Music brings people together and ignores so many of the prejudices that may or may not be commonplace. I think good music can engage the youth and be a positive force in their lives, so yes music can be a positive force of change.” says Kaz Money.

In an a stimulating interview with Arab News, the rising Arab hip-hop star discussed music, creativity and life — as we know it. Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, the young artist was born into a family who appreciated music and made his foray into the world of entertainment. Kaz has collaborated with international artists like Karl Wolf, S.A.S, Ceza, Greis, Havoc of Mobb Deep and many more. Here is a chance to get personal with a star whose desire to give a “voice to the voiceless” comes with pure intent and talented veracity.
 

I represent a new generation in the Middle East looking to express ourselves through art and maybe creating enough interest to inspire creativity and interest in the hip-hop culture.
 

I’ve been involved with music for a while now and I am still taking baby steps in terms of progress. I was born into a family that appreciated music so I took to it from a young age. My old man was in a band when he was my age so it’s only right that I follow in his footsteps. I started out writing and recording alone, eventually got signed and now I am working with my group called The Recipe. Creatively, I feel I am now in my prime thanks to being surrounded by such a talented group of artists and finally understanding why my own taste in music should always dictate what I create.
 

Some of my favorite artists are Sean Price, Royce Da 5’9, Busta Rhymes and Eminem, among others. Locally, I just listen to The Recipe.
 

His music was influential in helping me understand rhythm and melodies but it doesn’t really influence the content or type of music I make.
 

The most popular song I was ever featured on was Karl Wolf’s “Yalla Habbibi,” for obvious reasons. However,  hard work and persistence is what really established my name. My favorite track is “The Horror” off my latest mix-tape “The Ridicule — The Opposition.”
 

People that don’t want me to succeed and my genuine love for hip hop.
 

Hawaii. I like smaller club performances because I feel the crowd’s energy and can be more interactive.
 

HR is just a job for me. If I could generate enough money to live comfortably from music then there wouldn’t be anything else out there for me.
 

Busta Rhymes because his energy during his live performance is incredible.
 

I will not be releasing any real solo projects for a while. My focus, as well as the rest of The Recipe, will be to focus on recording the group album and touring over the next year.
 

I am not a real rock fan but I did listen to a little bit of System of a Down since they are also Armenians.
 

Frank Ocean “Novocaine.”
 

I think art in general is not considered important in the Arab world so finding success in music is twice as hard. The talent exists but lacks the support of media outlets as well as society in general. The potential to bring something new to music is there but I do not see it becoming a musical revolution at this stage.
 

If I had to pick three “Arabs” and not just artists in the Arab world, I would have to go with Malikah (Female MC from Lebanon), Arabian Knights (Rap group from Egypt), and Ramallah Underground (Rap group from Palestine). They make music that I believe is most relevant to the region and demonstrate different styles that exist here.
 

Hip Hop in particular is an extremely powerful tool that gives voice to the voiceless. It’s a constructive way to express yourself and empower listeners. Without coming off as some kind of activist, which I am not, I think self-expression in all its forms, is key to the positive development of society.