Almost as a follow up to his last interview with them, IZ makes a few comments to AR regarding his single and video “Never Fall 2010” as well as what’s coming up in the pipeline. If things hold up and he keeps the momentum going, it looks like it’s gonna be a big year for IZreal.
Check the full transcript after the jump.
AZNRaps: How did the song and video come about?
IZ: I was in the process of gathering some tracks for an upcoming album when a good friend/producer of mine named Wonju who produced “I Party” on FM’s Animal album was going through some beats by a homie named Soulspeak. I was just chillin and listening but when I heard that one, I knew I had to have it. I recorded it right then and there.
A couple friends of mine were using stickam at the time and I told them lets record it live. I wasnt sure if anyone had ever tried that before and I thought it would be interesting. You can watch the actual video on youtube.com/66iz.
After I recorded the track, my homie LK asked if i wanted to do a video. I was like “Hell yeah!”
AZNRaps: Did LK direct the whole video project?
IZ: He did everything. Directed, produced, edited, shouted. Everything. haha
AZNRaps: Is “Never Fall” representative of what you’ll be putting out in 2010?
IZ: Not exactly. I’ve done so many hardcore hip-hop tracks in the past that I’m ready to move on now. But because organic hip-hop is my first true love, once in a while I just can’t help it. Especially when I hear beats like that one. Soulspeak is a beast.
AZNRaps: Has your video garnered any popularity online?
IZ: Yeah, a lot of sites have been showing luv and posting the video. I had no idea that news goes around as fast as it does. Angryasianman, channelapa, hypnotic asia and others that I approached about the vid had already posted it up which is dope. I just did a photo shoot and interview with Eloquence magazine in Korea which will go into print next month as well as some others things. Just grindin it out.
AZNRaps: What areas did you shoot the music video at?
IZ: Basically all over L.A. The art district in downtown. In front of my old studio on Olympic in Beverly Hills. Next to Young Nak church in Chinatown. The theme of the video is constant forward movement so we went all over the place.
AZNRaps: How did you arrange all the cameos in the video?
IZ: We’re all family. They are all people I have a lot of luv and respect for so it was only natural that I would want them in my video. I just called them up on the phone, told them about it and scheduled it out. Much luv to them for taking time out of their schedules to bless the video.
AZNRaps: Did you have a budget for the video?
IZ: It was all done on luv and homie sh*t. We worked it out. Like the barbecue scene, its not a scene, its an actual barbecue. Things like that. Trying to kill two birds with one stone. LK is one of my best friends. Not to mention that he’s extremely talented. Im very thankful to have homeboys like him and to be surrounded by so much loyalty and dedication. They’re some badass muthaf*ckas.
AZNRaps: Is this the first song you’re promoting for 2010?
IZ: Yeah it is. It was actually unplanned and spur of the moment but im gonna run with it. I’m including it in a digital CD that I’m going to give away for free next month in February. Its gonna have all the old hip-hop tracks from before as well as some unreleased ones on it. Definitely look out for that.
AZNRaps: Anything to add?
IZ: Definitely. “Never Fall 2010” is just an introduction. The next one is going to be crazy. Not the same street stuff. Im going all out, special effects and everything. The kitchen sink included.
Oh yeah, I’m sure you guys already know about the “I Party” video coming out directed by Choz Belen. That joint is gonna be straight stupid. Choz’s work is ridiculous.
a-Tunes 