TZARIZM PRESENTS…THE HEART AND BRAIN-Mbodiment DOMINATION RECORDINGS/URBAN JUNGLE EMPIRE
The “Mbodiment LP” is my favorite CD so far this year. It’s a masterpiece of poetical, lyrical and productive proportions on any level. I have been patiently waiting for this to drop ever since I heard their EP of the same name about a year and a half ago. This project is a comprehensive independent underground release that boasts an impressive array of lyrics, delivery, content, and personality, along with sound and head-nodding production. I urge anyone who enjoys gritty Hip Hop to get their hands on this release. The Heart and Brain has been roaming about Central Florida since the mid 2000’s. The goal of emcee Vis Major and epic producer Tzarism has always been to make the type of raw textured Hip Hop that you can’t find these days.
Filled with 22 tracks of greatness, the album’s opener, “Intro/Fetus Music,” showcases dominant emcee Vis Major introducing himself and putting his eloquent skills on immediate display. Vis (pronounced “Vice”) proves to be a proficient, entertaining, and highly enjoyable as an emcee. I’ve become more a strong believer in his vocal abilities- each of his tracks are sure to contain supreme lyrics and an enthused delivery. The manner in which he stretches words around tight beats shows is clear proof of his verbal dexterity, something seldom seen in Hip Hop today. He’s sure to leave heads nodding in acceptance. The production found on “Mbodiment” is provided by Tzarizm- the mood and rhyme styles of VM and the other talented featured lyricists are complimented well on this project.
Orlando has been putting out dope music throughout the years, and The Heart and Brain put forth their sophomore effort “Mbodiment” in an attempt to add another link to the chain of music from the O-Zone. One of the crown jewels of the album has got to be “Jazz Kickin.” The sonic landscape features VM’s fire laced on Tzar’s incredible boom bap. Vis’s sick track “Time Is Critical” featuring Critical and Tamara Bernard, “The Setup” with Midaz and Illustrate, and “Serious” featuring Supastition and Akrobatik, won’t disappoint listeners. Other gems include “The Lung Breathes” featuring DJ Y Not, “Mistakez” and “Blood Line: Life & Death” among many others.
The one thing I love about this album is that it’s never one-dimensional. These factors add another impressive release to Domination Recordings and Urban Jungle Empire’s body of work. Tzar and Vis Major show their proficiency for depth of content and the ability to provoke deep thought on this project. Give it a listen and you are likely to add it to your collection. DominationRec.com and www.ujempire.com. Bless C73 aka CyPHeR777
Here’s an interview with the brains behind the boards of “Mbodiment”, TZARIZM:
-
Is Hip-Hop Dead? If yes, explain. If no, explain.
Hip-Hop is not dead…but it has changed almost completely. I believe the culture’s origin has been forgotten by a lot due to the industry’s ways of marketing it. For example, there are half-naked models marketed as Hip-Hop models, but have nothing to do with Hip-Hop itself. The elements are not there. I just feel people have a new perception of it and that also may be due to the generation gap as well.
What is your vision of Hip Hop’s future?
Hip Hop will continue to be the most diverse genre of music and its sound will continue to evolve with the times. The music industry will continue to make money on whats HOT right then and there. Independent music will be a bigger avenue for many of the major label artists we know today.
Do you listen to other forms of music outside of Hip Hop, if yes what?
I listen to a lot of jazz, reggae and 70’s funk and soul. You might catch me lounging to some classical from time to time.
Who were your artistic/musical influences growing up?
It started with legendary artists such as Isaac Hayes, Stevie Wonder and James Brown. I started listening Hip Hop acts Gang Starr, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, EPMD and The Roots.
What is your music background?
As a kid I always dibbled and dabbled on Casio keyboards- which used to keep me busy. Then I started making pause/ dub tapes with my boombox and freestyling over other instrumentals. Eventually I got my hands on a computer program called Digital Orchestrator and that changed my life. Now a days, I create music using the MPC2000 series and Reason amongst other equipment.
How do you describe your music to people?
I usually just let it speak for itself, but if I had to describe it myself- I’d say its a new twist of the essence that most real Hip Hoppers have been missing over the years.
What image do you think your music conveys?
I think it gives a positive and more cultivated image than most of the BS you hear on the radio. It reminds people of what was glorious from the years we came up.
What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
It’s all about money. The love is secondary and expendable depending on how many records sold. Its lost touch of how to develop an artist to last longer than a couple hits
What inspires you to do what you do?
The love of music first…and knowing that what I create is appreciated worldwide. Music is the only thing that has proven to be my gift day in and day out.
What project or projects are you currently working on? When will they be released?
Right now, I just released an album with my homie Vis Major. Together we are The Heart & Brain. The album is called MBODIMENT and it was released through Domination Recordings. The album has been getting a lot great praise and I look forward to keep pushing it for awhile. You will find plenty of features from me on my crew’s projects such as IMAKEMADBEATS & MidaZ THe BEAST- both dropping full albums. I have an album finished with Critical of Critical Madness soon to be released as well. Instrumental projects and more production credits with your favorite rappers are on the way as well.
If you had an opportunity to collaborate with ANY artist or artists (dead or alive) in ANY genre of music/art, who would you choose? And why?
I’d have to say Michael Jackson, he was the biggest musical figure during the years of my life and I could stop making music if that ever happened. There is also Stevie Wonder- he is a living legend and I love his music to death. Nas, DOOM, Black Thought & Mos Def would be the rappers I’d love to work with.
