Q&A: meet ABRZY, Wellington local drops debut album
ABRZY, pronounced Ay. Breezy, is a young Muslim hip-hop artist currently living in Wellington but originally hails from Dhaka, Bangladesh. The NZ local has recently dropped his debut album 80 Different Ways which fuses flavours of his native home with modern hip-hop to create an expression that casts an honest eye on Bangladesh and his identity.
The up and coming hip-hop artist was lucky enough to open for Tinie Tempah and Lil Yachty when they were out touring. He described the feeling as surreal as he got to experience an epic crowd as well as getting accustomed with the ins and out of a high level production show. We’re not surprised he lined up with this guys, he is high key giving us some mad Drake energy.
One of the most interesting things about this album is its Bengali influences. They really shine through and give his album a hella point of difference that is incredibly unique in comparison to the music coming out of Aus and NZ right now. ABRZY sees a clear lack of representation in the scene right now and hopes to pave the way for the next gen.
We caught up with NZ artist ABRZY to chat about his new album, opening for Tinie Tempah and Lil Yachty and the representation of Bangladesh music.
Check out our chat below:
Hey ABRZY, can you tell us a little bit about how you and music came to be?
Yeah for sure, I am a young hip-hop artist residing in Wellington, New Zealand but I was originally born in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ever since I was young, all I wanted to do was spit bars and rap. It's a passion that I've carried throughout all my years.
What was it like opening for Tinie Tempah and Lil Yachty?
It was an amazing man, it was surreal. Definitely a taste of how far you can go with music. From the crowds, to the organisation of a show, to the tangible things. I definitely learnt a lot. Like you see this stuff on youtube and read about it blogs, but seeing a real Versace belt medusa in front of you it's surreal. I don't think I've ever seen a real gold chain in my life with diamonds encrusted haha.
Tell us about your new EP 80 Different Ways, how does it feel to have it out in the world?
Basically I went back to the homelands, 3 times in 12 months and was really inspired about everything I experienced and saw.
My EPK describes it as: Casting an honest eye on Bangladesh, ABRZY's debut album is an expression of his Bengali identity, travels back to his hometown, Dhaka, as well as the collective experiences of his family still living there. The lyrics speak the harsh & unheard realities of life in the third world. You'll hear fierce raps over energetic production, with Bengali featured in most tracks, adding contrast & character. 80 Different Ways tells a grim tale of Bangladesh, while offering a unique perspective, that's both entertaining and inspiring.
Which song on the EP was your favourite to record and why?
My favourite song on the EP is called Addiction. This is about the rampant addiction to drugs and other substances that plague the country and people close to me. I love it because it is just straight bars, no hook and the beat is fire. I can get into it like 4 seconds into the track and just keep going till the end. Also there are some hidden ad-libs from my brother which was cool!
In Australia, there isn’t a huge representation of Bangladesh musicians in the mainstream scene. Is that something you’ve noticed and do you think there is a call for change?
Yeah of course I've noticed haha it is difficult not to. I hope so, I’m not sure, I just know that I am really trying to kick down a door for people that look like me and want to spit. I want to show the world that it doesn't matter where you are from or what you look like. What matters is the talent that you have and what you do with said talent to get you to go to where you want to be.
What’s your favourite thing to cook?
N/A haha
If you could control, alt, delete anything in the world, what would it be and why?
Nothing, never look back, always keep it moving. But I do wish I spent more time on my music pre 25 compared to post 25.
Do you imagine you’ll be touring or playing gigs around NZ or AUS in the near future?
Inshallah brother, god willing that covid ends and I get more traction with my music, I can do shows in AUS. I will def do a show in Wellington within the next few months.
ABRZY is giving us so much energy and expression in his debut album and it really gives you a look in to what he has to offer to the music scene. Hey, we’re loving it and expecting an Aus & NZ tour once the borders re-open.
Check out one of his new tracks below or follow our Vibes Vibes Vibes ✨ playlist to hear more spicy songs like this one.
By Samuel Seedsman.