South East Hip Hop Magazine recently sat down and had a one on one interview with rising indie hip hop recording artist and current SEHH featured artist Az-Iz. In this interview Az-Iz talks about his music, some of the struggles he's faced coming up in the music industry, and more! Az-Iz even touches on some of the recent controversy surrounding his former label IMF (Indie Music Factory). Read all about what he has to say in the in depth interview below.
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Az-Iz at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Az-Iz-Baby/222108744574299?fref=ts
South East Hip Hop Magazine: How are you doing Az-Iz?
Az-Iz: Surprisingly GREAT! If you know the music business, you know that it is a struggle for an artist that is getting started, but I’m finding my way and building a team that I KNOW has what it takes to make it happen. Having great people around you takes a lot of stress off of you as an artist.
South East Hip Hop Magazine: Why do you call yourself Az-Iz?
Az-Iz: I was given the nickname by the head of a label I was associated with for several years. The name was given to me because I don’t change. I’m always me and I give it to you as is…hence the name, Az-Iz.
South East Hip Hop Magazine: How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Az-Iz: I would start by saying, I am just THAT…an artist. I don’t feel like a lot of kats can honestly say that about themselves and I’m proud that I am a true artist. Beyond that, I am deep, intellectual, conscious and positive, but at the same time, I can still bring you that street mentality, that hood mentality, after all…I was raised by the streets.
South East Hip Hop Magazine: How long have you been rhyming?
Az-Iz: I been rhyming for at least 10 years, but I did not really start taking it seriously as a career until just a couple years ago.
South East Hip Hop Magazine: What inspired you to want to rap?
Az-Iz: I realized what it could potentially grow into…what kind of things I could eventually have an impact on…plus, I LOVE it…so, why not? I mean, at the end of the day…who wouldn't want to be a rapper?
South East Hip Hop Magazine: What projects are you working on now?
Az-Iz: Well, I ALWAYS got a LOT of projects in progress. I got to stay busy to stay on top of my game…but immediately, I have “Time Is Money” (Produced by Young Goku) set to release digitally and physically on May 5th, 2015. I also have another single that will be released a few weeks after that featuring Keyz 2 ThaGame called “Out The Mud” (produced by Brandon Dyer), and I also have my new mixtape titled 2 Weeks Notice coming REALLY soon…probably looking at a mid-May release on the mixtape.
South East Hip Hop Magazine: What do you plan to release in the future?
Az-Iz: I plan on doing this for a LONG time, I can tell you this, I plan on winning a Grammy REAL soon.
South East Hip Hop Magazine: Speaking of the future, what plans do you have for the rest of this 2015?
Az-Iz: Actually, I got some rather BIG plans for this year. I am currently planning a big campaign out west in Nevada, Arizona, and California. In addition to my new ventures with my singles and my mixtape. Don’t worry, there will be PLENTY of music coming from Az-Iz this year. #snowdat
South East Hip Hop Magazine: You were recently signed to a label, IMF and you recently left the label because of some issues, would you care to discuss any of that with us to inform other artists that may be interested in working with that label?
Az-Iz: As the issue is currently being handled…I am only at liberty to say so much. I will tell you that artists should always do their research, and not just a google search. Try to find artists that have taken that route and gotten results, good or bad, and make your decision based off of that. There are snakes everywhere in this business…it’s no different from the streets. It’s all about being educated on what you’re dealing with. And my recommendation, build your own team.
South East Hip Hop Magazine: What is one of the worst experiences you've faced in the industry and how did you learn or bounce back from it?
Az-Iz: Believe it or not, I do not look at the current situation with IMF as a major set back. I only wasted 3 months learning that lesson. No time wasted is ever a benefit, but I did waste over 4 years with a label that was going nowhere, doing nothing for the artist and basically, for all intents and purposes…intentionally holding me back…so that is definitely my worst experience so far.
South East Hip Hop Magazine: What's one of the biggest milestones you've had in your music career so far?
Az-Iz: So far this year, I have distributed my first single, dropped my first 2 videos, been featured in TakeOver Magazine, and not to mention, received HELLA love from the fans and supporters as well as plenty of positive feedback from people I look up to in this business. To me, everything positive is a milestone to remember and help me stay focused and on task.
South East Hip Hop Magazine: Is there anything you would like to plug? Any shout outs?
Az-Iz: First off, shout out to South East Hip Hop Magazine for doing what they do for indie artists… #snowdat Also, I gotta show love to ALL my people… EVERYbody at #GMT (Grown Man Team), it’s more than a movement…it’s a mentality, also, shout out to The Realistik Network and Lee Fleshman for being a mentor to me and REALLY helping me with my career. Shout out to Keyz 2 ThaGame as well for being a mentor to me and also for motivating me through his music. Shout out to Raine 4 Dayz ENT and POTS Ent in Augusta, Georgia for rocking with me and my team and putting us on venues…shout out to my producers, Young Goku of the Talabandz and Brandon Dyer from the U.K. … and as ALWAYS … #salute the fans
