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Kaze : Spirit of '94
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North Carolina Hip-Hop at its finest-- all songs written and produced by Kaze.
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap: Hip Hop
Release Date: 2003
Spirit of '94
Kaze
Record Label: Soul Dojo Inc.
  • Buy CD - $10.00
  • Download Album (MP3) - $9.99

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Preview Song Name Time Buy
1. For the Record 2:27 + MP3 $0.99
2. Locked in Chains 4:17 + MP3 $0.99
3. Last Man Standing 4:40 + MP3 $0.99
4. What's Good 4:20 + MP3 $0.99
5. 50/50 Amp 3:49 + MP3 $0.99
6. Out of They Mind? 4:17 + MP3 $0.99
7. K to the AZE 3:47 + MP3 $0.99
8. Broken Bars 5:01 + MP3 $0.99
9. SD Radio 2:02 + MP3 $0.99
10. Spirit of '94 4:43 + MP3 $0.99
11. Stay a Customer 4:06 + MP3 $0.99
12. American Way 4:32 + MP3 $0.99
13. I Love You Haters 4:22 + MP3 $0.99
14. Steelo 5:02 + MP3 $0.99
15. Should've Been Here 5:22 + MP3 $0.99
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Album Notes

Kevin "Kaze" Thomas is a versatile artist-producer who captures the spirit of groundbreakers like Run-DMC, Snoop Dog, and Wu-Tang Clan to promote an on-going, innovative hip-hop culture. Hailing from northern Virginia and eastern North Carolina, Kaze grew up in the 80's memorizing his big sister's mix tapes of hip-hop legends to lift himself out of an oppressive country lifestyle. As a student in communications at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Kaze helped to create Hip-Hop Nation, an on-campus organization fostering the growth of local emcees, poets, DJs, dancers, and graffiti artists. His mission gained national attention in 2001 when Kaze was tapped to co-create, produce, and host the nationally syndicated television program titled Hip-Hop Nation: Notes from the Underground. The show captured the immensity of the culture's influence with viewers in over a hundred markets and linked Kaze's name with a movement of international interest.

Kaze's production experiences led to the establishment of his own record label, Soul Dojo, Inc. The initial offering under that label is his Spirit of '94, a tribute to the legends of hip-hop featuring 15 tracks he both wrote and produced. Ingenuity and originality characterize his rhymes, while his words promote political consciousness, address personal trials, and celebrate the passion of hip-hop. The March 2003 release of Spirit of '94 set the standard for the label, claiming much critical acclaim and winning fans across the state. After selling thousands of copies independently, both on the streets and through mom and pop record stores, Spirit of '94 was picked up by BCD Global Distribution in October of 2003 for placement into Transworld operated record stores such as FYE. The single, "50/50 Amp", has received airplay on college and commercial radio stations across the country, charting with Billboard and with CMJ. Kaze peaked at number 11 on the Rap Network in March of 2004, a chart tabulated by spins from the tastemakers of college radio.

Kaze's April 2004 sophomore effort, titled Enemy of the State, is a mixtape which features a collection of tracks by North Carolina's finest hip-hop artists and producers. With notable appearances by Nature and 9th Wonder among others, Kaze uses the album as a platform for voicing his desire to make it to the top of the industry and chronicles his success and struggle thus far. Kaze's first single from Enemy of the State titled "On" is due to grow on the strength of his debut and aims for an even greater audience.

Kaze has become one of the most talked about and recognizable figures in the North Carolina music scene. With strong personality and a unique style, he reigns as a tested mic battle champion and regularly lights up stages at nationally known venues across the Southeast including the Smith Center, Gusman Theater, Cat's Cradle, Echo Lounge, Local 506, Apache Cafe, and The Brewery. He has opened for such artists as Nas, Jurassic 5, KRS-One Dead Prez, The Arsonists, Swollen Members, and Camp Lo. He also can be heard working the crowds for Soul Dojo's premier open mic night, Microphone Mondays, at Rolling Stone Magazine's favorite Chapel Hill music venue, the Local 506.

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REVIEWS

This is from South Africa the album is too nice
author: Tlhokomelo Aka Melo Muzik
                            
When I picked up the CD from the rack I did not know who kaze was. 9th wonders name called as Im familiar with his work. I listed to it in the store and I think people thought I was crazy because from the first track I was in my own jam session with the CD. Yo its kamakazee aka kazee. I was hooked already. When My Nigga worked in I made him listed loved it just like that. I was saddend to see it was the only one. But I made it my mission that every body I knew listens to it. Yo I can go on the hole day all in all Kaze I'll try to get one of the songs on radio down in South Africa (aka Mzansi). Peace & Love. Its 50 50 spread love spread drama. Love from the RSA
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Word UP!
author: Dr. Mindbenda'
                            
Word UP! This dude is hands down the illest I've ever ran into. NC
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"[Kaze] has managed to be one of the most important persons in the newest genera
author: The Independent
                            
Soul Dojo, or SD, is a record label founded by Kaze. (Is this brother doing his thing or what?) SD is "is devoted to supporting independent artists whose music speaks with powerful, intelligent, energetic and personal messages," says Adam Touw, director of SD operations. SD's first release, Spirit of '94, by Kaze, drops March 25. And in the spirit of Touw's words, Spirit of '94 relays these messages and more. Kaze told me that his album is dedicated to artists like Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Outkast, Snoop Dogg and Wu-Tang, who dropped some serious shit in the nine-four era. These influences are strong, but even stronger are the similarities of Kaze's flow to another Virginia-born rapper, Skillz. Not to mention the very Timbalandesque beat on "K to the AZE." So if ya feel Skillz, chances are you'll feel Kaze, and if ya ask Kaze if Skillz is an influence, he'll reply, "Not really." Maybe there is something in the water up there. Like Skillz, Kaze ain't gang-banging. He raps about the rap hustle, the honey hustle (which doesn't seem too hard for him) and his own dad's hustle. A strong theme in Kaze's album is his painful relationship with his father. Kaze isn't really hating on his dad, but more working shit out through rapping, which is deep. Unlike Eminem, Kaze and his pops "are cool" and "get along." Which is great for the two of them. Another personal touch on Spirit of '94 are the two banjo sounds in "For The Record" and "Last Man Standing," which have a unique country twist. These are some of the most interesting layers in Kaze's beats. The album's beats are sample-free except for "Stay a Customer"--which is one of K8's fav tracks. The lines are sharpest and the beat is slickest. In the next track, "American Way," Kaze gives a testimony to the backward way of the U.S. of A. But Kaze isn't always serious; he can make you laugh. "What's Good" certainly brings a giggle, and I will leave it at that--if you wanna find out why, just cop the album. Keep your eyes peeled for the Spirit of '94 album release party TBA. --K8 Erwin, The Independent
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Always a fan...
author: Nakia
                            
Going to UNC I was familiar with Kaze and would call him a friend. After someone passed me a FREE copy (WHOO!) of Spirit of '94 I couldn't stop playing it. In the house, in the car, wherever. Even when I moved back to NYC I chose to pop in this CD to hear hot beats, tight lyrics and the voice of someone who is truly speaking about his life and his surroundings, not a lot of fluff. The CD is tight. SO good that when I let some friends in NY listen to it they stole it from me! Now not only do I need to get a copy of the new joint, but I'm gonna have to get Spirit of '94 again too. This time I'll buy a copy!
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