Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/features/article360568.ece
Jahaziel, a reformed drug-dealer from south London who has dedicated his life to God since 1995, is one of the few rappers on the compilation. The 29-year-old, who's the nephew of the reggae star Maxi Priest, has accumulated a strong following in hip-hop communities for his unique dancehall style, and has been tapped by Daniel Bedingfield, Lemar and Craig David for collaborations . "The music is just really a vehicle to get that message out there," he says. "I can stand on the street corners with a megaphone, but most people probably wouldn't hear me, or give me the time of day. But put that to a beat, and make it sound fly, and people will listen."
Modern gospel music, isn't, however, without its detractors. Many traditionalists aren't keen on how these artists have blurred the line between the gospel and the secular, and non-believers in the UK (in sharp contrast to the audience in the United States) have been put off by the purpose of the message.
"It's funny," says Jahaziel. "People seem to have less problem with me being controversial rapping about guns and murder, than they would with me rapping about the love of peace of God - which I find really strange."
- The Independent
http://www.unitedbyone.co.uk/Publisher/Article.aspx?id=50317
...The next award for Best Male Artist went to Hip Hop artist Jahaziel: “This is just a matter of opinion,” said the articulate Londoner, “I do what I do for no accolades from man; God is the one that rewards us.”
Backstage unitedbyone asked him if the award validated his style of music within the church. “Some people do have misconceptions about mixing Hip Hop and God,” he said, “but after they listen, the lyrics minister to them because it’s not about the music- its the word of God.”
- www.unitedbyone.co.uk
‘…this album is truly phenomenal and compelling, guaranteed to blow you away!’ Maya Simeon Gospellink Magazine
This is undoubtedly a holy hip-hop classic and has set a new benchmark for UK gospel artists in this genre and others. A new horizon has dawned. Perhaps hip-hop in the 21st century, with the emergence of life-speaking artists such as Jahaziel, is indeed 'Ready To Live'. CrossRhythms.co.uk
..."His signature style of smooth flow, explosive rhymes and catchy hooks are main components of an album packed with lyrical mastery and impressive beats..." unitedbyone.co.uk
..."Widely considered one of the most talented and innovative Hip Hop artists, in the UK and internationally, He delivers explosive and hard-hitting rhymes that enable his message to impact any audience"... Gospelcity.com
This is definitely one for the collection. This CD will not only provide you with some good music you can vibe out to, but it will minister to your hurts, and provide you with some hope at the same time. HolyRidaz.com
This album is amazing! Well produced and well thought out, this thing hits! We are so blessed to have cats like Jahaziel spittin’ for the Lord. www.3hp3.com
Easy to listen to very easy on the ear.
A pioneer for uk rap nice beats nice flow sumfin fresh. Ashley Esson
"...See now, this is HOTT this is very hott. This Cat has it, he's got that thang, I'm loving this up in here"
KRS One – Hip Hop Legend
- Various
From Anthony Young:
Jahaziel, your album is off the hook, i must admit i'm a long time hip hop fan, but not a big fan ov brit-hop, but when i heard your album it blew me away, i play it every day on heavy rotation, it has truely blessed me, your word play and delivery are exellent, and you are not trying to sound american. Jahaziel continue to win souls for the lord and keep reppin G O D.
- Emails
Discography
Albums:
Ready to Live
Singles:
You Got Yours feat. Melody of Nu Soul (Also featured on Sony BMG's New Sound of Gospel Compliation)
Airplay:
Power
Ready to Live
In My Neighbourhood (Released May 08)
Videos:
In My Neighbourhood (Released May 08)
Check out the exclusive sounds on Jahaziel’s MY Space site.
www.myspace.com/jahazielmusic
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Hip Hop is now the big selling and most influential music genre worldwide. It comprises of lyrics from the heart and truthfully expresses the realities of life. Widely considered one of the most talented and innovative Hip Hop artists, in the UK and internationally, Jahaziel has been causing a stir on the music scene for almost a decade. He delivers explosive and hard-hitting rhymes that enable his message to impact any audience.
Being a sought after rapper, Jahaziel initially built a name for himself featuring on tracks with major artists including Lemar, Craig David, and US R&B singer Monica, causing him to be high profile. For an extensive period he was the choice rapper for leading UK production outfit Blacksmith before stepping out to begin creating his own path. He was courted by major record labels, yet could not compromise his lyrics in exchange for mainstream success.
Jahaziel featured heavily on the live circuit, co-founding the London Hip Hop collective Zion Noiz. To date, Jahaziel has also made a guest appearance on two tracks for Daniel Bedingfield’s platinum-selling and Grammy nominated album ‘Gotta Get Thru This’. Furthermore he has appeared on stage with gospel greats, including Kim Burrell and platinum-selling US Gospel artist Kirk Franklin, while having collaborated with UK artists Four Kornerz and Raymond & Co.
Defining his music as God-inspired, it includes the gospel message, yet also deals with real life issues of the human experience. Jahaziel is a man on a mission, his lyrics speaking deep truths and resulting in being a positive force. Recognising music as a powerful communicative tool, Jahaziel knows the Hip Hop genre is a language many understand, and it especially strikes a chord with this generation.
Driven by his love for God, love for mankind and love for music, Jahaziel has a heart for all people, and specifically possesses a passion for the youth. With his own past experiences of seeing no option except to make a life through crime, Jahaziel understands the minds of young people caught up in street culture and ghetto lifestyle. He is able to relate to the feelings of hopelessness they face, yet Jahaziel comes to shine the light in darkness. For many years he has been involved in extensive youth projects, leading workshops and initiatives in schools and prisons for young men who especially need reaching. Jahaziel feels a huge sense of responsibility towards them and desires to encourage and empower youth.
Utilising his phenomenal gift, Jahaziel incorporates his music with youth work. Through honest lyrics addresses real life issues, and delivers powerful messages through his positive, thought-provoking music. Yet he also has a wide appeal and desires to reach everyone. Above all, Jahaziel always wants to inspire all people to get closer to God.
He is also influenced by Reggae/Dancehall owing to a Jamaican bloodline and a familiarity with the culture, which is evident in Jahaziel’s music. In addition, his upbringing in multi-cultural London has enabled him to bring a fresh approach to music. Unafraid to take risks, Jahaziel’s musical creativity have pushed parameters and generated a reputation as a pioneer. He is truly a unique and inspirational individual; an exciting artist who has captured the imagination of audiences and caught the attention of the music world.
All these factors led to Jahaziel being nominated for a MOBO award in 2007 and winning two Oasis awards in 2006; Best Male and Best Holy Hip Hop Artist. It proved to be a pivotal year as he also featured on ‘The New Sound of Gospel’ album, his first official release. Jahaziel’s first track ‘You Got Yours’ can be found on the compilation which features some of the very best in US & UK contemporary Gospel music. This proved Jahaziel as an instrumental part of the developing diverse sound of gospel music and created international exposure on a new level.
Through a process of experience and development, he has been on a personal and musical journey which has consequentially caused him to produce world-class material. Showcasing his advanced lyricism, the incredible ‘Ready To Live’ has broken moulds and set new standards in the gospel genre, the worldwide Hip Hop scene and music as a whole. Jahaziel is on the verge of going global to a new level.
www.jahazielmusic.com
www.myspace.com/jahazielmusic
Written by Maya Simeon
All rights reserved.
maya_simeon@yahoo.com
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