Artist Bio: Hapizzez
~Intro
It seems that many independent emcees are chasing dreams. They are captive to the promises flashy rappers give. They are trying to make their lives mirror fabricated lyrics. Contrast that goal with music stimulated by dreams of hope. Hapizzez’s lyrics derive from an experienced warrior and humanitarian. His new album, “Breaking the Mask”, illustrates his heart’s desire to inspire a positive change in the community by challenging the status quo. His grassroots style of hip-hop is conveyed via thought-provoking lyrics and personal action.
~Background
A light-skinned Mexican boy growing up in the streets of Southern California, Hapizzez struggles to fit in. He explains, “I was a non-Spanish speaking Hispanic kid named Jef who listen to rap… I didn’t fit any stereotype. I wasn’t black, white, or brown and there were no other categories. Ultimately, I came to understand my chemical make-up was beyond my control; all I could do was pick my music preference and be responsible for my conduct.”
Like many young men, Hapizzez lived the fast life. When he was 21 he was arrested for public disturbance due to heavy alcohol consumption. This event combined with starting a family led him to seek advice from spiritual men. He became a humanitarian, volunteering at orphanages in Tijuana, Malaysia, and Thailand. A trained Red Cross Shelter Operator, he aided in shelter operations during California wildfires. He was deployed five times while in the Armed Forces.
“My lyrics were therapy. I was failing at many things in life and I had many worries. When I hit bottom I found I was not alone. There were too many people hurting. My lyrics changed from an expression of personal pain to a desire for hope. I wanted to give back. It became my motto. I called my style ‘Grassroots Hip Hop’.” Hapizzez’s words and music coincide with his actions and hopes.
~New Album
Hapizzez is Hebrew for “the one who breaks”. It is no coincidence that he used the meaning of his emcee name to identify the threat. Produced by Leonardo Suarez Jr., “Breaking the Mask” is simply a call to step outside traditional misconceptions and look at the heart of what is important. It is an attempt to inspire greatness within one’s self for a greater good.
“The background and the details tell a story as interesting as the lyrics,” Hapizzez says. “Take, for instance, track 15 ‘WatDeySayinn’, the original version. That was recorded on a ship off of the coast of Japan. I was on board as a first responder during the 2011 tsunami. You can hear the hum of equipment because there was no quiet recording studio. It was a risk to include it because the quality is off from the rest of the album; however it was the genesis for the project.”
The featured artists are the most talented and positive independent rappers. Their willingness to collaborate is an indication to the collective optimism for this project. Braille, NomiS, Playdough, and Tena Jones’ skill sets are magnificently displayed and make this album a supplemental must for their fans.
~Conclusion
Hapizzez is hosting the Soul Samurai Syndicate, an open mic and music showcase in the Los Angeles area. Although he has an album of his own to promote, he is dedicated to promoting other independent emcees and helping non-profits in the area. “Their success is my success,” he explains. Hapizzez is a “Grassroots Hip Hop” emcee in words and deeds.

(Content provided by DiscYplesMusic PA Staff)