UNCENSORED!! Interview w/ Cydney Poitier on Career & Headlining Pueblo hip-hop fest on 7/18/26.

CEO, Rapper and recording artist, Cydney Poitier, sat down with me to talk about his career, starting from his early childhood in Detroit, Michigan, through Covid 19 where hus brand transformed from being Unique me, to to his current moniker, the classic homage of actor Sidney Poitier. Rest in POWER  Cydney Poitier (formerly Uniqme / Unique Me) is an independent Orlando, Florida-based rapper, recording artist, CEO of Poitier Music Group, and active member of the Hit Squad and Lo Life Orlando movements. He is known for his gritty, true-school boom-bap style, sharp lyricism, storytelling, and commitment to community work alongside his music career.  Early Career as Uniqme Cydney Poitier began his rap career under the name Uniqme (sometimes stylized as Unique Me). He was active in the underground hip-hop scene, notably as a member of the Hit Squad. This era included collaborations with established underground figures. One prominent feature was on the track “Iron Bars” alongside Canibus, Kool G Rap, and Papoose (produced in the context of Snowgoons or similar underground circles).  He performed at events like an Ol’ Dirty Bastard tribute/birthday celebration in 2006, showing early connections in the scene. His early work reflected a dedication to raw, bar-heavy hip-hop rather than mainstream trends.  Name Change and Rebranding to Cydney Poitier He later changed his stage name to Cydney Poitier in honor of the legendary actor Sidney Poitier (the first Black actor to win a competitive Academy Award for Best Actor and a pioneering figure in film). The new moniker aligned with a more mature, intentional phase of his artistry, emphasizing legacy, dignity, and cultural pride. He has referenced this shift on social media and in profiles, positioning himself as an “International Recording Artist” and CEO of his own imprint.  Association with Gas Face Records and Key Releases Around 2021, he joined the Orlando-based indie underground label Gas Face Records, which helped amplify his visibility in the local and underground scenes. His album Point of View (released around early 2021) was highlighted as a standout local release. Critics noted its classic true-school hip-hop sound—deep tone, grit, mood, and narrative depth—standing out in a trap-dominated landscape. It was praised for combining strong bars and beats into a cohesive story.  Subsequent projects include: • Duel at Diablo and other singles/videos (e.g., “Pressure Point,” “Piece of the Action”). • Features and tracks like those with Larry Burggg, Dat Guy Ike, Xp The Marxman, and others. • Later works such as Motion Sickness (digital album) and announcements of a 6th studio album (e.g., Parental Advisory around 2026).  He maintains a strong presence on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, YouTube (via Gas Face and his channels), and Instagram (@cydneypoitier).  Independent Hustle, Tours, and Community Work Poitier embodies the independent artist ethos. He has spoken about the grind of self-funding travel (flights, buses, etc.) to build a career and has undertaken unique promotional strategies, such as a record store tour in 2023 to support a new album, hitting local spots like East West Records in Orlando.  As part of Lo Life Orlando and Hit Squad, he has contributed to community efforts, helping make the local scene more inclusive. He has released or teased a children’s book (When You Know You’re a Star), inspired by his music and aimed at self-belief and purpose for the next generation.  Style and Themes His music draws from classic hip-hop influences—strong lyricism, storytelling, and boom-bap production—while addressing personal perspectives, cultural topics, and real-life grit. Tracks often feature cinematic or thoughtful titles (e.g., referencing films or social issues). He positions himself as a representative of authentic, independent hip-hop in an era of commercial dominance.  Recent Activity (as of 2026) Poitier remains active with new music drops, tours (including dates in 2025–2026), live performances (e.g., opening for or sharing bills with artists like Boldy James), podcasts/interviews (e.g., The Heir Cast, Sounds of Orlando), and running Poitier Music Group. He continues to engage fans directly via social media and emphasizes hustle, representation, and legacy.  Overall, Cydney Poitier’s career is a testament to long-term dedication in the underground scene: evolving from Uniqme in the Hit Squad era to a self-sustained artist/entrepreneur honoring cultural icons while uplifting his Orlando community through music and service. His discography and presence reflect resilience, bar-for-bar skill, and a commitment to real hip-hop values. For the latest, check his Instagram, Spotify, or Gas Face Records-related platforms.