Kazi is an accomplished hip-hop artist and producer from Oxnard, California, a city celebrated for its significant contributions to West Coast underground hip-hop. He first made waves in the late 1990s, grabbing attention Read more
Kazi is an accomplished hip-hop artist and producer from Oxnard, California, a city celebrated for its significant contributions to West Coast underground hip-hop. He first made waves in the late 1990s, grabbing attention with appearances on releases from respected acts like Tha Alkaholiks and Lootpack, including his debut on Lootpack's 1999 album, Soundpieces: Da Antidote.
Kazi is widely recognized for his extensive collaborations with fellow Oxnard native, the legendary producer Madlib. Their partnership birthed notable works such as Kazi's contributions to Declaime's 1999 debut Illmindmuzik. The following year, their highly regarded EP, Down for the Kaz, dropped on the iconic Stones Throw Records, alongside Kazi's appearance on Madlib's Madlib Invazion EP. Down for the Kaz remains a cornerstone of the label's early output, widely celebrated for its innovative production from both Madlib and Kazi.
While known for his compelling vocal contributions as an MC, Kazi is also a versatile producer, showcasing a keen ear for crafting beats. His production style is often characterized by crisp snares and clever sample manipulation, evident across his own projects and collaborations. Kazi's diverse discography includes solo albums like The Plague (2004) and the reissued Blackmarket Seminar, which further highlight his artistic depth.
Kazi continues to be a respected figure in the hip-hop landscape, with a legacy built on raw talent, impactful collaborations, and a strong connection to Oxnard's rich musical heritage. Fans can look forward to his return on August 29, 2025, with his new instrumental jazz hip-hop record titled “King", available via URBNET. The album will feature the singles "Live In Santa Cruz" and "Ohana," both set for release earlier in the summer of 2025.
Kazi is widely recognized for his extensive collaborations with fellow Oxnard native, the legendary producer Madlib. Their partnership birthed notable works such as Kazi's contributions to Declaime's 1999 debut Illmindmuzik. The following year, their highly regarded EP, Down for the Kaz, dropped on the iconic Stones Throw Records, alongside Kazi's appearance on Madlib's Madlib Invazion EP. Down for the Kaz remains a cornerstone of the label's early output, widely celebrated for its innovative production from both Madlib and Kazi.
While known for his compelling vocal contributions as an MC, Kazi is also a versatile producer, showcasing a keen ear for crafting beats. His production style is often characterized by crisp snares and clever sample manipulation, evident across his own projects and collaborations. Kazi's diverse discography includes solo albums like The Plague (2004) and the reissued Blackmarket Seminar, which further highlight his artistic depth.
Kazi continues to be a respected figure in the hip-hop landscape, with a legacy built on raw talent, impactful collaborations, and a strong connection to Oxnard's rich musical heritage. Fans can look forward to his return on August 29, 2025, with his new instrumental jazz hip-hop record titled “King", available via URBNET. The album will feature the singles "Live In Santa Cruz" and "Ohana," both set for release earlier in the summer of 2025.
