Free Agent

Hawk (né Robert Tolson)

May 31, 2005

> NAME: Hawk (né Robert Tolson)
> AGE: 27
> HOMETOWN: Providence, R.I.
> GENRE: Hip hop
> FAVORITE ALBUM: It Was Written, Nas
> DREAM COLLABO: Donell Jones

For 13 years, Hawk flew under the radar, hustling on the streets of Providence, R.I., and promoting his rhymes through the mixtapes he sold to supplement his daily grind. But a year ago, he left all that behind and moved to Miami for a safer, more promising lifestyle. "I got kids, so I got to be responsible," he says. In MIA, Hawk was introduced to superproducer Scott Storch by a mutual friend and took advantage of the moment to spit some choice rhymes. Storch was so impressed by his style he decided to help Hawk put together a demo with a handshake understanding. On one resulting collaboration, "Don't Lose Me," Hawk shows off his smooth lyrical delivery and sums up his newfound assurance: "I'm one-of-a-kind / Boss man / True to this game / Smothered in grime / I ain't new to this game." With such confidence, this bird should soon be flying high. Georgette Cline