Album Notes

www.myspace.com/ypz

Record release party sold out with 500+ people piling in to the Shattuck Downlow in Berkeley.

Interview @: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080930/SC2470402/80930012/-1/SC247

Bio below.

Every once in while a new artist comes along who evokes the excitement of raw talent and limitless potential. Enter PZ, the Berkeley, CA-based emcee who is readying the release of his debut record, 2Blessed 2BStressed. Guest artists include Bay Area heavy-weights Zumbi (of Zion I), San Quinn, Mistah F.A.B., The Jacka, Equipto and Mike Marshall along with several up and comers.

2Blessed 2Stressed isn’t gangster, hyphy or backpack rap, but a rare combination of soulful, lyrically driven hip-hop, over bangin bass-driven beats. "This album is a product of my numerous influences," explains PZ, who grew up in the politically charged city of Berkeley in the 80s and 90s. "I always liked all types of hip-hop and my style reflects that."

2Blessed 2BStressed embodies those divergent influences. Featuring energizing tracks to bob your head to on the club banger "Uptown Downtown" with Mistah Fab to smooth beats to chill to on "Cali Daze," PZ’s first collection is both introspective and something to party to. PZ isn't afraid to tackle tough issues on his record. Song subject's include dealing with hatred from others, the battle between the devil & God, politics, lust, heartache, and performing live. On “I See, I Know,” the Italian, Dutch –born emcee trades verses with Zion I's Zumbi and Mike Marshall in an ode to the females. Attempting to put themselves in the shoes of the women that surround their daily lives, the emcees rhyme about the highly complex nature of the male-female relationship. "I don't rap about things I haven't lived through," notes PZ and adds, "I think it makes my album easy to relate to.”

Born and raised in one of the country’s most racially diverse cities, PZ, a white kid known as a class clown, was often caught between two worlds. Raised in the suburbs and but attending schools in a largely African American community, PZ was exposed early on to what would become his two passions: basketball and rap music. As to why he gravitated towards hip-hop, he can't explain beyond the fact that it was what drew him in. "I heard music from Aerosmith and Green Day," he says, "I just always preferred 2Pac and Snoop."

"I feel blessed to have been raised in what I feel was the true golden era of hip-hop," PZ explains of the album’s title. "And, as I've gotten older, been through my own highs and lows, and seen others struggle, I realize that I really don't have anything to be stressed about. I'm surrounded by close family and friends and for that I am grateful. Music is a place to share my life experiences with others." PZ has ripped shows opening up for legends like De La Soul and Biz Markie. He is currently gearing up to tour and promote for his new release. 2Blessed 2BStressed drops October 10th.