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“Its All About Dat Kaddy Life” XQUISITE MAGAZINE CHATS WITH KADILLAK KAZ ON LIFE IN KALIFORNIA
BY ROSA G
BY XQUISITE EDITORS
APRIL 2011 XQUISITE
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSA G
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSA G
APRIL 2011 XQUISITE
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S
traight out of Southern California,
Kadillak Kaz symbolizes the Renaissance of the broader Hip Hop genre, one that has been bubbling and brimming in the recent years. The versatility of his collaborations, lyrical mastery, and classic appeal make Kadillak Kaz a truly distinguished artist on the West Coast. Born in an era of racial tension, heavy drug addictions, gang violence and growing up in a community of suffering, many thought the young boy of nothing more than 10 years old would live past 18. His relentless determination, undying spirit, and imperishable drive to persevere have made Kadillak Kaz a true embodiment of survival and strength… and now he is telling the world his story! Kadillak’s passion for music is deeply rooted; his lyrics reflect an array of life experiences, from the most unimaginable circumstances that he’s faced to the most cherished moments that he’ll never forget. Kadillak’s longstanding mantra, “I’m trying to touch Jesus feet 1 time” invigorates him to take the listener on a poetic journey from his lowest points of misery and pain to his highest points of success and satisfaction. It is a journey like none other, and has universal appeal. As an artist, Kadillak believes his evolution is far from complete, as he constantly strives to master his craft, perfect his lyrical talents, and proceed to elevate into the upper echelons of music. Not only does he have a voice that will be heard, but he is a force to be reckoned with. When asked about his purpose, he very plainly responds, “My pain is priceless. I’m telling my story of struggles in hopes of overcoming them and helping other individuals that can relate. I’m into motivational music. This music is my passion and something that will never die and when it’s time for my story to end…it will end in triumph.” With his first project titled “Cash Out or Mash Out,” released on 22112, Kadillak Kaz welcomes a classic EP with hits like “Bedda Learn Bout It,” “Godda Do” and “Here 4 U.” Shortly after that, Kadillak released a classic album titled “The Coldest Winter Ever” which has already been selling overseas as well as Southern California. With collaborations from Mac Lucci, Eastwood, Tri Star, and many others, Kadillak Kaz turned it into a stylistically diverse and creative project that gained a strong following in Japan, Germany, Paris, Canada, Africa and many other places. As a result of his hard work and extensive network, Kadillak Kaz has landed two songs on the upcoming movie “Gang Of Roses 2″ soundtrack and two more songs on the movies mixture. Kadillak Kaz has also built strong relationships with several DJ’s overseas. Recently, he released his first mix tape “Hood Legacy Vol. 12” that he cohosted with DJ Kingflow of (Paris) France, and DJ Danny of Germany, as well as “Lak N Load” hosted by Dj Wizkid. Currently, Kadillak Kaz is busy in the studio, working on his latest album titled “Late Nights, Early Money” slated for an August 20, 2013 release and distributed by Empire Distribution and Skyballin Entertainment. Preceding these works were some live performances with well respected artists such as: Raekwon, Pharcyde, Jayo Felony, Kurupt, Roscoe, Sleepy Brown, Sugar Free, Bad Azz, W.C., Ice Cube, Mack 10, Cashis, Jon B, just to name some. Kadillak Kaz plans to hold more concerts and shows long with movie appearances, merchandise and charity events. He is a believer in giving back and his passion for underprivileged children runs deep. His future looks bright as he continues to proceed with his love for music and making a difference through his experiences and the knowledge gained by his struggles.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSA G
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W
elcome Kaddy welcome. As you can see
we’ve come a long way bruh. (Gives each other dap) So tell us how did you come up with the name Kadillak Kaz? KADILLAK KAZ I was always known around as caz and then there was a dude that came out under mo thugs with the same name so I changed it to kaz. It still was lacking that umph to it so I added Kadillak to it based on the fact that I had a gang of them comin up and cadillac's represent success to us black folks. XQUISITE Did you have an original stage name before this? KADILLAK KAZ I was just going by caz at first. XQUISITE OK and why'd you choose that name also? KADILLAK KAZ I wanted something that would set me apart from the rest. Somethin that when u seen it once, you would remember it again if you saw it twice. Where do currently live? KADILLAK KAZ I live in Los Angeles right now, by way of Santa Ana, Ca. XQUISITE What city do you represent?
Kadillak Kaz I represent Santa Ana aka "Tha Ana'z" It's a part of Orange County, but trust me when I say, its nothing like the T.V show!!!! (laughs)
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSA G
XQUISITE Where did you get your start? KADILLAK KAZ I started out in this music industry under my cousin, who goes by the name of 4D. He's a big time producer and along with him and this other dude outta Compton by the name of Caviar aka Cavie, I got introduced to the business side of the industry. I used to be dancing for them and carrying luggage and things like that but I stayed on my grind and sharpened my craft at the same time. Even though I don't do business with them guys no more, I am appreciative of the game that I learned from being around them. XQUISITE Where do you get your motivation from? KADILLAK KAZ My motivation comes from pain and the struggle point blank!!!! I come
from nothing, I have been practically raised in these institutions out here in California since I was a kid. My aim is to be the voice for the millions of other souljahs in this war that don't have a voice and at the same time, show them the beauty of enduring and overcoming. XQUISITE What have you spent your time and learned from, career wise, that has made you say "I'm Good, I'm Moving on? KADILLAK KAZ Being loyal to people that aren't loyal to me. Being around individuals who are on they vulture shit and swarming above eyeing your progress and waiting for the right time to swoop down and eat off my blood, sweat, and tears. I hit the gas on 'em!! (laughs)
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSA G
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XQUISITE Any competition out there (No, not really, Next question please!! Laughs) that makes you say to yourself "Hey I'm out, Sorry I can't compete, but this just ain't for me?" KADILLAK KAZ Nobody period and that's no disrespect to any artist out right now. I don't look at it like that, I view it as motivation when I hear good music. It makes me wanna go and create more music that's just as good or better than what I heard. XQUISITE Any upcoming videos in the future? KADILLAK KAZ I have a ton of them coming. We are shooting the video for my song "Come Clean ft Mysta Shawn Crenshaw" that I landed on the "Gang of Roses 2" soundtrack. I got that song and "Here For U ft Los" also placed on that soundtrack and we are shooting the videos for that also. My EP "Cash Out Or Mash Out" just came out on Feb 21 and my full album "The Coldest Winter Ever" is comin’ out on Feb 28th so we have a lot of visuals comin very shortly. XQUISITE Any advice for the next generation? KADILLAK KAZ My advice to the next generation is to learn this business and get out the way if you are not going to be patient and dedicated. Put in your work and pay your dues!!!! XQUISITE Are you being managed right now or signed to any companies? KADILLAK KAZ I am an independent artist. I have major distribution through Empire Distribution and another proper situation with Bad Seed Faculty. No managers so if you want to holla at me, just reach out to me and its on. XQUISITE How is that working out for you? KADILLAK KAZ It's a lovely situation for me. Empire is backing what I am doing and its a good relationship. I am just trying to get more backing financially and then it's a wrap. XQUISITE Its 10 years from now, where do you see yourself in the industry? KADILLAK KAZ 10 years from now I see myself helping troubled youth out in these streets. Thats why I still do music now, so I can be in a position to make a difference within our community. I also want to push Skyballin Entertainment Group to the forefront of this industry in every aspect. XQUISITE What are your plans in say the clothing industry or movies? KADILLAK KAZ Well I am not really interested in doing fashion but I am definitely interested in movies. I got a few ideas and scripts I been working on. XQUISITE Are there any groups that are being started by you as we speak? KADILLAK KAZ No groups right now. XQUISITE Any collaborations at the moment? KADILLAK KAZ I have a lot of collaborations coming and quite a few now with Mac Lucci (Hustle Boyz) Eastwood, Big2daboy, Cuzzy Capone, Tri Star, and many more. XQUISITE What can we expect from you in 2012 and beyond? KADILLAK KAZ A lot of music!!!!!! XM
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSA G
CONNECT WITH KADILLAK KAZ www.itskaddybaby.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/ItsKaddyBaby YouTube: www.youtube.com/KadillaKaz Facebook: www.facebook.com/KadillakKaz Instagram: www.instagram.com/kadillakkaz
APRIL 2011 XQUISITE