Papa Graz, another flavor of Detroit rap

Papa Graz: taste another flavor of Detroit rap
In Detroit lives an aspiring rapper you might not have heard of yet. His name? Jason aka Papa Graz.
How Papa Graz got into rap music
You might ask yourselves how Papa Graz got into rap. Listen to what he has to say:
« Back in 1982, it was the Summer, my mom for some unexplained reason, came home one day and handed me this new tape that she said she bought for me. Now, mind you, prior to this, I had never really listened to music. I barely even at 5 knew what music was, let alone to have a “favorite” musician. I mean, at 5, that’s when your musical preferences are starting to be shaped by the people around you. So, at that point, the only music I had heard was stuff that I didn’t even know who it was. Didn’t care to ask because honestly, I didn’t like most of it (later I found out it was acts such as Bobby Vinton, Frankie Avalon, Bing Crosby, and other random 2 or 3 hit wonders who were popular for a few years in the 70’s and 80’s and then went into obscurity.
Anyway, I put the tape in and it ended up being the Fat Boys. I loved it the second I heard it. Listening to “Jellyroll” 18,000 times a day on replay (lol, or as we knew it back then “rewind”). I grew up listening to them, MC Hammer, Young MC, Run DMC, Fresh Prince, and then I moved on to Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg… »
Tupac, a major influence in Papa Graz’ life
Tupac is one of Papa Graz major musical influences:
« Then, in 1995 my life changed when I bought a little album called “All Eyez On Me” by 2pac. I knew who Pac was, and I was familiar with some of his previous work (I Get Around, Trapped, Keep Ya Head Up) but I had never bought an album. I considered myself a “casual” Pac fan, listening to him when he was on, and I liked his stuff. But when I bought his album, and I listened to it…BOOM! My life was almost instantly changed. I ate up every thing I could get my hands or ears on that had Pac’s name on it. I would have to honestly say that 70% of the way that I look at life and react to it now, is molded by the LIFES LESSONS that Pac displays in his music. As a matter of fact, I am even in the middle of reading what were known as Pac’s two favorite books ever, “The Art Of War” by Sun Tzu and “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli.»
Papa Graz, the lyricist
Papa Graz attaches a great importance to the quality of his lyrics. Judge by yourself.
It is a matter of fact, Eminem is also one of Jason’s major influences…and if you like Eminem, you will probably appreciate Papa Graz’s style.
If you are used to Eminem’s music, « Vices » will bring you back to the familiar « Drug Ballad » atmosphere while Political Rant will make you feel Jason’s political engagement against Bush’s policy. He says it in a « Mosh » style, but with his own words.
Papa Graz is opened to many subjects. He talks about music, love, drugs, politics and manages to express it in a style of his own.
Sometimes, beefs are also part of his musical expression.
Papa Graz’s music
Curious to know how his music sounds like?
Listen to his track called “Beefs”.
His style is funny and offensive, instrumentally rich…Violins added to rapid beats will make you feel the intensity of the beefs. Papa G sends his bullets out through his tracks. Enjoy the track that is aimed at his enemies. Believe it, he is for real.
What is the biggest misconception about Papa Graz?
“That I’m just a wannabe. That because I’m white, or because I grew up in the burbs, just because my parents were middle-class or I didn’t grow up in the “ghetto”, I can’t rap. That’s such bullshit and I’m gonna prove it wrong. I think I’m better than a lot of rappers out today including people like The Game, 50 Cent, The Eastside Boyz, Ying Yang Twinz, Nelly, and some other cats. That’s no disrespect to them, but I just think I have better subject matter and better flow. Actually, I KNOW I have better subject matter and better flow. All I ask is that someone with some clout give me ONE CHANCE. Give me the same budget and backing as rappers like Eminem, 50 Cent, Nas, Jay Z, Kanye West or any other cat that’s at the top of the game. Give me the backing and budget that they have and everything that goes along with it, and I’ll blow up on these motherfuckers.”