*Interview* Haziq Ali

Haziq - Freedom/Hussla (directed by 6ix Shoota) from tabi Bonney on Vimeo.
 
Who is Haziq Ali and how do you stand out from being another run of the mill rapper?

I'm a serial entrepreneur and motivational speaker who decided to pour the principles that have brought him success; for instance, I started my first business in Junior High and made 60 Minutes; into his music. I'm different from other rappers because I do motivational hip-hop "U-Can-DO-It Music" designed to make you feel more powerful as you sing along rather than be distracted or made to feel hopeless.

What inspired you to become a rapper?

I feel like music actually affects minds. Music more than public speaking, more than poetry, or movies, etc. Hip Hop especially, is singularly equipped to transmit information. It is education and entertainment all in one. It can be a weapon or a tool and I decided I was going to be part of the solution and choose to use mine to build.

Who would you say influenced you the most musically?

Artists like Eminem and Kanye West who rose from the underground "backpack culture" to the top of pop culture inspire me the most. However, I am also enthralled by the branding genius of phenoms like Lady Gaga.

What can people expect from you in 5 years?

You can expect me to be acting and affecting the pop culture of the world. I'll be internationally known as both a speaker and an artist.

What upcoming projects are you working on?

I'm working on my blog, pushing my album, and creating new material constantly to prepare for the times when the world is clamoring for more from me.

How can people get in touch with you?

They can reach me via Twitter just type in HaZiQ, HaziqAli.com, haziqali.wordpress.com, myspace.com/theRhyme, or via Facebook at Haziq Ali.

Thank you for taking your time to speak with us, is there anything you would like to add?

"If you can grind, you can shine- that's the good news."

Travellin’ Underground : Mos Dub (Max Tannone)

Max Tannone did it again.  The NYC producer and DJ who delivered us the irresistible Jay-Z/Radiohead mashup album, Jaydiohead, just dropped his latest gem.  Mos Dub, pits the lyrical stylings of Mos Def against the classic sounds of vintage reggae and its latter day cousin, dub.  Sure it’s a mashup album, but its organic feel makes it feel like your first time.  There is something for everyone on this album.  Hip hop fans will sweat Mos Def’s remixed flow and the 420 crowd will pass the dutchie to the dub hand side.   Expect to see a number of these tracks on Hypem’s top 10 and on everyone’s summertime mix tapes.

Keeping it consistent, Max gives up his latest album, just like his last, for free. Get it here.  Download it.  Trust me.

Listen to “Travellin Underground” Here

From Seed to Weed

Here is a completely awesome set of pictures I found over at Hemp City that follows an outdoor grow setup from June to December and it allows you to look watch the growth from the seed to the joint that the guy smokes at the end. It's a beautiful process that I wish I could take part in, alas, it's still illegal to grow weed here. One day that will change. In the meantime all we can do is look at this guys grow and be jealous that it doesn't belong to us.

via: thebestever