In an industry where relevance is the difference between your every day average local rapper and the next musical addition, reinventing oneself via death and resurrection is not an avenue many take. Especially in the spectrum of Hip-Hop. It’s pretty much stay yourself, don’t confuse the fans AND give them what they want, lest you be tossed into the Sea of Forgetfulness. Just.Stay…..RELEVANT.
That being said, when Al Basics passed away (musically), it was a nomad who respects the lessons and knowledge of the Ancients and Forefathers of life and words, that rose to take his place.
ENTER —> Ezra Letra
An emcee/poet that was sent to represent the Culture. A New York born & raised, Tucson/Phoenix, AZ molded & formed artist that has a passion for words. So much he teeters between traditional flow to poetic stance at any given moment.
Not too long ago I had a chance to send a few questions to Mr. Ezra Letra, to give him an opportunity to introduce himself to the world of music, as he is determined and on the right path to being in your household someway or another. Be it musically, poetically, in book form or…….let me stop and just get to the interview. I’ll let him reveal the plans as time goes.
“Mr. Nicholas Nice & Ezra Letra”
Nicholas Nice –
Who is Ezra Letra?
Ezra Letra –
Ezra Letra is an artist and writer. A dreamer who hardly sleeps. An Ancient, fusing the Hip-Hop world with the Literary World. He is a lover of the arts, a voice for the voiceless, and a poet of the people.
NN –
What happened to Al Basics?
EL –
He died. Returning back to New York City was one of those chapters in my story where the protagonist, in this case Al Basics, faces the peak of depression and anxiety. I was unemployed, angry, poor, and unmotivated. I was still creating music, but I wasn’t all there. My son was born and that moment was the only reason my sanity didn’t go on a roadtrip. He is the anchor to my life and I owe him everything. I decided to leave New York, return to Arizona, but with a new mentality, a new focus, a better understanding, and ultimately a new name.
I was homeless for a couple of months while I tried to find work. I spent many nights in my car, from couch to couch at different friend’s homes, and ate terribly. It was a real tough time for me. I never lost faith though. I felt something was going to change, I believed it more than anything, despite going some days without eating or showering.
So to answer your question, Al Basics didn’t make it.
NN –
What is The Last Ancients?
EL –
The Last Ancients is an arts movement I’m honored to be a part of. A collective of like-minded artists. There are five members in it, we’ve become like brothers.
Beatsmith Medore, who is my main producer, and used to go by HanSolo is the only member who is not a writer, but he makes up for it with the symphonies and extremely sophisticated ear for good music. I owe so much of what I’ve been able to accomplish as an Emcee to him.
Jamez Chang is also part of TLA. He is an editor over at Counterexample Poetics (www.facebook.com/counterexamplepoetics), the first Korean-American to release a Hip-Hop album back in 98′, and an extremely talented writer and poet.
Clifford Brooks, a musician, but also one of the most talented poet’s out in the nation right now. His book, “The Draw of Broken Eyes and Whirling Metaphysics” is nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry and Cliff is also nominated for Georgia Author of the Year.
Lastly, we have Isaac Kirkman. When I tell you that this man is one of the best writer’s I’ve read in a long time, I am not only saying it because he’s family, I say it because saying anything else would be a lie. His latest publication on Zelmer Pulp is the story called “The Athiest.”
NN –
Asides from emceeing, what other talents are under your hat?
EL –
This year I began producing beats. I’ve actually picked it up quite easily and I’m working with local MC’s who I’m a fan of. I also am directing and producing a documentary series entitled “Nobody.” It’s a documentary that focuses on individuals who are incredible souls. The term “Nobody” has the ability to be a hurtful word and I hate it. I’ve switched the script and used it for good. Made being a “Nobody” something to be proud of, and ultimately my goal is to show you that Nobody is a Nobody. The first episode will feature Isaac Kirkman. Subscibe to my Ezra Letra Films YouTube account to make sure you don’t miss the release! I also have another webseries on that channel called “Wordflex Sessions” which showcases different MC’s I come across spitting an Acapella. I’m also working on a photograph series called “Nobody” that will be hitting a gallery in 2014.
NN –
What in the plans for this upcoming year?
EL –
At the very start of the year I will be releasing my “Nobody EP” produced entirely by Beatsmith Medore. I also will be publishing my first official book of poetry. The Nobody Documentary and Photography Series will be out into the world as well. I will be touring to promote my music and book. There’s other big things in the works, but can’t speak on them now. Just know that I’m constantly moving! Catch up with all my moves on my official site www.ezraletra.com, hit me on Facebook facebook.com/ezLetra or follow me on twitter: @ezraletra
**END**
As he stated, he would be releasing his “Nobody EP” at the beginning of the year and he has. Recently he was in Tucson, AZ at Plush Lounge for his “Nobody EP” Release Party to start off a mini promo tour for his project release. The lineup was a host of talented emcees all who call the SouthWest home. Tucson itself has a hidden nest of talent that is soon to be making a lot MORE noise in the name of Hip-Hop as the years go on.
TO KEEP UP WITH EZRA, GO TO: WWW.EZRALETRA.COM
