310 Ellllo from Tallinn

2010-06-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

Pardon the Brittish accent, but I'm having the time of my life out here. I told myself I'd post at least once from every country...

http://www.theforeignexchangemusic.com/2010/06/in-the-studio-with-nicolay-via-winksoundcom.php

Nicolay from Foreign Exchange is definitely one of my favorite producers, so it's only right that I give you guys an inside peek of how he lays it down in the studio.

Next stop is Stockholm, Sweden!

Summer plans: Euro Trip

2010-06-02T12:35:00.001-07:00

I've officially decided to go on a 6 country Euro Trip for 6 weeks (in what SHOULD be the Summer where I release my first official mixtape/EP). I'm going to completely finish the project before I leave on June 18th, but probably won't put it out until early fourth quarter. I'm also taking 3 Summer classes, an online one while I'm in Europe, and two when I return from my trip.

We're starting off in Tallinn, taking a ferry to Stockholm, training to Prague, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid and finally ending in Barcelona. 5-9 days in each location should be plenty of time... shout out to Raimond Noll, Christof Neuman and Lucius Noll!

Peace of Mind coming soon =]

Paying homage: Lyor Cohen

2010-06-01T15:04:00.001-07:00

http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/shotcaller/Lyor-Cohen

The boss of Warner Music sits down for an interview with Complex. It includes an interesting segment about how Drake was going to sign with them, but backed out to sign with his managers. He touches on topics like how the music industry is far more superficial nowadays than it was "back in his day".

Nasir Jones: Subliminals that you may have missed...

2010-05-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.complex.com/blog_galleries/Shots-Fired-Nas-Sneakiest-Diss-Lines

Complex has a great article on Nas's subliminal disses. Even I missed a few of these haha...

Attention: BLOGGERS!

2010-05-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

http://nahright.com/news/2010/05/13/on-rap-blogging-and-music-leaks/#more-170756

What starts as an interesting interview of Just Blaze turns into a POWERFUL essay on Bloggers as a whole by Eskay from Nahright.com

Kanye's selling his crib in LA

2010-05-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

http://realestalker.blogspot.com/2010/05/kanyes-on-move.html

Almost 4 million. Looks beautiful though.... I wonder whose going to cop it ;)

Rappers lying about signing to Major Labels?

2010-05-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/05/hip_hops_new_business_model_ma.html

It's "cool" to be independent nowadays...

Which one of YOUR favorite indie artists are actually signed?

In three years, who will be the best basketball player in the NBA?

2010-04-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

According to Kenny Smith, it will be Kevin Durant.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Smith-In-three-years-Durant-will-be-the-best-?urn=nba,236321

Unfortunately, he barely makes my top 5 as of RIGHT NOW. I have Kobe, Lebron, Wade and Melo over him (in that exact order). But he could easily jump a few spots if he shores up his defense and makes a conscious effort to involve his teammates more often...

What are your thoughts?

Take Cover/Peace of Mind

2010-04-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

Take Cover was the unoriginal mixtape that I was supposed to drop last night, April 14th, but it got delayed because of an interesting meeting I had. Peace of Mind was supposed to come out on March 9th on iTunes, but I also had to pull that off a couple weeks later due to bad marketing/a complete change of direction in terms of music that I want to be released on my "debut" as an artist.

With that said, I want to assure all of you that I'll have a compilation out before I fly out to Europe on June 18th.

Coachella...

2010-04-12T15:24:00.001-07:00

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-jayz11-2010apr11,0,6704372,full.story

Although I live only 90 minutes away, this is my first time attending Coachella. One of the main reasons is ^THIS^ man right here. I used to avoid big raves and events like this simply because I don't like being around a million drugged out lunatics, but I'm learning to appreciate the environment for what it is. I'll be staying @ my boy Zach's house with David Dann and Mr. Adam Vanunu. This will also allow me to get my music out there because I'm dropping my first mixtape, "Take Cover", this Wednesday night (4/14/2010).

Audio: AZad ft. Young Hawaii - Beamer, Benz or Bentley

2010-04-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

Lyrics & Download link available on the video.

My mixtape, "Take Cover", will be dropping this Wednesday. "Peace of Mind" coming soon...

The Future: Jonathan Marquez

2010-04-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

http://morphoman.blogspot.com/2010/04/gq-style-germany-17-part-10.html

I've known this kid since I was in Middle School. He's come a very long way from those days on the basketball court...
Ladies and gents, Jonathan Marquez's look is the future of Men's fashion. He's done GQ, Vogue, Barney's, Givenchy and a plethora of other high-end brands. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that he produced half of my mixtape.

Respect and love.

Inspiration: J. Cole

2010-03-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

"They asking where my chain at/ It's sumthin' like your girl, nigga it ain't came yet"

"Is that ya gal? I just G'd her (Jeter), no A-Rod"

I heard this was one of the dopest shows ever @ SOB's in NYC. Respect.

Slaughterhouse finally getting a major label deal?

2010-03-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.complex.com/blogs/2010/03/26/shady-business-catching-up-on-slaughterhouse’s-record-label-soap-opera/

Time will heal everything. I'm heavily influenced by Buddens and Royce so I hope this gets done sooner rather than later. I think signing with Shady will help propel them to the top. Hip-Hop desperately needs their help right now...

Paying homage: Tracy McGrady

2010-03-23T15:33:00.001-07:00

No worries, you're still my favorite basketball player ever.

Contact info:

2010-03-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

E-mail: AZad.Naficy@Gmail.com

Http://www.myspace.com/AZadNaficy

Http://www.twitter.com/AZadNaficy

Http://www.youtube.com/AZadNaficy

Blackberry Pin: 211409B7

Paying homage: Jay-Z

2010-03-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

Inspiration. He never ceases to amaze me.

Paying homage: Nasir Jones

2010-03-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.unkut.com/2010/03/how-can-nas-be-garbage/

No matter the time/day/year, this man manages to stay at the top of my list. Thank you for everything.

American Dye House Takeover

2010-03-19T15:51:00.001-07:00

http://www.apparelnews.net/news/manufacturing/031910-Novelty-T-Shirt-Washes-Bring-American-Dye-House-Back-to-Its-Roots

Great article on Adam Vanunu's company, American Dye House. I'm very proud of you my dude.

Rest in Peace Uncle Mansour

2010-03-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

You took the easy way out.

I wish you had more strength
What about your three girls?
Standing behind what you believe in is courageous
But suicide isn't the answer

You were one of the few people that was here from the start. I knew you for 20 years. You came to my house for dinner and poetry readings every Tuesday since I was in Roosevelt Elementary School. You helped ease the pain. I was comfortable when you were around my Dad. You helped me accept him. You helped me appreciate what I was given. So why didn't you appreciate what you were given?

I don't want these tears to leave
I don't want to focus
I don't want to see things clearly
Blurry vision helps me accept life's imperfections

I love you
I forgive you
But I will never forget you...

"I just can't explain this shit at all."

Azad Naficy

For those of you who said Drake can't sing...

2010-03-12T13:06:00.001-08:00

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1409675#utm_campaigne=synclickback&source=http://nahright.com/news/2009/04/26/video-drake-just-blaze-in-the-studio/&medium=1409675

Fast forward to around the 22 minute mark. I'm guessing that this is a track off of Thank Me Later produced by Just Blaze, titled "You Know" or "I Know". It sounds like Jeezy comes in on one of the verses, and Marsha Ambrosious is supposed to be on it as well.

Courtesy of Nahright.com

Cheap flights

2010-03-10T00:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.gonomad.com/transports/0011/miniguide_air_courier.html

You have to put in a LITTLE work...

Take notes

2010-03-08T23:23:00.000-08:00

This particular HipHopGame.com journal effectively covers a few important, controversial music industry topics: why are leaks a GOOD thing, whose going to take over when Lil Wayne is gone (LOL) and how much power a "mixtape" really has.

http://hiphopgame.ihiphop.com/index2.php3?page=czajournal

I'd highly recommend this journal/extended article for anyone whose interested in learning more about the music business!

Blue Eyed Iranians

2010-03-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

I've always wondered why there's not many blue eyed Iranians. Here's a good article that breaks down a few facts about why blonde hair and blue eyes are a lost trait amongst Iranians.

http://www.iranian.com/main/blog/kamangir/blond-blue-eyed-iranians

Drake's first single from Thank Me Later is out... "Over"

2010-03-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.zshare.net/audio/73323631b12825d4/

Produced by Boi-1nda... What are your thoughts?

Thank Me Later, coming out in May. Until then, my focus is on Peace of Mind.

Adidas Campaign

2010-02-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

I am one of the three poets/spoken word artists to be selected for this Adidas Campaign. They're flying us out to Germany to do a group piece which we just finished writing. I'll definitely keep you guys updated!

On another note, ever since I invested a couple thousand dollars into my home studio, I've been more drawn to learning about the technical aspect of the music industry. Here is an interview with Mike Dean, a great producer and mixing/mastering engineer who has become a staple in the industry (done stuff for Kanye, UGK, Tupac, etc).

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1497/title.producers-corner-mike-dean

Since Shyne just signed that Milllion dollar deal...

2010-02-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

... straight out of JAIL!

I figured I'd post this useful link for those of you that are interested in the most epic, FAILED Major Label contracts of the past decade.

http://www.complex.com/blogs/2010/02/18/money-to-blow-the-most-expensive-rap-record-contract-fails/2/

Let's hope Drake doesn't show up in this list in a few years.

Valentines Day

2010-02-15T01:31:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentines Day, here's a link to Complex Magazines "Top 25 Hip-Hop love songs".
http://www.complex.com/blogs/2010/02/12/complex-presents-the-25-greatest-hip-hop-love-songs/

And on a lighter note, here's the track listing to my first official mixtape, entitled "Peace Of Mind":

1. A Piece Of Mine (Produced by David Dann)
2. On Top (Produced by Professor O)
3. Break It Down ft. Jonny Brown (Produced by Jonny Brown)
4. Faded ft. AHE & Erika (Produced by Jonny Brown)
5. I Can't (Produced by Jonny Brown)
6. Over The Game ft. Professor O (Produced by Professor O)
7. Just You (Produced by Jonny Brown)
8. Version 1.0 (Produced by Professor O)
9. Tonight (Produced by Jonny Brown)
10. Don't Tell Me (Produced by Jonny Brown)
11. Air Lines (Produced by Jonny Brown)
12. I Know You Want Me ft. Professor O (Produced by Professor O)
13. Missed Your Call ft. Jonny Brown (Produced by Jonny Brown)
14. What I Gotta Do (Produced by Professor O)
15. Spiderweb ft. Coldplay (Produced by Jonny Brown)

We're having a photo shoot next week, finishing the artwork for the cover then manually pressing up 2500 copies/distributing it for free through iTunes. Tune in early next week to find out where the launch party is going to be at!

Insanity

2010-02-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

Last night, I was fortunate enough to share the stage with 2 HBO Def Poets --Thea Monyee and IN-Q -- and Dez Hope, a Latino, Hip-Hop version of John Mayer. It was definitely a diverse line-up of artists from all different walks of life. And to think that this opportunity all came to fruition because of my affiliation with the whole Downbeat 720 team... I can't thank them enough. I look forward to video clips of last night's performances. Until then, I've done all of you a favor and added a few links to help you get familiar!

Fems For Better Men/February 5th Spoken Word Performance

2010-02-01T22:35:00.001-08:00

http://femsforbettermen.blogspot.com/2010/01/ask-man-jan-21-10_21.html

One of my Spoken Word pieces, "Are You Interested?", is featured on this blog. I encourage all of you to check it out!

And while we're on the topic of Spoken Word... I've been invited to feature alongside 3 HBO Def Poets this Friday, February 5th, at the Miles Playhouse in Santa Monica, CA. In-Q, Thea Monyee, Dez Hope, Pocho Joe and Joshua Silverstein are all extraordinary talents and I'm grateful to be a part of this! Admission is 5 dollars for Students and 10 dollars for Adults.

Mixtapes: Claim to Fame

2010-01-30T01:04:00.001-08:00

Read this article and prepare for the year we're about to have.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60T0K820100130

"Peace Of Mind" coming late February/early March. The track listing and mixtape sampler will be out by Valentines day!

United4Iran

2010-01-19T00:04:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I am an Iranian-American. With that in mind, check out my Spoken Word/Poetry piece at a demonstration in the Santa Monica Convention Center.

Expect more performance videos in the next few days..

P.S. My last name is NAFICY*!

Introduction to my team:

2010-01-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

The fashion world of 2010 belongs to Mr. Adam Vanunu:

David Dann -- the House/Hip-Hop DJ/Producer extraordinaire

Omid "P.O" Adami, who is part of the Production team:

Jonathan Marquez, Producer/Model:

My squad's full of Aces and Kings, but I'm the wild card. Azad Naficy: songwriter/rapper/spoken word artist ^_^

"Hands down, the realest in our age bracket."

Commuting

2010-01-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

As most of you, I'm currently a student at UC Irvine. And unfortunately enough, I'm paying for a transfer dorm even though I go home every Thursday night. I've come to the conclusion that this isn't an efficient way to spend my financial aid. So now, I'm in the process of trying to commute Tues/Thurs with my homie from LA who also has the same classes:

- Domestic Gangs
- Mid-East Security
- Islam and the West
- Computer Res (Graduation requirement)

If my plan works, I'll have more money and time to spend in the studio. Imagine the possibilities...

Anyways, here's something to shut up all of you who think Kanye is some arrogant bum:

"At the end of the day, all you have is yourself"...

2010-01-01T03:19:00.001-08:00

I'd just like to say this statement is false, especially after you've spent almost a decade building the proper team.

This is our year -- you know who you are.

P.S. That was supposed to be our first mixtape cover a little over four years ago... it's crazy how much shit's changed (no pun intended).

A piece of my mind...

2009-12-28T00:41:00.001-08:00

My first official mixtape, "Peace Of Mind", will eventually be up on iTunes for a free download. We're aiming for a late February release... Until then, I'll be posting cuts that didn't make the mixtape along with various freestyle videos over random instrumentals that I like. I'll also be updating you on who I've been working with and any new developments as far as my artistic career is concerned.

This week I have a few studio sessions lined up with an extremely talented producer who goes by the name of Professor O (I call him P.O), Idan Kalai, and meetings with DJ David Dann and an anonymous record label A&R (anonymity = protection).

Erika E, who is currently in Argentina, is helping with the cover art for the mixtape. But I'd also like to say that she's singing on two of the tracks. Alex Hoffman-Ellis, a rapper-turned-D1athlete, just laid down the ONLY rap feature on my entire mixtape so far...

*Louis Adeyemi, Alex Hoffman-Ellis and I @ our first 100.3 The Beat performance back in early 2005*

I'm thankful for:

2009-12-24T23:35:00.000-08:00

- The health of everyone I know... including myself (Thank you Dr. Posek for a successful surgery).
- The ability to express myself through Music & Poetry on a big stage.
- The beautiful women in my life (Mom, Grandma, Aunt Suri, my babi, Erika E, Morrinator, B and the list goes on...)
- Having such a tight knit circle of friends. They're the reason I'm so well grounded.
- Eating good... and drinking even better ;)
- My father -- a man who gave up his vision in exchange for impeccable foresight.

I'm far from religious but I'd like to wish everyone a happy holiday season. Make the best of these times, as you'll never be able to get them back.

One love

P.S. That's a painting that my girl did a little while back.... of herself ;)

What an experience...

2009-12-18T10:33:00.000-08:00

I still remember buying tickets to this show...

Being able to actually support something you truly believe in is a great feeling. Nothing better than getting lifted, eating fried chicken and watching Drake murder it in your hometown.

"If '09 is when I'ma see mine
Being cool ain't enough, homie I'ma freeze time"

Paying homage

2009-12-15T10:55:00.001-08:00

My two favorite athletes. Unfortunately enough, neither of them have won the big game. I think that's all about to change though...

Inspiration

2009-12-14T23:28:00.000-08:00

http://www.iranian.com/NaficyMajid/2007/July/LosAngeles/index.html

Not many individuals have the ability to inspire me. Yet this stubborn man never ceases to amaze. I've never actually told him how I feel because I think it goes without being said.

But WITH that said....

Thank you Dad

Soundtrack to my life

2009-12-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

http://usershare.net/0vcdrummd8i1

^ One of my favorite A.Keys songs.

Un-thinkable (I'm Ready) written by Drake and co-produced by 40.

My heart

2009-12-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

... is in several different places. After spending a lot of time revisiting a couple of Usher's classic albums -- 8701 and Confessions -- I've come to the conclusion that you shouldn't do ANYTHING unless your hearts in it (cliche, right?). With that said, the only reason I'm still going to school right now is:

1) To ensure that my Mother doesn't have a heart attack
2) Because otherwise, I would still be living in my Father's apartment
3) I'm not completely sure if I'm ready to approach this music thing with full force.

My Mom is returning from a 6 month hiatus and I ultimately have to consider her health before making my final decision. But even if I completely disregard her opinion/support, which many say is foolish, I would still have to deal with the fact that my producer is a full-time model/"waiter". Unfortunately, neither of us have the funds to actualize our dreams without sacrificing the majority of our day to a 9-5. So should I quit school and give up a "good education," FREE government money (thank you Dad), and the opportunity to study abroad for two quarters? My rational mind says no -- FUCK no. The entertainment industry, along with the economy, is essentially in a stand still unless you're a certain Black Canadian Jew. On the flip side, that isn't a sentiment to my confidence in our music; my heart, soul, and passion point to the opposite side of the spectrum. I keep hearing that nothing can stop us if we put in the effort.

Reading over this post has made me realize that I have already subconsciously made my decision. So I want to take the time to apologize to the individuals who will have to wait another 18 months to experience our sound. But no worries, I've been told the initial sacrifice is the most painful one.

I sure hope so...

Time

2009-12-01T00:06:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, I'd like to welcome you all to our blog/vlog. We're ultimately going to document our thoughts on music, fashion, sports, food, politics... and yes, religion (amongst other controversial subject matter). This project has been discussed for a few weeks now and I decided to jump start it tonight. Picking Rai up from LAX made me realize how fast our lives are changing; the traditional Thanksgiving dinners at his Mom's old house on 21st have turned into 6 hour return flights from JFK. We aren't kids anymore and time is of the essence. It seems like everyone is trying to get heard nowadays but I'm sure you're all aware of how supply and demand works. I guess it's a good time to mention that we specifically created this blog to serve as our claim to fame (so much for my artistic integrity).

With that in mind, why do we deserve to be on the main stage?

I'll leave you with a phrase that you'll eventually get accustomed to: because we're different.