MUSICIANS
Studio JnS: What's the name of your band/organization?
My Hip Hop organization is called Heart Break Foundation.
Studio JnS: When did you form your organization?
Our organization was formed in 2010 with my partners, although I have known them for a longer period than that. After college I have been a solo artists until I met up with my 2 partners for Heart Break Foundation.
Studio JnS: When did you first realize you wanted to be a singer?
I started hip hop about 13 years ago, by myself and entered a competition in the South - at a block party in Alabama. I wasn't old enough to get in, so I got in through my brother, who was acting like my bodyguard and he wanted to hear what is little brother had to say. No one dared to take the mic away from me. And that is how it all started. I then moved back to Connecticut when I was 15 years old, went to Bethel high school, where I was one of the few minorities to graduate. I did a lot of underground street events and block parties. When I got to college, that is where the networking scene began and I met some very cool people.
Studio JnS: What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
Hip Hop and Jazz.
Studio JnS: So how did you get involved with Jazz, which is a half a world away from Hip Hop? A Jazz group, Deep Intentions, needed a vocalist really badly to come out with them and I made a song that night off the rhythm they were going on and I was later invited to come back and work with them by the leader of the band.
Studio JnS: Who inspired you to make music?
My father is my biggest inspiration he is my best friend. He is a blues fanatic. Growing up in the South I was blessed to be around people like BB King and other influential people who made history in music. My dad used to play the guitar, he owned every record you can imagine. I used to listen to all of them over and over again. My creativity was just fused by those songs. I call my dad when I'm writing lyrics, he listens to my verses and he will give me an honest opinion. My mother and my father, used to force [hah] me to sing for church choir and that's how I lost my stage fright at a very young age.
Studio JnS: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
With my Hip Hop crew we are local in Connecticut at different venues such as Waterbury, Danbury, Brigeport etc. With the Jazz band we've been in both Connecticut and New York.
Studio JnS: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
I write my owns songs. The themes and topicss I write about is what true Hip Hop should be about, about Life. I also write poetry, which taught me to become a better song writer.
Studio JnS: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Be honest with yourself, fair, be able to listen to others, take criticisms positively.
Studio JnS: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
JAMES MCCRAY
Daraja Hakizimana
Born and raised in Houston Texas, Daraja Hakizimana (a bridge to salvation) of the Shrine of the Black Madonna is bringing the new hip hop to Poetry, Jazz, and R&B. Coming from Sterling Highschool, then Graduating from Lamar High School, and later persuing music at San Jacinto and HCC Colledge gives Daraja the rich and profond sounds that we hear in his music today along with lifes experiences. At the A-Bar in 98 was Daraja’s first debut with his group Kamakazae, a soulful duo group involving sweet love longs reflecting pain, work life, and love . From their performances Daraja was able to strike a deal with nations, Cardinal Mbiyu and the Shrine of the Black Madonna in taking over Shades of Blackness, the longest open-mic venue in Houston (later renamed My Block Speaks). He also formed a staff of poets, musicians, and artist that he could depend on throughout his showcases. And with everything moving strong the next year Blackwater was established. A design of music that caters to your B-side, non-radio listener. The music is original, electric, and extremely unique. And in 2007 Daraja was featured on Devin The Dude's new group “The Coughee Brothaz – Waitin Our Turn” LP, which put Daraja and the My Recordz family name further in the Hip Hop scence and in the streets. With the success of the Coughee Brothaz, Daraja, That Boy Cayse, and a few label mates were featured again on Devin The Dude's – Smoke Sessions Vol. 1 and on Devin The Dude's – Waitin to Inhale (Devin's last album on Rap-A-lot-Records). From this album Daraja would continue to perfect the Blackwater sound and branch out working with other artist and poets such as Angie G, Z-Ro, K-Rino, Dope-E, Shan-No, Point Blank, The SPC Family, Mo-Lew, Devin The Dude, Murder 1, 144 Elite, Jugg Mugg, Rob Quest, 2 Die 4, Se7en, Smit-D, 14K, Trae, Scarface, Lil O, Wickett Crickett, Lady Pariah, That Boy Cayse, Rapper K, Odd Squad, and Many More!!!!
By 2009 Daraja took My Block Recordz to the forefront of the web when he teamed with CDBABY, BLASTMYMUSIC, SNOCAP, and a few other internet distribution companies, and has thrived being a artist through the Internet. With shows still continuing every 1st Friday of the month, My Block Speaks is still known as one of the longest open-mic venues in Houston, Texas. With my My Block Recordz along side, Daraja has been able to produce a multitude of albums in diversified genres including Poetry, Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop. As of today, the shows, the sessions, and the scene assures that there's more coming. Daraja Hakizimana will no-doubt be a force in the music industry to last over these new digital years.
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