Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Singer: Slayings off limits to horrorcore rappers
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Singer: Slayings off limits to horrorcore rappers
By ALLEN G. BREED,AP National Writer -
Monday, September 28
Send
IM Story
Print
The quadruple murder allegedly committed by a horrorcore music fanatic is just the kind of scenario so-called "death rappers" write songs about.
But the woman whose music brought Richard "Sam" McCroskey and his victims together says no one in her circle will be rapping about this case.
"People can call it hypocritical, but I call it respect," Razakel, the self-described "Queen of the Wicked (expletive)," told The Associated Press Saturday in an exclusive interview. "I'm not going to talk about people I loved like that. ... It would be disrespectful."
Normally, the genre is all about murder, gore and vilifying organized religion, particularly Christianity. But the recent slayings in the little college town of Farmville, Va., have shaken the underground music scene.
"We rap about it, and it finally happens," Razakel, 25, who refused to divulge her given name, said by telephone from her home near Albuquerque, N.M. "It should be like a slap in our face, right? Well, no. S--- happens."
McCroskey, 20, of Castro Valley, Calif., is charged with first-degree murder in the death of the Rev. Mark Niederbrock, 50. Similar charges are expected in the killings of Niederbrock's estranged wife, Debra S. Kelley, 53, their daughter, Emma Niederbrock, 16, and her friend, Melanie Wells, 18, of Inwood, W.Va.
All four were found bludgeoned to death Sept. 18, in Kelley's home. McCroskey and Emma had met online through the horrorcore scene, and all five had just returned from the Sept. 12 Strictly for the Wicked festival outside Detroit.
Razakel and boyfriend Andres Shrim, aka SicktanicK the Soulless, were among the festival's organizers and headliners. McCroskey, an aspiring rapper himself, was a Web site designer and promoter of Shrim's label, Serial Killin Records.
Razakel said it was she who first introduced Emma and Melanie.
Emma discovered Razakel's music about two years ago and began communicating with her through instant message and MySpace, the rapper said. They shared a love for such diverse musical acts as Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, Porcelain and the Tramps, and Slipknot.
"We both liked the same stuff, like photography and makeup and doing hair and all that," said Razakel, whose MySpace page features a crowned female demon holding a fetus in one hand and a severed head on a pike in the other.
The Chicago native didn't know it at the time, but they were also both daughters of Presbyterian ministers.
"I always had an idea that she ... was brought up strict," she said. "I was brought up strict. And so I thought I could relate with her, because I know how it goes, and I messed up a lot, and I just, I didn't want to see her go down the same path. And so I was there for her."
About a year into their online friendship, Melanie contacted Razakel. The singer noted they lived just a few hours apart and suggested Emma and Melanie meet.
"They were inseparable," she said.
She and Shrim first met Emma and Melanie _ who went by the names "RagDOLL" and "Ms. Free Abortions," respectively _ last summer at the Underground United concert in Chicago, Razakel said.
McCroskey, who went by the screen name "LiLdEmOnDoG," had been doing Web work and promotions for another horrorcore label, Wicked Intent Records, when he first approached Razakel about a year and a half ago. They met in January at a gathering in Apple Valley, Calif.
"He was actually really shy to approach me or Sick," she said. "And I had to call him out."
She said McCroskey was a wizard with Flash Art and really beefed up the label's and its artists' Web pages. He filmed concerts and took photographs.
In the meantime, Emma and Melanie had become members of Razakel's online promotions team, dubbed "the unholy apostles."
Contrary to earlier reports, Razakel said McCroskey and Emma did not meet until he flew to Virginia on Sept. 6. Emma wrote gushing messages to McCroskey's MySpace page, professing her love for him.
"But she never flat out told me, `He's my boyfriend,'" Razakel said. "I just knew that they were close and getting closer, and at the show they were going to meet up and take it on from there."
McCroskey's sister, Sarah, said his friends spoke of a falling out they had at the show. McCroskey, who recently began rapping under the moniker "Syko Sam," told the cab driver who took him to the Richmond, Va., airport the day before his arrest that the two had fought over an amorous text message Emma had received from another man.
Razakel knew nothing of that. Before the concert, the girls hung out in her hotel room, and she spent hours putting dread falls in Melanie's hair.
"I thought everything was cool," she said.
When she heard of the killings, and that McCroskey was the suspect, she said she couldn't believe it.
"This sounds kind of messed up, but to me it makes more sense if some random person would have broken into that house and did all that before it makes sense with Sam," she said. "You could push over this kid and walk all over him."
The Monday before she died, Emma texted Razakel a little heart on her cell phone.
Many have blamed Razakel and horrorcore music for the killings. She said she gets her ideas from books and the news, and refuses to accept responsibility for what happened.
"To me, it's people do whatever they do," she said. "Our music wasn't playing in his ears when he bludgeoned four people. He did that on his own."
But while Razakel said she has no feelings of guilt, people should not assume she is unfeeling.
"We rap about some ugly, evil, evil stuff, but that doesn't mean we're not human," she said.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Cuba moderately conciliatory toward US at UN AP - 1 hour 5 minutes ago
Ukraine PM to Russia: Hand over poisoning figures AP - 1 hour 10 minutes ago
A glance at space tourists past and present AP - 1 hour 13 minutes ago
Somali govt troops re-take Baladwayne town Reuters - 1 hour 25 minutes ago
Crash scene overwhelmed by bees in Turkey AP - 1 hour 31 minutes ago
News Search
Top Stories
Yen hits eight-month dollar peak
Frankfurt stocks rise after Merkel win
Madoff family to be sued over missing billions
Deripaska's company owes bank $432 mln
Bonus-less Hungary sees plunging car sales
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Madoff family to be sued over missing billions
Scientists make paralysed rats run again
Deripaska's company owes bank $432 mln
Bonus-less Hungary sees plunging car sales
Gulf single currency should be phased: Kuwait
More Most Viewed »
Ozone hole smaller in 2009 than 2008: WMO
Remains of Jesus-era synagogue found in Israel
Nanoparticles could pose threat to humans: scientists
Implanted tooth helps blind US woman recover sight
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Search
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Monday, 28 September 2009 Under pressure for nukes, Iran test fires missiles
Merkel wins, Germans opt for center-right coalition
| International
|
Iran state telecoms firm privatised in eight-bln-dollar deal
Four dead as Afghan minister survives bomb attack: police
Palestinians warn Israel after Jerusalem clash
India minister says had candid talks with Pakistani
| International
|
Colombian rebels say will free two of 24 hostages
| International
|
Iraqis make most of violence lull to wed in style
Yemen's Qaeda wing seeks donations in Saudi Arabia
| International
|
Iran vows to stick with low-level nuclear enrichment
Chavez proposes Africa-South America mining firm
| International
|
China to display upgraded missiles in Oct 1 parade
| International
|
US says climate bill might not pass in time
Florida man severely burned during fight
Top Afghan official threatens to quit after attack
Study says China quake a once in 4,000 years event
What's true cost of a Starbucks latte, author asks
Volunteers key to success of Thai vaccine trials
Searching for the 'real' America, political-style
China to display upgraded missiles in October 1 parade
Ben & Jerry's, GE work on greener freezers for US
Here come the brides: Polygamy club woos Malaysia
US deadline to close Guantanamo 'tough': Gates
Tight security at Julia Roberts film set in India
Pakistan blasts show Taliban's ability to strike
Gates shows no signs of leaving Pentagon
Buddhists: Police, mob force monks from monastery
US diplomat to press for NKorea talks
Bill Clinton: No thoughts of public office return
More school: Obama would curtail summer vacation
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Movie-maker Polanski arrested in Switzerland
Bardot's legacy on display as she set to turn 75
India's new galleries look to beat recession blues
Lyric Opera opens season with glowing "Tosca"
Swiss arrest Polanski on US request in sex case
Cloudy retains box office lead with Surrogates in second
| Entertainment
|
Bardot's legacy on display as she set to turn 75
| Entertainment
|
Iran test-fires middle-range missiles: report
China Unicom to buy back stake from SK Telecom
Germany's Merkel looks to rocky new term
Merkel aims for quick coalition deal with FDP
| International
|
Madoff family to be sued over missing billions
German officials to probe Twitter election leaks
Deripaska's company owes bank $432 mln
Bonus-less Hungary sees plunging car sales
U.S. commander offers troop options for Afghanistan
| International
|
Xinjiang authorities ban online separatist talk: state media
Gulf single currency should be phased: Kuwait
Iran test-fires Shahab 3 missile: state TV
| International
|
Qaeda's Zawahri praises slain figure in new message
| International
|
Iraq frees detainees linked to British hostages
Honduras vows to close Brazil embassy, cracks down
| International
|
Asylum influx a fresh threat to Australia PM Rudd
| International
|
Chinese PM to visit North Korea amid nuclear standoff
| International
|
U.S. commander offers troop options for Afghanistan
Mobile usage a rare highlight in music biz
| Technology
|
Jack Black and Ozzy Osbourne star in metal video game
| Technology
|
More than half million kids get bad drug reactions
China PM to visit NKorea from Oct 4-6: state media
Unicom to sell iPhones in China from October
| Technology
|
Out of fields, into class for migrant kids
Gates: Mistake to set Afghan withdrawal timelines
Philippines cannot cope with flood disaster: govt
General complains about US bureaucracy
China-Japan-SKorea to discuss NKorea, wider ties
Dollar falls below 89 yen to eight-month low
Polanski's lawyers vow to fight Switzerland detention
Pakistan, India end talks without breakthrough
Meeting US deadline to close Guantanamo 'tough': Gates
Oil spill shutters part of Houston Ship Channel
US seeks 'unified' call on NKorea nuclear talks: envoy
Mexican taco cart wins NYC's street vendor award
Yen jumps to 9-month high after Fujii comments
Korea Hot Stocks
SKorea plans budget boost to bolster growth
Pacific islands seek "outdated" fish pact change
Hong Kong financial secretary suffers heart attack
Taiwan dollar down on funds, exporters support
Seoul shares fall;Samsung Imaging up on merger hope
S.Korea proposes smaller 2010 budget plan
China celebrates 60th birthday, Hollywood style
IMF study gives high marks to its crisis support
South Korea proposes smaller 2010 budget vs 2009
Filmmaker Roman Polanski's arrest to spark extradition fight
| Entertainment
|
Cloudy again leads struggling box office
| Entertainment
|
Harrelson, Murray bring flair to Zombieland
| Entertainment
|
Trauma stands out among new fall TV shows
| Entertainment
|
USA confirms mass Criminal Intent departures
| Entertainment
|
The Hole a 3D horror movie with a lesson
| Entertainment
|
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom get married
Jack Black and Ozzy Osbourne star in metal video game
| Entertainment
|
Mobile usage a rare highlight in music biz
| Entertainment
|
Will cable roughhousing extract a price?
Paranormal Activity has cult potential
| Entertainment
|
'Joneses' director keeps up with marketing tactics
"Trauma" stands out among new fall TV shows
Harrelson, Murray bring flair to 'Zombieland'
Bardot makes birthday plea to Loren to give up fur
China celebrates 60th birthday, Hollywood style
Polanski's arrest could be his path to freedom
Jackson sneak peek screenings sell out in 2 hours
Yen hits eight-month dollar peak
China Unicom to launch iPhone in October
Iraq roadside bomb kills six after striking minibus
Frankfurt stocks rise after Merkel win
Iran test-fires missiles ahead of major talks
Unicom to sell Apple iPhones in China from October
Defiant Iran test-fires long-range missiles
NATO believes Karzai will win vote: report
Iran test-fires long-range missile: Press TV
Manila hit over aid delay after storm kills 140
| International
|
Iran denies atomic plant violates international law
Polls cast pall over Britain's ruling Labor
| International
|
Iraq bomb attacks end Ramadan lull
| International
|
Pakistani tribal leader among 5 dead in blast
| International
|
Battle for key farm vote rages ahead of Greek poll
| International
|
Pope says fall of communism proved man needs God
| International
|
Malaysia religious court orders caning for woman
| International
|
Apple passes 2 billion app downloads
| Technology
|
No malfunction before SC medical helicopter crash
Australian parents jailed for death of their baby
NKorea's new constitution mentions human rights
Opera urges EU exec not to rush Microsoft case
| Technology
|
Court-martial in NC soldier's death to begin
Latinos bank on bilingual census form to aid count
Richest village in China a capitalist commune
A glance at moose populations in selected states
Massive flooding leaves 140 dead in Philippines
EU seeks to turn down MP3s music player volumes
| Technology
|
Afghan gov't: Insurgents kill 12 civilians
Singer: Slayings off limits to horrorcore rappers
Filipino actor saves real-life damsel in distress
People playing the odds on health care over costs
AP NewsAlert
Snowe is the woman with clout on health care
China confirms Premier Wen to visit North Korea
Myanmar's Suu Kyi seeks to meet Western diplomats
Pakistani stocks end 2.6 pct lower; rupee firms
Yen jumps to 9-month high amid Fujii comments
FACTBOX-Pakistan's economy and monetary policy
FACTBOX-Five risks to watch in Pakistan
S.Korea to cut commission, fee rates on fund sales
Japan stocks tumble as yen surges versus dollar
Beijing selling 1st yuan bonds in Hong Kong
China approves building of coastal nuclear plant
Japan plans to let women keep maiden names
Polanski to fight extradition after Zurich arrest
Polanski to fight extradition after Zurich arrest
| Entertainment
|
USA confirms mass "Criminal Intent" departures
Jack Black and Ozzy Osbourne star in metal video game
Mobile usage a rare highlight in music biz
"Paranormal Activity" has cult potential
"The Hole" a 3D horror movie with a lesson
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights