Hazardous Materialz, born “Ray Ortiz” and raised out of the Rutgers House’s on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York. A representative of the (5) five boroughs of NYC. Hip-Hop was introduced to him by a graffiti legend named “King FN” from the G.T.F Crew, out of LES. Haz started his journey in Hip-Hop as a graffiti artist through King FN. Hazardous Materialz took it to the streets and started bombing the B.M.T. subway lines through out Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. His tag was “Evil One” or in short, E.O. As Haz progressed and perfected his new craft, he started making a name for himself through out the mid 80’s.
FN taught Haz and others, a crucial part of Hip-Hop called “Break dancing” which came with the territory. FN was a member of the world famous break dancing crew called “Scrambling Feet Rockers.” Some of the moves he taught included “Popping and Locking.” This became Haz Materialz 2nd phase into the world of Hip-Hop. Along the way, Haz took an interest in the Djing and MCing portion of Hip-Hop. FN was an avid MC and worked with several artists such as: Dj Herbie Herb, The Supreme IKAY and K.F. also known as Kold Four. Haz would go to the studio sessions with FN and caught a passion for controlling the microphone and expressing himself through words and music.
As time passed, a new form of music hit the New York scene, commonly referred to as “Freestyle music” or “Club Music.” This is where Haz decided to experiment on his own and see what he could accomplish. This adventure was short lived due to family circumstances which Haz could not control. So Haz moved from the Lower East Side of Manhattan, NY to the Bronx, still visiting LES from time to time. As the Bronx or “BX” as it is referred to, was a new and different world for Haz.
Haz enrolled himself into James Monroe High School and his world changed forever. As time went on, Haz made a friend by the name of Edgar “Mouse” Munoz. Mouse and Haz started singing freestyle as partners. They formed a group called “Illusion” which consisted of Haz, Mouse and later on, John “DNR” Alvarez and Joey Guerrero. Later on in that venture, due to creative differences, the group split up. At this point, Haz knew that his Freestyle career was over. He did have the pleasure of working with several top music producers, which do not need mentioning because as Haz said, “They know who they are.”
Hazardous graduated from James Monroe HS and he found himself, wondering what he would do next. So he took his future into his own hands and moved to Brooklyn, NY. Due to the death of a very close friend, Haz found himself in Hip-Hop territories once again. He wanted to keep his friend’s legacy alive and so he picked up the MIC. This is not to say that Freestyle, in itself, is not a form of Hip-Hop because it certainly is. The death of his friend was profound and close to his heart.
At this point, Haz headed back to LES to learn and master the art of MCing from his friend “FN”. Haz perfected his writing and arranging skills as an MC. Next, haz decided to form a group by the name of “Rebel Assassins” with his cousin “Dj Unknown” and an associate named B Bruce. This, however, did not last very long and Haz decided to be a solo artist. He met another artist named Aze also known as Mr. Sinista and tried to form a group once again. The group was called “Forbidden Realmz” which also included artists such as: Seck the Deranged and V.R. the Madman.
They were doing well and started doing shows through out the city. As they became more and more popular, they decided to approach record labels with their own Demo. At one point, in the 90’s, they were extremely close to catching a break but as all good things must come to an end, so did the group.
The members went separate ways and most of them searched elsewhere to achieve their goals in music. Haz decided to leave the Big Apple in 1999 and move to Reading, PA.
Around 2003, Haz went at it again, forming another group which went by the name “Rotten Applez”. With a young Dragon named “Doomzday” also known as Doomz”.
They participated in several local shows in and around PA. They recruited others such as: Rage, now known as Baggz; Streetz, 100 Miles, Dino Bravo, Crazy E, Nemesis, Sincere, Lady E and a few others. Most pretend it isn’t so but at the end, all you can do is look into the mirror but you know the truth, the reality.
Unfortunately, I guess it's time to move on once again from where I stand. I no longer feel that I am getting the support I deserve or need from MLB. I wish nothing but good things but I know when I am no longer needed. Time to keep it moving and continue my journey.
Much love and respect to all those who love Hip-Hop, let’s save the music, the culture.
If it’s about business, this is where it’s at!
MAJOR INFLUENCES: The Microphone Prince [T.M.P.], The devastating TITO of the legendary “Fearless 4”, Capitol A, Aze, Mr. Sinista, Seck Da Deranged, V.R. Da Madd Man, Dj Unknown, Bronx Butcherz, The Massive Ching Rock, ICE U5, Master O.C., King FN, Dj Herbie Herb, Kold Four, Supreme IKAY, Frank “Dj Style” Sanchez, Kenny Dope, Lil’ Louie Vega, Dj Baby J and Starr.
Guru, Rest in Peace; and Dj Premier, Tru Life, Bernadino.
