DOPE JOINTS: There's A Riot Going On

Friday, July 13, 2007

There's A Riot Going On

Hezekiah Speaks
'I Predict A Riot' drops Sep. 18

Everybody knows someone like Hezekiah. He’s the soft-spoken quiet type - an almost nerdy dude that’s always seems to stay under the social radar. Cool as hell, low key, never boisterous, and usually a computer geek and/or obscenely talented when it comes to music. If he’s a rapper, he’s the dopest one in the cipher but rarely gets his full props. If he’s a producer, chances are he’s got some of the hottest beats in the city. And no matter to what extent people try to disregard him, he keeps at it. Still dropping jewels in the cipher, still banging out head nodding grooves in the basement.

That’s Hezekiah. He is the rapper, the singer, and the producer (and a self-proclaimed geek). Only difference is now, he’s no longer quiet and is beginning to speak up for himself. He had been quietly doing his thing for years, but now, as Rawkus prepares to release his new cd ‘I Predict a Riot’, Hezekiah is ready to show that he has learned his lessons from years past and is applying the knowledge. It’s been over two years since his debut ‘Hurry Up and Wait’, and two years can seem like forever when you’re a hungry, independent artist eager to make it happen. After careful reflection, he freely admits that he made some mistakes when the album was released. “When Hurry Up and Wait dropped, I stayed in the studio. I didn’t get out and support the album or go and tour. I just stayed at home…you know…just stayed in the studio creating.” Nowadays, you couldn’t pull him off the road if you tried. Hezekiah has been all over the U.S. opening for Mos Def and now he’s setting his own tour dates, including a tour of the west coast just starting.

‘I Predict a Riot’ appears to have all the makings of a banger. Hot production that includes his own tracks and gifts from Oddisee and Brainstorm; quality features from the likes of soul wunderkind Bilal, neo-soul divorcee Jaguar Wright, Freeway, and the wonderfully talented Muhsinah; and last but not least, Hezekiah himself – showcasing his lyrical prowess and exceptional songwriting. When asked how ‘Riot’ differs from the previous album, Hezekiah says, “Making this album was a lot more personal for me. I got into myself in terms of what I wanted to say. I talk about relationship issues. Like…one track talks about a dude finding out his baby isn’t really his. I’m also talking about a lot of world situations and different stuff going on. (The album) is more concept driven (than the ‘Hurry Up” album.) It’s very dramatic…more melodic…it’s better written than my last album. “

When asked about the current state of hip-hop and what’s getting the airplay, Hezekiah seems to take it all in stride. “Everybody wants to dance,” he says. “Right now is the Down South(‘s) time. The South is making the dancing and street type stuff. It’s cool. My music is more complicated…you know…it’s real tedious. It has a lot more stuff in terms of melodies and it’s harder to make.” But Hezekiah knows that times change, and what’s hot right now can be something totally different tomorrow. He seems ready for it. Ready to show the world why The Roots, Musiq Soulchild, and Bilal are all down with him. Ready to show the world that he is bigger than his Philly popularity. Ready to show that geeks can be the best hustlers. “I’m a hustler, dude. I know how to get out there and get it.”