Student rapper An0maly attracts interest of major, indie labels

A.J. Faleski, also known as An0maly, is not just a junior advertising student at West Virginia University.

He's also an Internet rap sensation.

Faleski has more than 1.25 million views on YouTube for his stripped-down mixtapes – an impressive amount for an artist recording without any professional equipment, not even a microphone.

His success online has grabbed the attention of major and independent record labels, all offering Faleski the chance to sign as a committed artist.

Though a variety of offers have been extended, Faleski is taking his time to decide what could be a life changing decision.

"I am definitely interested in signing, but right now I'm trying to find the best opportunity for me, and I don't want to quit school unless I know I did it to make a positive change in my life," Faleski said.

Having been interested in music since he was in the seventh grade, Faleski started differently from most rappers: writing poetry.

"I was never really good at school and I couldn't sing, but I knew I had a passion for music and for writing," Faleski said. "I still write all of my raps out in poem format. My songs are rarely created at random."

As an artist, Faleski wants to revive what he thinks is a "dying industry" and help people to distinguish between two commonly confused music genres: rap and hip-hop.

"I want to try to save hip-hop because I feel like it's dying, and I'm just trying to switch up the scene and bring back original, passionate hip-hop," Faleski said.

Though he's got big dreams, Faleski's aspirations are humbled, and there is a greater purpose behind his motivation.

"No matter what, I'll never sell out, and I don't pretend to be something I'm not," Faleski said. "I try to make raps that are more relevant and I want to bring a positive side to hip-hop."

An0maly's mixtapes "Unknown Lyricist" and "Deal Or No Deal" and other songs can be heard for free at www.datpiff.com.