Azariah x Laddie - Phase III: Blessed And Highly Favored (Album) + 10 Questions
Azariah is a street-conscious spitter extraordinaire from Rochester, NY (and one-half of Young Black And Gifted) who has just dropped his latest collaboration with producer Laddie entitled Phase III: Blessed And Highly Favored. Guests on the project include Times Change (of Da' Cloth) and Jae Hussle. We caught up with Azariah who gave us the lowdown on his come up in music via Wordplay Magazine’s infamous 10 Questions.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My earliest memories was music. My Dad was real big into music when I came around in the 80s and 90s the golden era as most would say. I remember him playing Eric B and Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Snoop Dogg as well as many more. I'm from Rochester NY and back in the early 90s the radio station where I grew up was still playing real hip hop. I was mesmerised hearing Arrested Development, Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock and CL Smooth. Once I became a teenager I figured I'd try my hand at what i seen so many other talented brothers and sisters do.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
My influences are to many to name on the real. Nas was a big influence on me as a youth. Wu Tang Clan (especially Rae and Ghost) , AZ, Cormega, Kool G Rap, Black Thought, Canibus OC, Big L, Big Pun MOP, Mobb Deep, and Gangstarr. I would love to work with many of the legends I grew up listening to as well as artists in the underground landscape like Roc Marciano, Elzhi or someone like Ill Conscious.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I just dropped Phase III: Blessed and Highly Favored fully produced by my mans Laddie. That a follow up to 2021 Phase II The Return Of Sloppy Smooth. Laddie and myself set the tone in 2017 with Phase I Lord Of The Underground. I have a few other projects in the works as well. My dude DJ Chris G a well respected hip hop historian from Rochester NY hosted a mixtape for me back in 2011 titled The Intermission. I don't have a specific date for the follow up to that but my goal is to release it sometime this year that project is titled Intermission 2.0. My partner in rhyme Jae Hussle and myself are getting set to release a couple projects under are group Double Edge Sword (DES) one fully produced by Onaje Jordan and one fully produced by Jimi Airplane no dates on those yet that still to be determined. I'm also workin’ on a project with producer Chuck Chan and Laddie and myself have another gem titled The Firmament thats almost finished.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is raw, soulful, and insightful. I try and put a positive message in what I do. I keep it real as the cliche goes i’m honest and I give the listener my perspective. I'm not conerned wit following trends and even though I have other emcees that came before me I bring originality in what I do lyrically.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Earlier you asked me the question about who I liked to work with. One of my proudest moments thus far in this thing of ours is having Planet Asia on one of my songs. Y’all can check that on Phase II The Return Of Sloppy Smooth on a track titled The Rest Of Them. I was honoured to have him grace the track. I'm still climbing the latter and I'm thankful for ever opportunity word up!
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Stick to ya guns. Have a team of people around you that you trust and share the same goals as you. Don't be afraid to take risk and never give up.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Check out my guy Jae Hussle he dope and he stay working. Check out my mans Euphony Bars he just drop a dope project Titled Remember Grenada he got features from myself on there Jae Hussle as well as Cambatta who is another emcee thats incredible.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I like that new Cormega project. The new Ransom is fire as well. I like Da God Fahim too he got a lot of projects out.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Take care of family and spend time with my kids and fiancé.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Weed, Food, Water.
Interview: Gavin Brown