Rahzel

Comment now » // January 15th, 2008

Via Wikipedia ->
Rahzel (full name Rahzel M. Brown) is probably best known in the semi-mainstream world as a member of The Roots, Rahzel is an MC that specializes in the “fifth element” of hip-hop culture — beatboxing (which comes after graffiti spraying, DJing, MCing, and breakdancing). He actively discourages classification of his sound, attempting to remain on the eclectic edge of the commercial music.

According to the artist, his influences include Biz Markie, Doug E. Fresh, Buffy of the Fat Boys, Bobby McFerrin, and Al Jarreau. His goal is to gain respect for beatboxing as a true art form on its own merits.

Growing up, Rahzel looked up to his cousin Rahim of the Furious Five, and went to Grandmaster Flash’s shows regularly. He later became a roadie for the Ultramagnetic MCs. Rahzel has in fact mastered the art of beatboxing, able to recreate full songs, with accompaniment by himself without instrumentation, able to sing a chorus and provide a backing beat simultaneously, able to invoke impressions of singers and rappers on a whim.

Rahzel released his album Make The Music 2000 in 1999 on the MCA record label. In 2004, Sureshot Recordings released his album Rahzel’s Greatest Knockouts which features Rahzel collaborating with many other artists including Slick Rick, RZA, and Cee-Lo.

Also in 2004, Rahzel collaborated with Björk and other beatboxers Shlomo and Dokaka for her album Medúlla. Rahzel’s beatboxing skills are also featured on The Crystal Method’s album Legion of Boom, in which he provides the vocals for the song “The American Way” and others on the album.

Rahzel has been performing live with musician and vocalist Mike Patton (Faith No More, Fantômas, etc.) as “Patton & Rahzel”. Rahzel most recently (as of May 27, 2006) lent his voice to Mike Patton’s latest album Peeping Tom. On May 26, 2006, they performed together on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Rahzel can, on occasion, be seen touring as a member of the live version of Peeping Tom.