspiring young artists who plan to take their music to the next level. Both are trying to branch out, and recently through their respective Facebook pages: “No Rap Name just Silas Saunders” and “T-WASS.”