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In a musical era where rap is primarily structured to favor ego-driven chants of dollar bills and "life-in-the-fast-lane", a single voice delivering a message of post-struggle fortune arises out of Tacoma, Washington. The consciousness raising music of AZAREL offers an authentic, cultural enlightenment enriched with the stylish charm of today's urban life.
Since 1996, he has circulated demo tracks locally and quickly attracted a passable fan following normally accustomed to West Coast and gangster rap. The paramount of these recordings was the creative criticism and support he received from local producers, artists and fans allowing him to pinpoint his strengths and weaknesses. From that point on AZAREL was provided with numerous club bookings, performing locally with many of Tacoma's top acts. In addition, he has opened for Bay area artists Mac Mall & Celly Cel, as well as being a part of the main act for Jamie Foxx's after-party.
Wanting more than city success, AZAREL studied the lyrics and beat selection of major label artists, becoming more self-assertive and hungry for mainstream recognition. In late 1999, his prayers and hard work paid off when Ocean Records, showed interest in adding him to its roster. Amazed at the professional work ethic and promotional tactics Ocean used with label mates, Criminal Nation, the newly signed AZAREL knew immediately that this was the home for his music, favoring their creative support for his style.
Currently, his latest track, "U&I (Unity)", which made its debut on the internet, has been receiving the "thumbs-up" from hip hop fans all over the globe. For more info on AZAREL, please visit the Ocean website at www.oceanrecord. |
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“U&I (Unity) is platinum coated material that sparkles with tight production, a head nodding beat with a funky melodic bass line that flows under positive lyrics with street smarts without sounding preachy.”
-Rapper Ron, UNVRadio - www.unvradio.com
“One thing you can say about Washington State's Azarel is he comes with positivity. In an era when it's increasingly hard to find artists that are all about unity, this MC puts together a nice flow that focuses on unnecessary confrontations and misunderstandings that arise from the differences in all of us...There is some promise in this MC, as long as he can flip it every once in a while to keep the positive thing from getting stale.”
-Elemental Magazine - www.elementalmag.com
“Warm soul radiates from Azarel's music and his lips speak nothing but positivity. Taking aim with skillful rhymes, he fires at both your heart and head and connects.”
-Alex Henning, Listen - www.listen.com
“Agile lyricism, West Coast bounce, and breezy synth give this MC's music its uniquely stylish, urban vibe. Phat beats are just the half of it: Azarel drops gems of African-Hebrew gospel and socially conscious rhetoric in an emphatic drawl, making audiences feel his flow on a whole other level. "U & I" will satisfy both seekers of intelligent social and spiritual commentary, and those who just want somethin' to bounce to.”
-Mandy Kemp, Riffage – www.riffage.com
“Azarel is coming with intelligible lyrics, dope beats and an overall quality hip hop feel without betraying his West Coast roots.”
-IZ-Real, Insomniac Magazine – www.insomniacmagazine.com
“With a distinct flow, solid voice, and an unexpectedly raw honesty in his lyrics, Azarel drops "U&I." The lyrics approach the concept of people coming together and establishing a lasting unity from a more sincere perspective than most who merely speaking rhetoric. "Smile A Little" is a song about just that. But there's nothing soft or sweet here. Azarel insists there's no reason for mad-facing or evil-eyeing a brother you don't even know. If you can't show love, at least show respect. Overall this track shines and burns itself into your memory banks.”
-Black Knight, Manhunt - www.manhunt.com |
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| Date |
Venue/Club |
Location |
| September 01, 2000 |
Bumbershoot 2000 |
Seattle WA, USA |
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Location:
Tacoma WA, USA
AZAREL Website
azarel@ureach.com
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