Get ready for some authentic vibes! It’s time for another exciting Sit In On Friday. We hope you were captivated by NAIM’s heartwarming performance last week. Now, we’re gearing up for the next round, and it’s going to be mind-blowing. Brace yourself for the incredible talent of NEWYORKIZZ.
Hailing straight from the heart of Brooklyn, NYC, NEWYORKIZZ represents the 718, his hometown. Growing up, Arabic was his first language, and he was immersed in a musical environment thanks to his father, the renowned musician Dr. York. His father’s record label, Passion Production, boasted incredible artists like Blue Magic, Force MD’s, Fredor Star of Onyx, and Stetsasonic.
This rapper’s upbringing in Ebbets Field, the original home of the Dodgers and Jackie Robinson, shaped his journey. At the age of 15, he faced legal trouble and served juvenile time for manslaughter, making headlines in prestigious publications like the NY Times, Daily News, and even the Vibe Magazine ’99 edition featuring TLC on the cover. NEWYORKIZZ, with his lyrical prowess, unique style, seamless flow, and melodious deliveries, is rising up the ranks. Notably, he has garnered co-signs from industry heavyweights like Big Tipp and Chubbie Baby. His projects “Balloons,” “Balloons 2,” and “The Real Me” have been well-received, and he is currently working on “Balloons 3.” Keep an eye out for NEWYORKIZZ, one of the most exceptional contemporary songwriters.
Now, let’s dive into an interview with NEWYORKIZZ and explore his thoughts on various aspects of his musical journey:
TITLE: First of all, of course, we want to know from you what True Identity means to you ?
NEWYORKIZZ: True identity to me is being yourself!
TITLE: What is your first memory or experience of hip-hop ?
NEWYORKIZZ: My first hiphop experience was in ebbets field, where I grew up seeing older guys from my neighborhood in a huddle rapping in what I know now to be a cipher.
TITLE: Why did you start making music ?
NEWYORKIZZ: I don’t even know why I started. LOL. I always attracted sound and melody growing up plus I wanted to be cool like the older guys from my neighborhood.
TITLE: What inspires you most about New York or Brooklyn ? And what did the city add to your individual sound ?
NEWYORKIZZ: Everything about Brooklyn and NYC inspires me the artistic vibes of the city. The diversity and the cultures. I guess seeing all of that made me the artist I am today.
TITLE: When do you feel most creative and most inspired to make music ?
NEWYORKIZZ: I feel most creative and inspired by my life experiences. What I been thru. What I see.
TITLE: We have all been isolated since the middle of March. How has the quarantine treated you so far ?
NEWYORKIZZ: Quarantine has been treating me OK. It made me realize I had to focus more and grind harder.
TITLE: And how does the current situation influence your creative process ? What are your musical or creative goals for the next few years ?
NEWYORKIZZ: Being able to have the time to myself to look back and think helps me with my creative process. My musical and creative goals for the next few years is to touch as many people as I can with my sound. My style. My fashion. My culture
TITLE: Was there a musical experience, a concert or a performance that touched your soul ?
NEWYORKIZZ: A musical experience for me that touched my soul was a scene from a movie called Little Einstein. When he performed on stage. That blew my mind. And it was actually the first time I laughed out loud. I was a very serious kid growing up LOL.
TITLE: If you could speak to yourself in the past, what would you say to him ?
NEWYORKIZZ: I would tell myself to keep working hard.
TITLE: Let’s dig a bit deeper: do you think that you can ever be aware of your True Identity or that self-development is a fluid process that doesn’t really stop ?
NEWYORKIZZ: Self development is definitely a fluid process. Change is contant.
