“Syntax” is hard to define for some. The dictionary describes it as “a connected or orderly system” or “a harmonious arrangement of parts or elements.” Knowing this, it makes sense that it was many small pieces unfolding and coming together that helped bring Syntax Records to life in 1997. What is now a hip-hop empire started as one dream shared between two brothers who loved music and saw its power to reach the world. Steve (MaxOne) and Tim Trudeau (rocdomz) were born and raised up in San Diego, California, in the ‘70s when rap music was also getting its start. Artists like the Sugarhill Gang hit the radio waves and spoke directly to them. "We were always the kids who loved rap,” Tim recalls. “When I heard 'Rapper's Delight', something happened on the inside." At the same time, his older brother Steve was cultivating his own appreciation of hip-hop. He recalls riding in the passenger seat of his father’s car listening to soulful music and soon began writing his own rhymes. “When the other kids were getting into Prince, I was listening to Cold Crush Brothers, The Treacherous Three and then a little later on, Run–D.M.C. and LL Cool J,” Steve says.