To say that Azizi Gibson is worldly would be a gross understatement. The rising rap phenom was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Africa, Bangkok, Singapore, and then finally the states: the DMV area to be exact. Gibson now calls Los Angeles home and has steadily been making a name for himself on the underground scene; however, with his latest endeavor, preHISTORIC Till Death, the self proclaimed “Grim Reaper” is destined to win..
Tell me your whole introduction into music. When did you first become interested in it? How did it actually all begin for Azizi Gibson?
Growing up in the Gibson house, my parents showed many talents but the musical one shined the most. I saw how music brought us together in a foreign country up close and personal. Was free-styling at age 6.
Now where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I was raised in Thailand and Singapore mostly during my early days. My two favorite bands were Gorillaz and Linkin Park; both of these groups used rap in a unique way, or pop, R&B, and more to make a sound that was pleasant and not forced. [The] Slim Shady [LP] brought me to the light; I realized you don’t have to look or talk about the same stuff to gain your own fans.
At what particular point in time did you even opt to pursue music on a professional level?
In 7th grade I recorded my first song with my cousin Calvin. From there, I’ve never wanted to be or do anything else.
That being said, how do you classify your overall sound and/or style?
When nobody is looking and when I [am] with my closest friends, we call it “Phusion.” Yes, the word is fusion but prehistoric [pH or PHC] is the lifestyle I represent, so I replaced the F. I come from all over the world; I just grab things as I go. What I pick up and learn gets fused with my old memory to make something special. Some have said my music is “intelligent.”
“Slave Ship.” Tell me about this particular selection? How did it come to fruition?
I wanted to make something that everyone wanted to party to, jump to, and play loudly in their cars riding through the streets. Just at the same time, I hid a message in there about the government or any anti-black organization that has been holding us back and accusing us of more than just having fun. It feels like there are so many hurdles my people have to go through to make it, sometimes we just want to turn up to some new music, “spark a j” and put it behind us.
On it, of course, you teamed up with rapper WAKA FLOCKA — How did this collaboration even come about?
We have the same management, so that has brought us extremely close these past couple of months. Waka has had so much experience in the game, it’s wise to listen to him spew out knowledge. We did the track in person, because he was feeling it and that’s how (we) do things. In person, and if it feels right it was just meant to be.
What do you feel you bring to the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?
First, I want to say consistency and quality music. I’m always dropping something that has a lot of thought to it; it’s never something thrown together. I put my all into (it) and don’t take forever to give my fans new music. To add onto the answer…Inspirational stories, incredible versatility and HOPE. I’m no thug, but I’ve been through some shit. I’m here to tell my story and have it heard, even though I didn’t kill or hit nobody. Most people are like me; laid back, love video games, love women, love money, enjoy playing sports, eating foods…This list could go on forever. But, the plethora of style I have was formed to keep me from staying in one place with my music. I don’t believe there’s anyone in the music game like me; everyone is re-creating what they do best, where I feel I’m creating with all my resources and won’t stop just because a bunch of people like a specific style.
Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?
Just money issues here and there. I slept on couches for almost three years when I moved to Los Angeles trying to get this rap shit off the ground, but it’s all been oh so worth it
What do you want people to get from your music?
Emotional. I want people to feel like humans when they here Azizi Gibson. I want them to think their darkest secrets when my music plays. My music is a guideline to life; I want them to find a “way” with my music.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
The Gorillaz; just learned so much from the “Clint Eastwood” album, I can’t ignore it.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
STAPLES Center; packed house!
One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
“Crown Violet,” produced by Kamandi.
In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?
Good music; good music is the key. I plan to be here for a very long time, once I’m properly welcomed. Versatility and knowledge will be my greatest weapon in the battle to stay on top.
Do you have any other outside/additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Anime and video games are big in my life; I’m a nerd from the future. In the future, nerds rule because we have cooler shit to do. Everyone just too serious about the wrong things – in the future – look at them now.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?
Performing at festivals overseas.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
A legend in Hip Hop…Working on my artists as a manager, and taking care of my family business which will be something exciting like video games or cartoons.
Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
Just be yourself. I got here being myself and thinking people were crazy for telling me this works or that works. Instincts are real and they’re at your disposal. Follow your heart.
