Pyslezz Interview
Laura Cirami
CHAMP MAGAZINE
CHAMP: How are you Pryslezz? What's going on right now?
Pryslezz: I'm good. Just released my new single "Sideways" featuring Jason Derulo. I'm performing and getting the word out about the single and the new album. We're actually preparing to shoot the video for "Sideways". That's got me pretty excited. Also, I'm circulating a new mixtape hosted by Mick Boogie called "King Shit Vol 1". Its something my label mate N.O.X. and I put together.
CHAMP: Just for the readers who are unfamiliar with you; why the name Pryslezz?
Pryslezz: Pryslezz was the name given to me by a friend of mine. It was originally about break dancing. He said the way I attacked breaking and the style that I had was priceless. The name carried over into my music because I attack it the same way and my style is still unlike any other.
CHAMP: You have a new album out titled "Death of a Man, Birth of a King", what's the story behind the title?
Pryslezz: Death of a Man Rebirth of a King. Its an album about change. I've defined change as a tragic assassination of oneself. In order to change a part of you must die so a new you can be born. In my case, the change that I made was to remove certain parts of the person I was and replace those parts with thoughts, ideas and elements from my past. It was a rebirth of sorts.
CHAMP: On your current album you got the opportunity to work with some big R&B people in the industry like Grammy – nominated R&B vocalist Raheem DeVaughn, Neo-Soul, Dwele, Slum Village and Jason Derulo. How did you feel about working with them? How was the connection?
Pryslezz: It was and is a dream come true to work with them. They all contributed so much to this album and making sure the vision was realized. Each of them are great to work with and we are friends now. We continue to work with each other through performances and appearances. Good times. Goooood times.
CHAMP: The song "More Than a Love Song" ft. Dwele is your debut track off the album; why did you choose this one as the first track to release?
Pryslezz: We picked "More Than A Love Song" for its flavor. Dwele is an incredible artist. His vibe is pure. The song is real life. Its a part of me and I put my heart into it. "More Than A Love Song" is beautiful and fresh. Something we felt the people needed.
CHAMP: In 2003, you released your debut album "A Search 4 Peace- A Testimony", do you feel as an artist that you have grown from the first album to the one you have out right now? What's the difference between the two?
Pryslezz: I definitely have grown. I have grown emotionally and physically. I'm older. More mature on this album. Stronger in my stance and in better control over my emotions.
CHAMP: I listened to a few of your tracks and it seems like a lot of people can say your music is very edgy and unique, what inspires you to do this?
Pryslezz: I get inspiration from everywhere : God, family and friends, nature, life. I see myself as being unique and edgy. I put myself into my music. Real life experiences and feelings. It only makes sense that my music be a reflection of me.
CHAMP: You've received rave reviews from people such as Dwele & Raheem Devaughn, what makes you different from your average rapper or MC out right now?
Pryslezz: The difference between me and the average rapper is that I am me and the average rapper is the average rapper. I can do what the rapper drones are doing. I can give the people what they've already been listening to on the radio constantly and seeing on BET and MTV, but they have grown tired of that. The people want something refreshing. Something unique. They have grown tired of bologna sandwiches. I bring them something pryslezz and full of flavor. I bring them me. Not a carbon copy.
CHAMP: What else can we expect from Pryslezz in the future?
Pryslezz: The new album "Death of a Man Rebirth of a King" coming in February. Expect more music. Expect more fun, more flavor and more truth. Expect the envelope to be pushed. Expect to see me where you never thought you would and expect me to be where we never thought we could. You can always visit my myspace: www.myspace.com/pryslezz and my website: www.kingapeent.com to keep up to date and informed on what's new and what we have in store for the future.
Pryslezz - "Sideways" Feat. N.O.X. and Jason Derulo (Official Video)
