In an insightful interview, HAYZ discussed his artistic journey and the inspirations behind his recent releases. The artist revealed that “Trippin Over You” reflects the complex interplay of love, lust, and creativity, a theme visually expressed through the synchronized performances of himself and a dancer in its music video.
His LP ‘Nothin 2 Somethin’ represents a gritty, motivational perspective shaped by his challenging past, featuring tracks like “Send Em Away” and “Globetrotter” that embody his determination and artistic versatility.
HAYZ also delves into the creative process behind “Las Vegas” and his collaborative work on “No Way” with Qwiss, highlighting his approach to creation and partnership. This interview captures his commitment to exploring diverse themes and experiences in his music, balancing personal authenticity with artistic growth.
In “Trippin Over You,” the song explores the strong feelings of attraction. How have your own experiences shaped this narrative, especially the fear of losing a special connection?
I wouldn’t say the song is shaped by the fear of losing out, but it is shaped by the duality and tensions between love, lust, attraction, and how it affects me creatively and professionally. We’ve all had intense attractions and relationships that consume other aspects of our lives. The themes of the song are my way of grappling with the contradictions that those feelings can bring.
On one hand, they can benefit my art, but at the same time I have to let go of those feelings in order to thrive and grow. The song constantly plays on this duality and tension. For example, the lyrics are lustful during the chorus, but then in the verse, I touch on the cravings of intimacy that love can bring. That push and pull is what creates the feeling of “Trippin Over You.”
How did you conceptualize the interplay between your performance in the studio and the female dancer’s movements in the “Trippin Over You” music video, and how does this dynamic play a meaningful role in the narrative and lyrics of the song?
Her dancing and my studio performance was our way of conceptualizing how we both grapple with our attraction to each other. We both express it through our crafts. Mine is through sound… Hers is through movement. We’re both driven and artistic, so all those feelings manifest through our art. Boota, the director of the video also did a great job of capturing the essence of those emotions through the camera work and the editing.
Could you delve into your LP ‘Nothin 2 Somethin‘? What personal and artistic significance does this release hold for you? Would you like to share your goals for the album and the central theme you aim to convey?
‘Nothin 2 Somethin’ LP was a combination of songs that I made while being in that back-against-the-wall, underdog mentality. Right off the bat with “Send Em Away” in the intro there’s a motivational, yet angry speech that also showcases the frustrations of being stepped on, and the drive to get out there and take what I’ve worked my entire life to achieve.
The best way to describe this LP from my perspective, was the highest quality street music with every song having potential mainstream appeal as well. It had a lot of heavy 808s, trap drums, catchy flows and bars — it was strictly a hard-hitting rap tape. This tape wasn’t intended for showcasing my versatility and it definitely wasn’t my best lyrical ability. It also wasn’t necessarily made for everyone who’s been fans of my previous work.
I wanted to target a side of me which will always be there. The side of me who grew up in a turbulent, chaotic environment, and although I moved away from that lifestyle, I’ve always appreciated the music we would listen to when we would go out and do dumb sh*t. I just elevated away from that, but still make music for the hustlers. There are many sides to me, and that will lead into the versatility that people will see in the future releases.
The album features 15 songs. How did you determine the tracklist? Were there any favorites that didn’t make the cut but you might release in the future? Also, which one from the LP is your favorite and why is it important to you?
I always make the final decisions on my tracklists. I’ll run it by my team and see what they think, and most times we usually agree. But determining what makes it and what doesn’t is always a difficult process. As a fan, I would hate it when my favorite artists would tease snippets, but never release the full tracks that I was excited about. But, I get it now. As I developed my vault, with over 1000 songs in there, it’s difficult to choose which ones make it, and honestly some of these may never come out.
But there’s a side of me who is still the kid inside that hates the mentality of holding music back, so I’ll probably put the unreleased ones out on certain platforms for my day-one true fans who really want them. I love “Globetrotter,” because it wasn’t even supposed to be on the tape. It was a last minute decision, and I’ve always been a sucker for switch ups in the production of a song. The first part is chill and motivational, but the second part of the song is when the beast is unleashed.
What fueled the making of “Las Vegas,” and how do you relate to the gambler’s spirit it embodies?
“Las Vegas” happened just like the song plays out — it was fun and full of energy. I had just left Las Vegas and came back to Los Angeles and hit the studio, decided to continue the bender and had a few drinks. I usually never get faded while I’m working, but that night was special — we were just celebrating life. I made the beat the night before on my laptop in my hotel room with a view of the Vegas strip and named the beat “Las Vegas,” but thought nothing of it.
Honestly, I forgot that I even made the beat until I got into the studio the next day and saw it on my recents in my beat folder. I immediately started humming the melody of the hook and then pressed record on the mic and yelled “Cause I’m really out in Las Vegas!” and the rest was history. It captures everything you’d feel or see in Vegas. Viva Las Vegas will always be legendary, but if Vegas clubs were to have a new anthem, this would be it.
“No Way,” features Qwiss, bringing a distinct energy to the track. How do your collaborative processes typically unfold, and what was unique about working with him on this particular song?
“No Way” was recorded in a hotel room in LA with a sock as a pop filter. I made the beat for it in 2017 and then recorded the song in 2018. We left the song alone for about a year and then I met Qwiss back home in Vancouver through a mutual friend. His style was so different, and it felt like we were the only artists doing something different in our city. He sent me a few records to jump on and I sent him some as well— “No Way” was one of them, and he and I were like Batman & Robin on the record, complimenting each other’s flows perfectly.
I don’t have many collaborated songs that are out, and most times I let the artist have the freedom to go about it as they see it creatively. But I’ve also had to be blunt and honest with some people about their verses in the past. I don’t shy away from speaking the truth as I just want what’s best for the record creatively.
With your anticipated album on the horizon, where do you see yourself heading artistically? What new territories, themes, or challenges are you eager to explore in your upcoming works?
I’d like to keep an element of surprise for my future releases as I do believe mystery is a crucial form of art and marketing. What I will say is, I have conquered some of the early challenges and themes that many artists face, and my art is starting to evolve as new challenges present themselves. I’m eager to finally get this music out and do shows and visit cities that I have never been to before, and see how my music impacts my fans live.
My goals aren’t just to be a fly-by-night artist. I’m in this for the long haul. It’s part of the reason I’ve tried to stay as independent as possible. The last generation of artists are gracefully exiting and moving on and the question everyone wonders is who will be next? I believe my mindset, work ethic, and sound will inevitably allow me to be considered in that conversation one day.
Watch the music video for “Trippin Over You” here:
Listen to the full LP below:
