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Dubcnn Exclusive – City Haze
By: Chad Kiser
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Dubcnn: What's going on Haze? How's the Big Apple treating you?

What up, what up! The Big Apple is always treating me good man, no complaints at all [laughs]!


Dubcnn: You got a tremendous buzz going on right now. How long have you been at it?

For about two years and some change now. I came up pretty fast but I still have a lot of work to do and so much more to accomplish. In this era of music it's very important to remain consistent, so that's really all that I have been doing; allowing everything else to just fall into place.


Dubcnn: About a month and half ago you released a leak off your upcoming EP Star of the City entitled "Lost In Tokyo" produced by Wu legend Rza where you take hip hop on a voyage to a distant and strange land. Can you explain the concept of the song and what you were aiming to do?

Basically I wanted to do something that was completely different and I wanted to showcase my versatility as an artist. Most people who have been following my music are mostly used to hearing me over smooth R&B-ish type records. "Lost In Tokyo" is a record where I’m explaining cultural differences between the U.S and Japan, the land of "The Rising Sun." It has that real mellow Wu Tang hip hop feel to it, so I definitely played my cards right and it was without a doubt a winning hand.


Dubcnn: How did the collaboration with you and Rza take place?

The indie label that I’m currently under, Starr Scream Entertainment, made the moves to receive production from RZA. Once everything was on board I just took everything else from there.


Dubcnn: The track took over the Internet. I mean, it was on all the major hip hop sites and blogs. Do you feel it has been your best track so far?

Oh yeah most def! Within 48 hours most of the top heavy-hitting websites and blogs posted it. The feedback was amazing! It's always a blessing to hear from a complete stranger that they are a fan of my music, and that’s basically the reaction I got from people.


Dubcnn: Moving on, you currently have a single you’re pushing on iTunes with the backing of Universal Music Group called "Tell Me What's Good," which is more of a ladies song. Talk to us about the song as well as you deal with Universal.  

Coming into 2010 I needed a record that would lean more towards mainstream consumers. In my opinion no artist can ever go wrong with pushing a record that's more for the ladies than the fellas. "Tell Me What’s Good" is a smooth ass record man [laughs]. The production was well put together by my homies Andrew Lloyd and Mike Blud. Universal backed up the record by providing me with distribution so basically I have to just do my job as an artist and sell records.


Dubcnn: That said when can we expect your EP, Star of the City, to drop?

The official release date is at the moment is May 10.


Dubcnn: You're a very versatile artist. Who out here on the West coast, of the new up-and-comers, do you see in that same light?

I've listened to a few of the new up-and-comers out of the West, and I'm not against giving other artists credit so shout outs to all West coast artists who are on their grind and doing their thing – it’s good to see and hear.


Dubcnn: Being from New York it's probably safe to say that you've been influenced a lot by East coast artists. However, with all of the hip hop history and talent that has come out of the West is there anyone or group that has influenced your sound?

Growing up I was always a fan of the big homie Snoop Dogg. When I was in high school I was very slim, tall, smooth and laid back [laughs] so Snoop is at the top of the list for West coast artists who influenced my sound and music.


Dubcnn: Are you currently working with anyone on this side? If not, who would you like to work with?

I always have something lined up so you can definitely expect some left coast vibes from me soon. I would honestly work with anyone from out West as long as it's good music. Production wise I would really like to work with Doctor Dre, shit who wouldn’t [laughs].


Dubcnn: What more can we expect out of City Haze in the year?

A lot more good music, shows, videos, etcetera. Maybe another project after I release the EP but I’m not to sure yet; I’m just really focused on getting this Star Of The City project where it’s suppose to be.


Dubcnn: Before we leave, please tell fans where they can find you?

Feel free to check me out at www.myspace.com/CityHaze718 and on Twitter @CityHaze. Also shout out to DubCnn for the opportunity to talk about my music and movement.

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