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Friday Nov 14, 2008
Optikz | Interview
If there’s one thing that any hip hop artist needs in today’s music industry, it’s a competitive edge and serious work ethic. From sitting down with Optikz, a Guelph hip hop artist, it was clear he possessed both of these qualities. Being in the game for years, Optikz has definitely paid his dues. From his early work, he’s put in the effort that a lot independent hip hop artists seem to lack. Area 51-9, his last album, was a stressful project and presented many road blocks. Though there were many times of discouragement, he soon came to realize that being a self made artist, as challenging as it might be, was worth it in the long run.
His newest album, soon to hit the streets, is called Focusin’ and Optikz brings it all to the table. For his single ‘Comin’ From the Cold’, Optikz approached fellow Canadian artist, Classified, for the beat. Approaching someone as established as Classified is a big step for anyone, let alone an up-and-comer, but by showing Classified that he was a professional, he gained his respect and help. About the encounter Optikz says, “The most important thing was to approach him as professional first and a hip hop artist second. After that, he saw I was for real and he had no problem with hooking me up.” Simply put, “90% of the game is business and 10% is creativity. It’s balancing both that makes you a success.” This is a staple in Optikz’s outlook when dealing with the industry from as an independent artist. Bold moves like this and continuous hard work has slowly begun to put Optikz on the hip hop map.
When writing a song, Optikz generally goes in with a concept. Most times, the concept drives the song. Other songs are born from a sample of the beat which sparks an idea. For his newest single, ‘Break’, Optikz wanted to pay tribute to one of the pillars in the hip hop scene, break-dancing. The video, produced by James Clothier, takes place in Optikz hometown of Guelph and highlights the many aspects surrounding break-dancing. The video is geared up to be aired on MuchMusic in the coming months. Be sure to stay tuned.
Optikz is as serious in his live performances as he is in the recording studio and goes at it with the drive to succeed. Playing with such acts as Shabazz the Disciple and Hell Razah in a show presented by Truth Amongst the Darkness and Wutang is a clear indication his hard work and determination is paying off and that he is on his way up in not only the hip hop world, but the music industry in general.
It’s easy to see, after talking with Optikz, that he is constantly on the grind with his music. This once troubled youth made some bad decisions in his earlier days but has managed to put his life back on track by transforming his character and shifting his priorities, making him one of Ontario’s most successful up-and-coming hip hop artists. Putting his focus on hard work, determination, and a higher love has benefited Optikz in all the right ways. This is an artist who’s self driven, on the rise and looking to be a major player in the hip hop scene. His label, Lion’s Heart Records, has enough material for a couple L.P.’s and there’s no sign of him slowing down. Keep your ear to street. You might see Optikz sooner than you think.
Dave Robinson
Director of Operations
Aralie.com