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Exclusive Interview with AZitiZ!
When it comes to cool names, there’s no doubt that AZitiZ (AS IT IS) a native of New Orleans, is a master. Derived from the subtitle of the ancient Sanskrit classic, Bhagavad Gita As It Is, the phrase means the unadulterated truth.
Growing up, AZitiZ went to school in Florida to an all girl's spiritual boarding school where the girls learned yoga, meditation & practiced strict vegetarianism. With the school, she traveled the world, including India, doing theatrical performances and music. Over the years, her music excellence became apparent as she mastered different styles of drumming. AZitiZ has always been attracted to percussion and drums, so after school she went to study at Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, California and also lived in India for eight months, to further her study of percussion.
When she returned to the states, AZitiZ heard hip hop, fell in love with it and was inspired by Queen Latifa, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu & Missy Elliot. From here, her music took a totally different direction. Compelled by the flowy, rhythmic rhymes of hip hop, she found her niche. Now, she’s ready to explode on the scene with a fresh new sound.
AZitiZ isn't content to leave the music world as it is. This is an artist ready to leave a crater – that is, she's gonna make an impact. Her evocative blend of hip-hop and soul elements ride an electric line along the cutting edge of urban music creativity. At the same time, she keeps a grip on the staple elements in which the genres are rooted. Catchy doesn't even begin to describe the hook-heavy infectiousness that pull the listener into a world of vital words and potent grooves.
We recently caught up with AZitiZ to find out some more about her music and her upcoming tour in South Africa!
1. You are about to embark on your "Explore South Africa" tour which has been described as "the voice of the voiceless". What does that mean to you?
Words cannot describe what it means to me. Helping to give voice is paramount in South Africa as well as other parts of the world and if one is in a position to help I feel it’s their civic duty to do so.
When I first started doing music, the purpose behind it was not only to soothe my own soul with positive vibes but to feed others that vibe as well. It is something that everyone's heart calls out to, love, encouragement, knowledge and connection to mother earth (whether people know it or not, it’s there.) The music and Explore South Africa Tour is something that is bigger than myself. I am calling out, sending out good vibrations which is something people need more of in their lives. Feeding ones soul is very important, I truly believe. It is an honor to be able to do so in Africa and reunite with true roots.
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2.What can people expect from this upcoming tour?
Hip Hop Fans from across the Globe uniting to celebrate our love for the genre and to help bring conscious music to the forefront. People can also expect to be empowered on all aspects of the music business via our global hip hop music panel of experts. They can also expect plenty of excitement, adventure, love, laughter, great music, culture and rejuvenation. If anyone wants to join us on this trip do not hesitate to get back to the roots of it all.
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3.Who is your biggest musical influence of all time?
When I first heard Wu -tang Killa bees, I thought "wow I Love RAP!" But, when I was about 14, The Fugees came out with Lauryn Hill and I knew I wanted to be a rapper. I was also influenced by India Irie, Jill Scott and Nas.
4. You have worked with numerous producers, can you tell us of any highlights?
The best producer I have worked with was this cat in Florida at Beat Trap Studios, Sean Hunter. This guy is an amazing musician. He is classically trained in music and knows how to read it. He can sing, mix and makes amazing beats. He is very creative. He and I worked on most of my new album together; The City of Love. He is a co-producer on the album. Brilliant!
I also worked with this cat Rainer aka AQRAT in Germany who has such a great grasp on how Hip hop is supposed to be. I visited him in Germany and made three songs with him. He’s a true hip-hop head. Overseas, people are really into hip-hop and the elements of hip-hop, I loved it there.
Finally, working with The One Russtafari was an interesting experience. We met online and to this day, have never met in person. I thought it would be difficult to work with a producer in this was but, I was surprised at how well we co-operated. In the end, we were left with an amazing track and a new friendship.
5. If readers had to go out and buy only one single of yours, which one would it be and why?
City of Love would be my first choice to buy because it’s an amazing track produced by The one Russtafari. The Track is about my home town New Orleans and it’s political/ social issues. There are many underneath all the partying and Mardi Grass beads everybody knows it for. New Orleans has so much to offer this world in terms of history, culture, family, music, food and romance.. but sadly the people of the city are not being taking care of. So The song is a campaign song to turn my City into a city of Love and not corruption.
6. What sets you apart from other hip-hop artists?
I don't know really... all I know is that music is coming from the heart and not a form of fashion. I am musician.
7. What is the main message you are trying to send through your music?
Be yourself.
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8.Where can we find out more about you?
9. Out of all the tours you have done so far, which one stood out and why?
I went to Australia, I had never been there before and it was strange to me to be the only black person in the airport or even in the area....a lil scary also. But, nothing stands out like this one, This Africa tour is going to be special, uplifting and AMAZING!
10. Describe your music style in 3 words.
Smooth, soulful, hypnotic.
