The first few weeks have been testing for many South Africans, and especially for rapper and presenter, Moozlie – albeit for different reasons.
We spoke to the multi-skilled entertainer for our first chat of the new year and it just so happened to be halfway through a three-week fast which the independent artist admitted was both refreshing and challenging. Despite having to overcome some mid-fasting fatigue, Moozlie made time to speak to us about her new record, Spirit of an OG as well as her thoughts on the government’s decisions to ban and unban alcohol during the festive season.
Rapper. Presenter. Entrepreneur. Creative and all round OG – conversations with Moozlie are always spirited!
Words of an OG
It’s our first time speaking in 2021 – how has the new year been for you?
I always begin every year the same way: with a 21-day fast, and 2021 has been no different. So right now I’m just preparing myself spiritually for what’s in store, I always say the year doesn’t truly begin until I’m finished with my fast. I’ve been doing it a few years now with my church, and some days are a bit difficult (like today!). I’m on day 12 so we’re just over half way there, I’m a bit tired and cranky but we’re going to stay strong!
That sounds incredible but difficult! Are you still able to work during this time?
Of course! I’m working, I mean at the end of last year we dropped Spirit of an OG and there’s a lot of work to do in continuing to promote that record. We’ve got visuals which we’re preparing to shoot, we’re still pushing it out there.
As well as that, I’m working on Blanco Sessions 2 – and it’s going to be bigger, better, badder, everything you want to see.
2020 was a difficult and interrupted year for many, but you were (to use an American phrase) “fourth quarter” last year. How did it feel to end it on a high?
For real, it was the last second of the game, I went for the 3 points!
For sure! Spirit of an OG was a proper hip hop release for OG hip hop heads. What do you think of how people have taken to it?
It’s been AMAZING. Even statistically, it has proven to be my best release ever and that is so fulfilling as an artist. Don’t get me wrong, we love the music, and it’s great, but ultimately recognition makes a big difference. So to know that consumers are buying, and vibing, music stores are putting it in their playlists and feature it. This album is also emblematic of 2020 for me – to say that even during the most difficult of times, I came out of it with this project, that’s been a real honour for me.
What was the inspiration behind the album’s hip-hop-heavy themes?
You know what, when I describe this album I describe it as a “mood”. Everyone who knows me knows I’m a super chilled, take-it-easy kind of girl but the foundation that this album is built on is hardcore, boom bap beats, you know. I wasn’t here to be nice, I wasn’t here to be the same Moozlie you know on previous projects, I really came into this with a different mindset and it allowed the story to play out as it did.
The feature artists also came to the party in a big way! How did you get such an impressive catalogue of collabs?
It’s energy man. People can just really feel the energy! And what’s crazy is that some of the songs weren’t initially for this project, but that’s the great thing, God is always planning things while you think you are running the game. So for example the song that AKA and L.E.S on it, we probably made about a year ago? I thought it would be on one of L.E.S’ albums, but it didn’t make it. AKA released his own EP shortly afterwards but it was a bit too soon so the opportunity was perfect to include it on my project and in the end it ended up complementing the rest of the story so well.
With lockdown easing slightly, are you optimistic about working with brands such as Castle Lite who are pioneers in the hip hop space?
Yeah of course! Last year we tried our best to ride the wave of the lockdown with Castle Lite. For instance, we were meant to do a lot together but when lockdown happened they decided to build me a studio in the house instead.
Can I just say, they are such a big player in local hip hop. They have made it their responsibility to push artists, promote narratives and just create a strong presence in our culture and we saw it with the content we put out last year. Some plans had to be on hold, but we are still excited for what 2021 holds.
And you have your own business interests in the alcohol industry now that you’re part of the Cruz family. How has lockdown affected you?
Don’t get me wrong, I understand why the government has done what they have had to do because they need to save lives at the end of the day. It is difficult when there are people’s jobs and livelhihoods at stake, but we just all have to play our part as we look to beat the pandemic!
Any closing thoughts for the Moziak readers who absolutely love you?
Keep safe, stay patient, follow all the protocols to keep yourself as healthy as possible. In the meantime, stream Spirit of an OG on your favourite platform and also look out for the upcoming Blanco Sessions 2!
