Based on his momentous impact in the Midwest, Columbus, OH based rapper, HAZE a.k.a. Hazell (pronounced, "hayes-L") anticipates mainstream follow-up from "Leanin'," a single that Judy Jones of J. Jones Entertainment says "is one of the best records to come out of the Midwest in a long time." With such favorable endorsements that speak well of his "new age, Midwestern flow with a Southern bounce," it isn't hard to see why his visually cogent lyrics grab ears at first listen.
Born Landon Jackson, HAZE discovered a knack for rewriting popular Rap songs as a youth. Eventually penning his own rhymes, his hobby developed into a skill noticed by producers throughout Columbus. R&G Productions introduced HAZE on Rhythum & Ghetto's CD, Da Last Resort; then he was twice-featured on local Hip Hop artist, L-Bow's CD, The Mission. Owen Ratliff of Midwest based Hip Hop label, Ratti Records also liked HAZE's energy and included him on the double CD compilation, Midwest Funk Volume 3: The Evolution of Rap, which featured prominent Midwest Hip Hop artists, Twista, Coo-Coo Cal, and Mo Thugs and Soulja Boy of Mo Thugs Family.
These albums sold well in the Midwest which motivated HAZE to expect bi-coastal attention from future projects. Pairing with producer-friend, Vincent "Crimanal" Williams, HAZE hoped success from their basement recordings would develop into an empire. However, his preparations to build an empire with Williams derailed when Williams was murdered in 2005. Determined to carry out their plans, HAZE concentrated on writing and recording. The more he endured rejection from labels, the savvier he became at promoting his music.
Eventually, HAZE's perseverance led to meeting a young entrepreneur, Luis Charger, who was so awed by his talent that he took a chance and founded Real Live Dangerous LLC with the rapper in 2006. The CD and DVD, Real Live Dangerous premiere the RLD label, and are slated for independent release in early 2009. With plans to launch a film production company, the music industry can expect dynamic futures for HAZE and Real Live Dangerous Entertainment.
