Set to play a Local Spins hip-hop showcase Thursday at The Pyramid Scheme, W. Michigan rapper Wuzee today reveals albums that helped shape his own music. Learn more about Wuzee; check out his tracks.
‘If You Stick At It, People Catch On’: Wuzee, at left, performs with Samil Thursday at The Pyramid Scheme. (Courtesy Photo)
TICKET GIVEAWAY: Wuzee & Samil, J.Rob & Bedrock and Les Creatif play a special Local Spins 10th anniversary hip-hop showcase at The Pyramid Scheme on Thursday, May 19. Email john@localspins.com with ‘HIP HOP AT TPS’ in the message field and your name will be placed in a drawing for 2 tickets.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
EDITOR’S NOTE: All musicians can trace their inspiration to key recordings that influenced their careers. Writer Ross Boissoneau today showcases recordings that changed the world for Grand Rapids rapper Wuzee, who will perform with Samil during Local Spins’ 10th anniversary week hip-hop showcase at The Pyramid Scheme on Thursday (May 19). Scroll down for a Spotify playlist of his picks. plus a couple of tracks by Wuzee.
Born in Grand Rapids and now a resident of Paw Paw, 31-year-old rapper Wuzee has been a mainstay on the hip-hop scene for a decade.
“Since I could get into the bars,” he says with a laugh. He’d hit the open mics while practicing his craft.
Influenced by figures such as MF Doom, Wu-Tang Clan and Roc Marciano, he collaborates with hip-hop groups and artists from around the region and around the country. “If you stick at it, people catch on,” he says.
Wuzee & Samil — who released “Where Thoughts Go To Die” in 2021 and “Like Food Stamps for Liquor” in 2020 — perform as part of a special Local Spins hip-hop showcase celebrating Local Spins’ 10th anniversary and Hip-Hop Appreciation Week on Thursday (May 19). Also on the bill: Les Creatif and J.Rob & Bedrock. Advance tickets, $8, for the 21-and-older, 8 p.m. show are available online here.
1. Dead Prez, “Let’s Get Free” (2000) – When I was in 6th grade I came across a mentor, a guy my mom had worked with. It changed my perspective. This had songs that were influential, hooks. As a teen listening to it, it sparked my interest. I was learning who I am, my identity.
Listen: “Wolves”
2. Madvillain, “Madvillainy” (2004) – While I started digging into hip hop, this put me onto wrestling. It got me deeper into wrestling. My cousin was three years older than me. We had similar interests, views of life and culture. We listened to a bunch of music together. He said, “You’ve never heard of MF Doom?” (MF Doom and Madlib comprised the duo Madvillain; this is the duo’s only studio album.)
Listen: “Accordion”
3. Bronze Nazareth/Various Artists, “The Great Migration” (2006) – It helped me become who I am. I’m now working on a project with Bronze Nazareth (a producer and rapper from Grand Rapids). It’s Wu Tang meets indie culture, a lot of underground artists (such as) Dreddy Kruger.
Listen: “The Great Migration”
Currently Loving: M.I.C. Book, “Fortune Cookies for Breakfast” (2022) – I listen to a lot of local music. I did a song with him, “100 Summers.” This is relatable with similar issues. His project “Fortune Cookies for Breakfast” drops soon.
Listen: “100 Summers” (Wuzee & Dusty Fingerz feat. M.I.C. Book)
ALBUMS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD: Wuzee’s Playlist on Spotify
Copyright 2022, Spins on Music LLC
