H.A.Z

Hip-hop artist Hasan "H.A.Z." Griffin was born and raised in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY. He began rapping at age 12. The youngest of eight in a household of musicians, it was almost a given that he'd become one, too. His father, Michael Griffin, was a singer, and his older brother Deshawn “Vinch” Jones was an aspiring rap artist. These two, along with recorded artists such as Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Common, Talib Kwali, and Mos Def, have been major influences on H.A.Z.'s style. He got his start and shocked his neighborhood with sixteen memorable bars appearing on a local mix tape called “Rush What.”
H.A.Z. appeared on that tape along with childhood friends Dre The General and Don Juan Naiquan. They didn't stop there: they just kept creating new songs for mix tapes and rap battles. All three decided to pursue solo rap careers, after noticing how successful the local mix tapes had been. H.A.Z.'s determination to become successful increased after his father's death on June 19, 2007. He thought to himself, “It didn't work for my father or brother, and somebody has to make it big. Maybe it's destined for me.”
Soon H.A.Z. began entering showcases, doing features with other artists, and blowing up the mix tape circuit. All this activity created a heavy internet buzz. His music has been described as “witty,” “versatile,” and “skillful.” His music aims to appeal to all different types of audiences by providing links to universal situations; he also goes for stunning metaphors and startling punchlines. H.A.Z. stays away from pure gangster rap because “it feels a little cliched because I'm from the projects. I just like to make music about real life situations and fun,” he says.
Currently H.A.Z. is building a major buzz on the web with his new mix tape “The Scrimmage.” He describes this mix tape as a lyrical exercise to keep in tune with the listeners while working on his forthcoming album entitled “High Altitude Zone.” About it, he says, “This album represents hip-hop on a new and higher level.” To promote it, and his other work, H.A.Z. has been performing at clubs all over New York and is planning a tour. Be sure to check his music and upcoming gigs out on youtube.com and on myspace.com/thelyricalbeast.