Cam Roots: A Monroe Grown Hip Hop Talent

Whether he's immersing himself in the lyrics of rising hip hop star Wiz Kalifa, kicking it old school with Biggie Smalls and the Wu-Tang Clan or performing his own music, Mike Szabo's passion never wanes.

The 19-year-old Masuk High School alumni has been pursuing a music career as Cam Roots — going full-throttle over the past year. Szabo will perform tonight at the Hip Hop Showcase at Toad's Place, 300 York St., New Haven, at 7:30.

"It doesn't feel like I'm tiring myself to do this," he said during an interview in his family's kitchen Tuesday evening. "It feels real. I always struggled with school and jobs I don't like. I have to be happy doing what I'm doing. Music has never let me down. I don't think it will."

Mike has performed with his brother, Dan, 20, whose stage persona is Cas, and a beatboxer named Kenny Urban at Bar in New Haven. Mike and Dan also did a show together at Tuxedo Junction last week.

Mike said it was his brother Dan, who got him into hip hop.

"My older brother was interested in it when he was 11 or 12," he said of Dan. "He's more of a writer. He could write a book with what he raps about and mine is more mainstream," Mike added of his own style.

"I learn a lot of things from listening to Dan's music," Mike said. "My brother is this underground, old school, story-teller rapper."

He met Urban at a party and the two started to perform together in front of their friends. Mike also used to rap with Chris Webby, an artist whose career has been taking off.

Mike said his own lyrics are filled with ideas most people feel uncomfortable expressing. Of his music, he said, "It's articulate. It flows nicely. I makes sense."

Mike has seen the Wu-Tang Clan and Mac Miller perform at Toad's Place before, and if he does well enough there himself, he may open for them one day. Mike said talent scouts routinely go to these shows in search of good opening acts for headlining groups.

His mother Cathy, who is an actor and singer herself, and his father, Danny, are supportive of he and Dan's ambitions. Mike also has a younger brother, Max, 10.

If rap doesn't work out for him, Mike may pursue a career in graphic design. He plans to enroll part-time at either the University of New Haven or Sacred Heart University in the spring.

Brian Fitzgibbons, a friend who has helped to book shows for Mike, is confident in the musical hopeful.

"He has a lot of passion with his lyrics and the way he wants to set his musical image," Fitzgibbons said. "He was focused this past year when we came together and he has been moving forward ever since."

"You can get a lot of stuff across without having to be direct with anyone," Mike said of hip hop. "It's just fun. It takes you away from anything you're worried about. You put yourself in a role and you run with it."