MUSIC NOW
MUSIC Spotlight: SOZ
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior
Published: January 18, 2007 6:16 PM EST
(Juniorscave.com)


PHOTO CREDIT: SOZ

Check out this new and upcoming hip-hop artist, SOZ, who is aiming for the sky. He has a very unique style with some even nicer rhymes. We recently had a chance to ask SOZ some questions about his music and what can we expect from this artist.

MUSIC NOW: We notice you on Music Submit, a website that allows musicians to showcase their music on the Internet, and found to be taken by your sweet hip-hop rhymes and phat beat? When and why did you start performing?

SOZ: I started rapping and performing back in 1999 with a friend who goes by The Ringleader. We did it just for kicks at the time.

MUSIC NOW: A brief history of your beginnings--Where do the name Soz came from?

SOZ: It was a nickname given to me by my friends when I was younger. It's a spin-off of my last name.

MUSIC NOW: What was the first flow you learned while growing up?

SOZ: "It ain't no fun, if the homies can't have none." -Snoop Doggy Dogg from Doggystyle.

MUSIC NOW: Which famous artist do you admire or have admired? Why?

SOZ: Tupac..He is one artist that I wish I could have collaborated with. His ambition, creativity and charisma separate himself from all of the rest.

MUSIC NOW: Which famous artist have you learned from or would love to learned from his/her experience?

SOZ: I'd say Jay-Z--I would love to know how it was to perform overseas.

MUSIC NOW: Describe your first time performing in front of an audience.

SOZ: In Toronto, Ontario Canada back in 2000--It was at a club downtown which had over a 1000 people in it. It was incredible.


PHOTO CREDIT: SOZ

MUSIC NOW: What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?

SOZ: When the first album came out. The feeling of accomplishment was euphoric.

MUSIC NOW: Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

SOZ: I wasn't really influenced by a particular record or tape. I was more influenced by a certain artist or group. Tupac, Dre, Snoop, Ice Cube--the list goes on.

MUSIC NOW: Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV?

SOZ: I came back from Canada a second time around and performed at a school functioned dance in my hometown. The students were crazy.

MUSIC NOW: Why should folks listen to your music?

SOZ: I'm something fresh...I rap and make songs about subjects from the heart.

MUSIC NOW: How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

SOZ: I just pretend like it never happened and it doesn't phaze me. I've made maybe just a few mistakes. Only my uncle who helps me out can notice them.

MUSIC NOW: Do any of you get nervous before a performance or a competition?

SOZ: I got nervous at my first show in Canada. Especially 10 minutes before stage time. Since then, it never gets to me.

MUSIC NOW: What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?

SOZ: Just relax and take deep breaths...or have a shot of jack, haha.

MUSIC NOW: Do you attend sessions? What makes a good session?

SOZ: I like to have all of my material ready to go. A lot of artists like to work during studio time. I like to prepare myself.

MUSIC NOW: How often and for how long do you all like to practice?

SOZ: I practice when I can. It's hard since I’m a one man operation.

MUSIC NOW: How do you balance your music with other obligations - mate, child, job?

SOZ: It's pretty tough. I have a few jobs and it takes a toll on your time management and your body.

MUSIC NOW: Overall, where do you see yourselves in the next five years?

SOZ: I believe I have the potential to be signed to a major label. So hopefully by then it will happen.

MUSIC NOW: What makes your music stand out from the millions of other music in your genre?

SOZ: It's saucy--my music comes from the heart and soul.

MUSIC NOW: What about sex appeal? How much does that play a part in your rhymes?

SOZ: I guess it plays somewhat of a role. I'll have to ask my female listeners.

MUSIC NOW: Do you have any last thoughts you would like to let Junior's Cave's audience know about you?

SOZ: Have an open mind when you listen to my music. Don't judge a book by its cover. Be sure to check out my websites www.sozonline.net and www.myspace.com/soz.

MUSIC NOW: We at Junior's Cave thank you for taking the time to do this wonderful Interview with us. We wish you all the best in all your endeavors too! Soz, you will make it all the way.

SOZ: I appreciate it Isaac and Junior Cave--best of wishes for 07'.