SHIRAZI
Biography
Beginning of a Journey
Born in Cotonou, Benin (West Africa) SHIRAZI went to a French speaking school like all other kids his age, until strikes and riots exploded in the country, forcing the closing down of public schools across the country. Instead of hanging around doing nothing in the streets, His mother who raised him on her own also had very little time to spare because of her job. She sent him to the only English-speaking school in existence in the country at the time. This decision however pleased the rapper, "I had always wanted to understand what the actors said in movies my mother watched and musicians like Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Barry White meant in words that serenaded guests and family members in our living room (laughs)", This desire to learn led to a quick adjustment and primary school years, passed in a flash, the next step was high school and it was soon evident that to really understand the English language, he had to move to an English-speaking country, But which one?
GHANA was chosen as a new home to the young, sceptical but curious adolescent. There, he discovered in-depth and fell in love with hip-hop when he heard the music of such acts and groups OUTKAST, Bone thugs n harmony and Busta Rhymes to name a few of those were creatively pushing the envelope at the time, so the writing begun but with no serious intent of rocking crowds or even conveying a specific message, freestyles, classroom battles etc simply for the LOVE OF THE ART...
Deviated Journey Or Destiny?
A lot has happened since those memorable high school years ended in 1999, between the pursuit of his studies in South Africa and the U.K. Sombre times hit home, when the artist momentarily quit rapping due to what he describes as "A repetition of ideas and lyrics, which rotates round the same topics; money, cars and hoes". Urged by friends, family and fellow MCs to get back into his creative pool. It was ON again, "I said to myself, if you feel there is such a problem; why dont you at least try to do something about it?" Now there was a purpose. Armed with a witty, astonishing, delivery Countless MIXTAPE appearances ensued, features with various artists ranging from R N B to Rap raised a few eyebrows on the continent and in Europe (more details on these on his official website currently under construction).
"IF HIP HOP IS DYING, WATCH ME SAVE IT...." In order to back a motto like this, an artist was born, finally lyrically and musically ready to put his continent on his back and step into the arena to metaphorically fight the gladiators. The first offering LEGAL BOOTLEG VOL. 1 , will be a MIXTAPE including a few original bonus tracks. When asked what to expect from this CD, "Unpredictability, skills, versatility and fun is all am about so a hip-hop head will enjoy it as much a person who doesnt even listen to the music at all!!". With this heads all over the world can patiently wait for the artists debut album scheduled for release in 2007.
Future?
Well that is as unpredictable as the versatile MCs music, but expect the unexpected from this Rapper/Songwriter polishing his production skills to surprise more than a few, to go places while never forgetting where he came from Well What else is there to be said....?
"THE JOURNEY ONLY JUST BEGAN..."