Krazy Race
Interviewed By: Angela

Photos for this interview taken by : Sal Rojas

How did you come up with the name Krazy Race?

Krazy Race was a name we came up with when we were a group that consisted of 3 members that started in the early 90’s from Whitter and Pico Rivera, CA. The name itself represented what we were all about, Krazy Race or La Raza Loca. Krazy Race the name took on many meanings but there’s only one that stood the test of time. Got ya thinking right?

What is the Krazy Race family?

Krazy Race family is my crew and all the people that support us to the fullest. We have heads that come out and represent at shows with their own signature Krazy Race “T-shirts” that they make themselves. That’s some real spit. Krazy Race is bigger then just me, on the mic blazing a stage. What my music and I represent is a movement. The Krazy Race Movement. That’s why I feel people can relate to what I rhyme about.

How long have you been in the music industry?

Alonggg time…Since the early 90’s, but I have been rhyming since the late 80’s. I also did my share of break dancing back in the day too as “breakamatic”. 2006 marks the 15 year anniversary of KRAZY RACE. I ain’t going anywhere! KR-A-Z-Y RACE be the name till the day I die!

Do you feel that you have used this time in the industry wisely?

I feel as an independent artist, Indie label owner and creator of www.beatseekers.com
That I’ve definitely etched my name in the stone of hip-hop and Latinos in music. I kept striving and stood dedicated as most gave up. Patience is a virtue. I feel right now I’m ready to step into the booth with “anybody” in the rap game and hold my ground and still be Krazy Race for those that feel me.

You went to Spain for a show and some networking. What did you do there and how was it?

I went out there with my hype man MVP and we went out there to Perform and represent for the Chicano/a culture from LA in Zaragoza, Spain alongside my partner Sal Rojas, from brownpride.com for the Zaragoza Ciudad International Hip Hop Festival 4 on July 1st and-2nd 2005.

Was it everything that you were expecting?

It was off the hook out there, off the link, off the chain etc… Around 9000 people came from all parts of Spain to come this show. We performed along with other heavy hitters like The Beatnuts, M.O.P, Scratch from The Roots, M.E.D, Peanut Butter Wolf, End of The Weak, Datin, Violadores Del Verso, Rap Sus Klei and Hahze and many more ill artists & groups from the U.SA, Spain and France. It was an eye opener to see how huge HIP HOP is in other countries.

What are some of the things in Spain that they do differently then here in the States?

Bottom line, they support the culture whole-heartedly. Not to say my heads in Cali and other states don’t. But they just have a complete different energy about the scene. It was bananas out there. For example; sometimes it seems like were too saturated with choices of shows to go too, or albums to buy etc. Where as in Spain they can care less about that shit, they just wanted some live hip-hop from heads they knew and didn’t know.

Do you feel that actually having went to school for music has helped push you ahead of the other artists out there that haven’t gone to school for it?

Not really…it’s just helped me a lot in regards to the recording and mix down of all my projects. I don’t have to depend on another costly studio or engineer to get the job done.
I can do it myself. Myself and partner Izz Hernandez mastered my last album.
Most artists have to send there projects out to be mastered by others…I’m a hands on type cat and like to do that type of work myself.

You have performed and recorded with so many artists. Do you have any artists that you would like to work with that you haven’t?

Nas, Jedi Mind Tricks, Psycho Realm, Zach De La Rocha, and Ras Kass.

Who has been your biggest musical influence so far?

Far too many to name…I live and breath this Hip Hop culture. Musically I listen to a lot
of what’s out there from east to west and worldwide. I have many influences that cross all musical genres beyond hip hop.

Are you still working with the young artist MIC M.C.? If so, how is that going?

Yes, he’s been in the background waiting his turn. Now it’s his turn! We are currently working on his album “On Campus” that will drop March 21st, 2006. It’s going to feature myself, Touch, Global City and production by Cire, Brainwave, Dj Quad, Beelo, Dj Ace and myself. Watch out for this 16 yr old Latino…Check him out at www.myspace.com/micmc

Do you have anything new that will be dropping in 2005?

Nothing in 2005…album wise. I’m dropping my new album that as of now is “untitled”.
More then likely, it will drop in April of 2006. This album is gonna be fire. I’m not going to even tell you who the features are… You’re going to have to wait for this one!!!

Where can people go online to check out more of your music and read more about you?

www.krazyrace.com “og page” will be redone very soon for a recent updated page you can check out www.myspace.com/krazyrace
Or go to www.google.com and type in KRAZYRACE…that has mad links to most of my info and more…
To pick up the “New World Games” CD go to www.cdbaby.com/krazyrace3

How do you do most of your promoting?

Most of my promoting is done via the internet, we also we hit the streets of Cali hard with flyers and stickers and other promotional items. I believe in a mailing list and I also shoot out a mailer bi-monthly on what’s going on, shows, and all that good shit.

What is your typical day like?

Making moves and music! Gotta keep it moving!

How would you describe what you do in the music industry?

Create…Street poet, hip hop artist that’s conscious, street and political, producer, promotions, consulting, entrepreneur, and Lyrical wizard, lol…for real,
I’m just an all around music lover!

How would you describe your style of music?

Raw, street, hip-hop, conscious, lyrical, political, and grimy from a Chicano’s perspective. That’s Krazy Race.

Do you feel that you get all the respect that you deserve for what you do?

From my peers and other artists, yes. From the labels standpoint, there afraid to of a real m.c. like me!!! That’s a whole different topic.

Your music was featured in a short film called “His Name is Bobby”. What was that film about?

A kid named Bobby gets caught up in some drama with a homie from the hood because of his girl. Bobby gets shot and dies…Bobby’s Father sees it happen and who did it,
He goes back for revenge... with a crazy ending.

Was your music that was featured in it specifically written for that movie?

No…they just chose four tracks off my album for it. Hydroponic Dreams, Dedicated, KR Interlude and another joint.

Do you have any shout outs that you would like to give?

My Son Dominic…my parents for life… Angela for this interview…keep spreading the gift of music, that’s real. MVP, Dj ACE, Kemo & Dead Silence, Global City Fam, Sick Symphonies, Immortal Technique, MIC M.C., Savage Joe, Sal Rojas, Kinto Sol, Blunts lla, The Mexakinz, Los Tumbados, El Vuh, Cire, Malverde, Reazn, 5th Battalion, Detane,
Datin, Jdubs, Jedi Mind Tricks, Fidel Rodriguez, Queenie, SGV, Latina Beatz, Huskee Gifted Born Wisdom, Eric C., RPM, 2Mex, The Beatnuts, Broken Family, Son Doobie,
Tony G, Ralph M., Julio G., Hoodtimes Magazine, Zona De Obras Magazine, Maximas Productions, Chicano Rap Magazine…and theres so many more heads I could name!
All my producers on www.beatseekers.com Joint Clothing, Firme Clothing, 187 Inc., 3 Dot Clothing, Urban Xclusive and the Krazy Race Movement world wide!!! Much F**ken Love to all my fans!

Much Love and Respect,
KRAZY RACE