Los Angeles rapper Sozay has emerged as an unprecedented icon, defiant from the rubble and chaos that envelops the crime plagued streets of Southern California. The road to success however, has been a bumpy one. Obstacles hindered his progress ranging from legal woes to battles with addiction, as well as family responsibilities. However, Sozay decided to redirect his drive and ambition into a more creative medium. Sozay, released his first EP in 2004, breaking through the already saturated underground rap scene with 'The Preface'. With a fresh, authentic approach to music, Sozay climbed above his L.A. counterparts while staying true to the style of his predecessors which had so heavily influenced him. By his own admittance, the artist molds his craft around the heart of the music; the lyrics. Exposing both his insecurities and vulnerability along with his uncanny ability for storytelling, Sozay distinguishes himself from many of his peers, using real life experiences, genuine passion and an artful approach to expression to connect to people on a deeper level.
Confidence, an amassing fan-base and sheer determination resulted in the success of his second EP release, 'Who Is Sozay' which sold a staggering 13,000 copies in 2010, an incredible accomplishment for an independent artist. In addition, Sozay's single off the 'Who Is Sozay' EP, "High Hopes" peaked at #5 on the Billboard Independent Artist Chart. This quickly caught the attention of several people in the hip-hop community, including veteran recording artists House Of Pain who would have Sozay open for them on the "He Who Breaks The Law Tour" in March and April of 2011. The tour spanned 11,000 miles which included 25 shows over a period of 33 days. This would introduce Sozay to major national metropolitan cities such as Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, and Chicago. Quenching the thirst of many hip-hop enthusiasts across the nation, his captivating showmanship and compelling rhyme style would bring relief to the drought that has plagued hip-hop music for so many years.
The transition from underground into mainstream hip hop has been an invigorating experience for both Sozay and his audience. Shedding his ties to his previous managment, the emancipation of Sozay hails an unpredictable year for such a promising act. Currently filtering through major record deals open to him, Sozay maintains his integrity and authenticity, vowing to only sign with the label who will catapult him on his own terms. In a scene satiated with the superficial, Sozay has put substance back into the music, combined with a sharp, poetic style bringing him a cut above the rest. The Los Angeles rapper has recently released the highly anticipated mixtape 'Dance With The Devil', which features production by Lex Luger as well as guest appearances from Lupe Fiasco, Ace Hood, Pusha-T, and Tech N9ne. This mixtape will serve as the basis for Sozay's evolution from underground phenom to mainstream marvel. This most recent release, hosted by Nu Jerzey Devil marks the complete metamorphosis into a more poised and professional sound that many have long anticipated.
Next on the agenda is the release of the mixtape, 'Black September' as well as Sozay's debut full length studio album currently expected for release in early 2012. Sozay is gaining yet more momentum and a raw rapture is electrifying the air around this talented artist. We can only wait to see what he will create upon the canvas of hip-hop music.
