So you’ve been waiting a whole week to find out who our Mystery Celebrity is, and the moment has finally come! Ladies, feast your eyes on an exclusive interview with Brandeis’ own Aziz! For those of you who haven’t heard of Aziz (well firstly, where have you been?), you should know that he is a rapping sensation not only at Brandeis but in the real world as well. But I’ll let him fill you in…
Background questions…
Q: Where are you from?
A: Nashua, NH
Q: What year are you?
A: 2014 Freshman
Q: Where do you live on Campus?
A: North Quad at Brandeis [in] Gordon.
Moving to the music…
HC: When did you first realize you wanted to rap?
A: At 9 years old I started writing poetry. At 11 my older brother taught me timing. I recorded my first time at 12.
HC: What provides your inspiration?
A: My life, my past experiences, things that have happened to me or to the people around me; also, just my imagination. The punch lines and the wittiness stem from my argumentative nature. I’m the youngest of four.
HC: What musicians do you most look up to?
A: Nas, J. Cole, Jay-Z, Jay Electronica, Fabolous, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, etc.
HC: What makes you different from other college-aged kids trying to do the same thing you are?
A: My music doesn’t rely on party life for its subject matter. I believe there is longevity in a career that is based on songs with a message. I want to find my sound. My background is different. I was raised in a different manner by two foreign parents (Senegalese father and German mother). I have seen a lot of things that people don’t know about. I have a lot to say.
HC: What are some of the gigs you have done in the past?
A: I have had a few smaller shows at my school (Brandeis), [and] also at Harvard, Wellesley, Bentley and a few others. I have opened for Snoop Dogg, Curren$y, Big K.R.I.T, Mac Miller and Chris Webby.
HC: What kind of stuff do you hope to do in the future?
A: In the immediate future I will release singles and videos leading up to a mix tape and some interesting collaborations. I want to focus on the quality of my music. So I will take time on single songs and put those out strategically.
HC: How often do you write? Record?
A: I write almost every day. I write notes down all day. I wish I could record more, but it is tough to gain access. I recorded almost all of music up until recently in Connecticut. Now I am getting into different situations in the Boston area that aremaking it easier for me to create music.
HC: What’s your favorite part about performing?
A: Gaining new fans, and people that believe in the music. It’s a natural high.
Fill in the Blank…
When I perform… I drink tea with honey. I sort of meditate and just close my eyes. Things can get stressful backstage with so many people involved and instructing you. I keep my heart rate down by just breathing and closing my eyes right before I go on.
When I graduate I want to… be my own boss. I don’t want to work for anyone; I want to work with people. I want a career in music.
My favorite thing about Brandeis is… basketball and the high level of academics. The location 10 minutes outside of Boston puts me in close contact with over 50 colleges and a great city. It’s also like 45 minutes from home.
If I could tell Brandeis Her Campus one thing they don’t know about me it would be… I am single.
To hear some of Aziz’s music and stay updated on his gigs, new releases, and other information head to his Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/AzizMakesMusic.