Rarely does an artist emerge with the visionary force and talent to match that Yaze embodies. Spawned from the radically imaginative Spoken Word movement of the late 90s, Yaze has been writing and performing professionally for over 10-years. As a member of the critically acclaimed live hip-hop band Jazz Poets Society, he opened for the likes of the legendary Tribe Called Quest, the Roots, Goodie Mob and Gwar.
He has headlined jazz festivals and appeared twice on BET. JPS's first single "Aboriginals," co-written by Yaze, appeared on the BOX network and became an inexplicable hood anthem during the hot summer of '98. He was bestowed a Richmond Magazine Innovator's Award in the same year.
Moving first to San Diego, in 2001, he has performed as a lead singer in the now-defunct nu-metal band Overcome by One which released one album produced by Blink 182's Cargo-era producer Mark Trombino. Relocating in Los Angeles in 2002, he has since been active as a songwriter and producer.
A multi-instrumentalist, Yaze plays both keyboards and guitar. Drawing from his region's renowned sonic individuality, Virginia-raised Yaze has a penchant for defying easy categorization. He welds hip-hop influenced soul with a distinctly live sound, drawing comparisons to Alicia Keys and John Legend.
As a beatsmith, Yaze is constantly looking for opportunities to move instrumental tracks to artists of both major and maturing status, both for lease and exclusive rights. All inquiries regarding potential purchase or licensing of any Yaze copyrights should find him at [email protected].
