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| Don't be mislead by the word "young", in the rap artist's name "Young Tazz"; for this young rapper, age 17, is much wiser than his years and has been writing rap music since the age of seven.
When most artists have not realized their dreams yet and some are still watching cartoons; Young Tazz already had a dream and philosophy, "Money, Power, Respect", which became the title to one of his tracks. Young Tazz, also known as Isaiah Fuqua, was born on February 27, 1991 in Los Angeles; where he would also grow up to live the words of his music and realize at a young age that hopes and dreams are just that if you do not manifest, or live out your dreams, before they are abruptly taken. Born to a teenage mother, Young Tazz relied on his uncle, the rapper Kong, to be his artistic mentor and male role model.
Young Tazz's uncle Kong was related to the rapper 40GLOCC, so besides artistic experience, his uncle instinctively saw and heard talent in Young Tazz at a very young age. When Young Tazz was seven, his uncle Kong would make it a ritual for him to sit on the couch and write rap lyrics. Uncle Kong was prophetic, he knew by making Young Tazz develop his raw talent he would give his nephew a life. Unfortunately, Tazz's uncle's life was taken all too soon, in his twenties, the talented rap artist Kong was killed in a car accident. Young Tazz may have lost his mentor but he did not lose the spirit of his uncle or the gift of his music. Recounting memories with his uncle Kong, he recalled his uncle asking him, "Who's your favorite rapper?" Young Tazz would answer, "DMX" and his uncle Kong would reply, "No, I am supposed to be your favorite rapper!" Inspired by the big spirit and artist that his uncle Kong was, Young Tazz wrote the track, "Missing You", the words reflect on Tazz seeing his uncle in the casket and some of the words imply that they are still together. In Young Tazz's music there is a wisdom and strength way beyond his years.
Growing up, Tazz moved around a lot; he went back and forth to Lancaster, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. After the death of his uncle Kong, and the unbearable fights with his mom, Tazz ran away to the streets of South L.A. at the age of thirteen. While living on the streets, he linked up with some older homies and he did what was necessary to survive. The desolate, cruel streets of the hood wore on Tazz's soul. He realized he was losing sight of his dream and the dream his uncle had started for him; so he decided to return home and make amends with his mother. Music having never left his heart, he wrote the track, "My Hustle" , a reflection on his time on the streets but also an acknowledgment of self, "To be full of pride wherever you are."
Whatever Tazz has been dealt with in life, he remains proud and strong. Music has been Young Tazz's solace, his gift, and his driving force. Tazz, in the last couple of years, had the opprotunity to meet and make friends with a circle of artists and promoters that have served to guide and influence his career. Tazz has a top vocal coach in Los Angeles but he knew in Compton he would find the people influenced by rap and it's progression. He surrounded himself with people like G-Malone & Big Fase 100, who were mentors to him as they were influencial.
He made friends with other great artists like Black Friday, Funk Fatha, Dolla P, Inch Money, B-Fly, The Lost Souls,and Turtle, the street famed promoter. All of Tazz's new friends had become like family to him.
Like all talented up and coming artists, Young Tazz has been influenced by many great artists, namely, NWA, Tupac, Biggie, NAS, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, G-Malone, & Mac Dre but none can surpass the influence of his late, uncle the rapper Kong who made him believe in his music and himself. Given Young Tazz is a rapper who also has a great singing voice, (compared to Chris Brown), he is sometimes asked, "Are you also an R & B singer?", his answer always is, "Anything is possible". What you can expect with Young Tazz is great rap music! |
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