Blessed with an everlasting passion for his art, IZ has harnessed his lyrical ability and is poised to become a trailblazing force to be reckoned with in the worldwide arena of Rap. Quite simply, IZ is his music, and he shows absolute dedication to his craft. His fingerprints can be found throughout the entire creative process, from the conception of the beat to the finalization of the video. His music is an extension of himself and is undeniably true – the trademark of an artist whose work is timeless. IZ is dynamic emotion backed by a determinate work ethic, a relentless combination that has proven impossible to stop.
IZ has a Korean heritage, but Southern California has been his home for almost his entire life. He grew up in the city of Garden Grove, a crime infested neighborhood long recognized as a breeding ground for violent Asian gangs. IZ was brought up in the street, and although music had always captivated him, he did not pursue a career as a musician until 2004, when his life was struck with tragedy. The fatal shooting of his beloved girlfriend left IZ in a whirlwind of emotion, and motivated him to begin expressing his consciousness through music.
After a promising start to his musical career, Iz found himself behind bars, which placed a halt to all of the progress he had made. Two weeks after being released from prison, IZ was ambushed by enemies and was stabbed nine times. Even while being threatened with a violation of his parole, IZ refused to cooperate with the police in naming those who attacked him. IZ was released from the hospital shortly afterwards, and was then questioned by the police regarding the murder of one of his attackers. Once again, IZ refused to cooperate, choosing to focus instead on his burgeoning career as a rapper, moving this entire chapter behind him.
In a short duration, IZ has already achieved an unprecedented degree of success, and his record deal with 454 Life Entertainment serves as the launching pad for a new stage in his career. Upon signing, he requested and was granted absolute artistic autonomy. Backed by 454, IZ has linked up with top-notch producers who tailor to his vision and who share his determination. IZ will be dropping his eagerly anticipated debut album with 454 Life Entertainment. With his focus set on being the best, and with his potential being transcendent of boundaries, IZ’s range of influence is limitless.
“While other asian cats are tryin to be the NEXT Jin, IZ is just trynna be the 1st IZ… He looks past color lines and is strictly about his music. He’s not into flash & jewels, but HAS touched money which most rappers fake about. His level of loyalty to his hood/elders and respect for hip hop is uncanny compared again to the weak competition of mc’s out now…. IZ’s street credibility is never camouflaged by fashion or vocab. IZ is real. Let the man live & he’ll show you how he does. Nothing but love for my fellow corean chinguâ€
-Ben Baller
20x platinum A&R, international DJ & Celebrity Jeweler/Blogger Ben Baller
“IZ is that next artist to carry the west coast to a new real place… he represents everything we love about new music and LAâ€
-Far East Movement
Interscope Recording Artists
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