Collegiate Times

We've all have heard or heard of campus legend and beatboxing guru Justin Stein. Some of us seem to see him in a particular spot at the same time every Tuesday and Thursday, encountering his proverbial soundtrack that surely enhances the daily campus routine.

But as Stein may have been receiving the publicity, brewing on the other side of campus lies a challenger, ready and willing.

Hailing from Roanoke is Peter "Petebox" Shin, a D2 employee hoping to challenge his first opponent, Justin Stein. Apparently, the town isn't big enough for the both of them. Shin, who has been beatboxing on and off for eight years since his sophomore year of high school, cites beatboxing pioneer and former Roots member Rahzel as a primary influence.

"One of my friends from church came to a Friday meeting and showed us a beatbox done by Rahzel, called 'If Your Mother Only Knew,'" recalled Shin. "When I first heard it, I was astounded to hear someone speak and beatbox at the same time."

Since, Shin has been encompassed in the multiplicities of hip-hop. As famous beatboxers like Biz Markie and Doug E. Fresh, a good beatboxer can demonstrate a wide range of vocal skills and the imitation of a sound to a tee. Using Rahzel as an outlet for development, Shin began to harness the airwaves and garner response. Much of his progress has come from closely following the footsteps of his influences.

"I found out (Rahzel) had learned it from listening to the song, so I checked it out myself," Shin said. "It took me a couple weeks to get into the groove of it, but eventually I began to get there."

But the essentials were already in place.

"I love music, and hip-hop is my primary beatbox style," Shin said. "I'll copy and imitate song melodies and mostly beatbox whenever there would be a freestyle session - like 106-n-Park, a capella style. I lost my ambition to continue after one of my best friends had passed away, but lately I've been coming across a lot that has changed my mindset about beatboxing and I want to grab hold again."

Shin performed at his high-school pep-rally his junior and senior years of high school and claims to be have been the best in his area (noting there wasn't much competition). As with any talent, public performance is usually a good indicator of success - but so is a nickname.

"Later on, I eventually got the name 'Petebox,' not to be confused with THePETEBOX from the UK," Shin said.  

However, Shin doesn't seem to garner such public response, nor have such immediate reactions. And while that unquestionably doesn't bother Shin, he sure wouldn't mind testing his tires at any velocity.

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