Westleaf Staff
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming hip hop talent. Today's guest is artist, Razah. Razah is from Durham, North carolina with a silky smooth flow to match. We can definitely see him performing on stages such as Coachella and Rolling Loud. The NC based MC has been on our radar for a while so we had to tap in with him! Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up, Razah? Your sound is dope. When did you start making music?
Razah: 2020 is when I started releasing globally.
Westleaf Staff: That's cool! What city do you represent?
Razah: Durham, North Carolina.
Westleaf Staff: Shout out to NC. So how did you create your stage name?
Razah: I frequently went to youth home jails for kids, and I was good at making weapons. Mainly a toothbrush, which I had to sharpen for my protection. Hence the name Razah Sharp.
Westleaf Staff: That's a dope name. And it came naturally! So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
Razah: My uncle died when I was in the womb and he had a radio station and singing group. Everyone says that I took after him, look like him, and love music like him. My older brother (who is also an artist, Radio Ra) Recorded me when I was young on an old boom box stereo system. My father was on drugs and it affected me to the point I go into a lot of fights, court issues, and jail time. The only thing that remained the same was my moms and music. Biggie, Nas, The Roots, Black Thought, Wu-Tang, J-Electronica, 2pac, Canibus, Bone Thugs, were heavy influences on me.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! It's cool that music runs in your family. So who is your biggest Musical influence?
Razah: Black Thought, The Roots, Biggie, 2Pac, Nas, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Wu-Tang, Prodigy, Mobb Deep, Dmx, Jay-z, Ras Kass, Lox, Styles P, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Andre 3000, Beanie Sigel, Cam'ron, Method Man, Ghostface, Raekwon, Punchline and Wordsworth, Mc Juice, Masta Ace, MC Supernatural, Snoop Dog, Kurupt, Scarface, Bun B, Zero, Danja Mowf, Q-tip, LL Cool J, Cool Moe Dee, Slick Rick, The SupaFriendz, MadSkillz, Ice Cube,
Michael Jackson, James Brown, Isley Brothers, The Spinners, Music Soulchild, Mary J Blige, The Stylistics, The Dramatics, Maze and Frankie Beverly, The Delfonics, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'jays .
Producers: J dilla, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, The Large Professor, RZA, Just Blaze, The Neptunes, Kanye West, Bink, Havoc, Questlove, The Beatnutz, Bucwild, Quincy Jones, Issac Hayes.
Westleaf Staff: Dope choices! Those are some legends. What's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
Razah: Performing at the Pour House and also performing on the same stage as Future in Roxboro, NC at a Race Track.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! It's definitely cool that you performed with Future! So what makes you a unique artist?
Razah: The musical influences I named helped me shape the person I am today. Learning not only the melodies, but the lessons from the music they sung/rapped. Also I love instruments, almost every instrument I pick up I can play but my favorite are the drums. My knowledge of music (as you can see how many people I named for my influences) is very extensive. Lust for life and living life on the edge also makes me a different artist. The rhymes I rap are true and real experiences from my life. I incorporate all of this and use the lessons from the music I've heard from old school to new school with actual lessons life taught me and throw it in my music. Couldn't copy another emcee to save my life and I do not sound like anybody you have heard. Also my topics are as vast as the ocean's water. A quality most musicians are afraid of. I've been through addiction, shot, homeless, committed crimes that I would no longer do. Frequently in the past I would use an excuse (which was I'm trying to feed my daughters) in order to keep doing wrong, which I've changed. That's what makes more unique
Westleaf Staff: Dope! So what does art mean to you?
Razah: Expression, no comparisons, truth, beauty, thought, magnificence..
Westleaf Staff: True! That's deep! Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
Razah: Wherever it takes me, hopefully as far as I can go and it (My Career) can go. Wouldn't mind a movie or to be featured in one. I wouldn't mind an award (grammy) or household name. Also if none of this happens and I can live off (financially) my music, I am good with that as well.
Westleaf Staff: I wish you much success! Before we go, describe music in three words.
Razah: Expression, Truth, Thought.
Follow Razah:
instagram: razahsharp007
tiktok: razahsharp007
facebook: Razah Sharp
soundcloud: Razah Sharp
