Syahboy

Marcus Thomas, better known by his former stage name Syahboy, is an American battle rapper from Atlanta, Georgia by way of Rochester, New York. Best known for his many appearances on BET’s music video show 106 & Park in the “Freestyle Friday” competition, Syah started out competing in battle rap in Grind Time Now’s Georgia division in 2009. After rising up the ranks in Grind Time, he later made it to URL in 2010 as part of the league’s first Proving Grounds class. In addition to those leagues, Syah has also competed on other leagues like Don’t Flop, Rare Breed Entertainment, and Bullpen Battle League.

As a battler, Syah is known for his confident stage presence, rapid-fire punchlines, and underdog status. He’s known for his friendship with his fellow Grind Time Georgia alum, Bullpen Battle League owner John John Da Don. Syah is also the younger brother of fellow battle rapper Michael Thomas, aka Burnz Da Fyaman, from Rochester, New York.

In 2020, Syah – competing under his new stage name Hays the Family Man – was announced as one of 32 battle rappers competing in King of the Dot’s Grand Prix 2020 for a shot at $50,000. His performances against Brixx Belvy and Clone gave him increased visibility within the battle culture as a solidified veteran with serious writing ability. He received an outpouring of recognition and support from analysts, bloggers, and fans watching the tournament live on Twitch. After his victory against Brixx Belvy in Round 1 of the Grand Prix, Syah clarified that he had changed his stage name to Hays the Family Man (later Family Man Hays) to reflect how much he matured outside of the battle scene regarding him starting a family.

Below is a list of Syah’s battles:

2009
#1. Godzilla vs. Syahboy (11-14-2009)
#2. PC vs. Syahboy (12-12-2009)

2010
#3. Lund vs. Syahboy (1-2-2010)
#4. G Souldier vs. Syahboy (2-20-2010)
#5. Syahboy vs. Jonny Storm (3-13-2010)
#6. Syahboy vs. ZM (4-17-2010)
#7. Juicezilla vs. Syahboy (8-29-2010)

2011
#8. Syahboy vs. Scotty P (1-15-2011)
#9. M. Ciddy vs. Syahboy (3-26-2011) [Vaulted]
#10. Syahboy vs. Ivan Da Great (8-23-2011)
#11. Philly Swain vs. Syahboy (9-17-2011)
#12. Payne Da Squad Boy vs. Syahboy (12-9-2011)
#13. Sayce vs. Syahboy (12-16-2011)
#14. Relly vs. Syahboy (12-22-2011)

2012
#15. Spades vs. Syahboy (3-9-2012)
#16. Payne Da Squad Boy vs. Syahboy (3-16-2012)
#17. Relly vs. Syahboy (4-6-2012)
#18. Lotta Zay vs. Syahboy (12-8-2012)

2013
#19. E. Ness vs. Syahboy (1-28-2013)
#20. Doms vs. Syahboy (4-13-2013)
#21. Syahboy vs. Cephdeezy (5-19-2013)
#22. Big Kannon vs. Syahboy (10-26-2013)

2014
#23. Syahboy vs. Neeq (3-23-2014)
#24. JC vs. Syahboy (7-5-2014)
#25. Syd Vicious vs. Syahboy (11-1-2014)

2015
#26. K-Shine & DNA vs. Syahboy & John John Da Don (4-4-2015)
#27. Syahboy vs. Mack Mel (4-11-2015)
#28. Syahboy vs. KP (8-15-2015)
#29. Syahboy vs. DNA (10-18-2015)
#30. Syahboy vs. Money Bagz (11-14-2015)
#31. Arsonal vs. Syahboy (12-20-2015)

2016
#32. Syah vs. Chef Trez (4-23-2016)
#33. B Magic vs. Syah (8-20-2016)

2017
#34. Syahboy vs. Bonnie Godiva (4-22-2017)

2018
#35. Syahboy vs. Stretch Millz (2-25-2018)
#36. Syah vs. Cannon Tha Beast (4-14-2018)
#37. Dre Dennis vs. Syahboy (9-22-2018) [Vaulted]

2019
#38. Syah vs. C-Moneii (11-30-2019)

2020
#39. Scotty vs. Syah (4-19-2020)
#40. Brixx Belvy vs. Hays The Family Man (9-27-2020)
#41. Clone vs. Family Man Hays (10-25-2020)
#42. Dizaster vs. Family Man Hays (11-22-2020)