Seattle Hip-Hop stand up! Who thought the Puget Sound would be a large influence to the hip-hop world? Well add it to the list. With artists like Mackelmore, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Sol & now Raz Simone – the presence is real. Raz Simone recently released his free debut full length, Cognitive Dissonance: Part One. It’s safe to say this one is on point. Reminiscent of an early Kendrick Lemar with mild Mackelmore lyricism Raz’s music is dope. Not only is it good, but there is also a message within the lyrics of his work that speaks at much higher level than most hip-hop. I would not be surprised in the least to see this dude blow up huge! In music, you never know but he definitely has the substance to make a sustainable impact.
This last winter I was fortune enough to run into Raz at the Guitar Center in downtown Seattle. I actually spoke with him in great detail about converting to Ableton Live and building a live set on the new Ableton Push controller. At the time I had no idea who Raz Simone was, but he definitely looked the part. With a hand full of rings he reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash. The wad was filled with hundred dollar bills and he purchased both Ableton items on the spot. Now after a few months have passed, I realize Raz is the real deal. He released his first EP on 2012 and through out most os 2013 he faced legal charges for possessing a fire arm at one of his shows New York. Now, after the charges have dropped, Raz is back in the game with what could have been legal charges in the rear view mirror. 3 weeks ago Raz dropped his debut album Cognitive Dissonance: Part One in anticipation of SXSW. All reviews were very positive from the performances and the industry is talking.
This summer Raz Simone is gearing up to perform the Sasquatch Music and Arts Festival. With his full length now streaming for free on the internet I would expect to see Raz at this years Bumbershoot and handful of festivals and gigs across the country. Promising things to come to the Seattle based hip-hop artist. Fresh to the scene he is the real deal.
I’ll let his music do the rest of the speaking. Stream below and name your price to download here.
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