After a chance encounter meet-up with Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Cilvaringz, native Grand Rapids, Michigan, record producer / rapper Bronze Nazareth, née Justin Cross, would later go on to contribute two standout joints; “A Day to God is 1,000 Years” and “The Birth”; to RZA’s third solo album, Birth of a Prince, before unleashing his own critically acclaimed debut body of work, The Great Migration, in May 2006.
First things first, August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
The 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop is monumental—it’s a testament to the resilience, creativity, and transformative power of a culture that started in the Bronx but became a global movement. For me, it’s personal. Hip Hop gave me my voice, my purpose, and my way to contribute something meaningful to the world. It’s humbling to be part of a culture that has grown from park jams to stadiums, inspiring generations and to come out of the home of Motown with my soulful sound, it’s another sturdy brick in the wall.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!”—Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
I couldn’t have imagined the scale Hip Hop has reached. When I started, it was all about the cipher, the beats, the rhymes—it was pure expression. To see it evolve into a cultural juggernaut influencing fashion, film, politics, and beyond!? It’s mind-blowing. And as a member of the Wu-Tang family, I feel like we helped push the boundaries, showing that Hip Hop could be both art and enterprise.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments/memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Man, there are so many! Working on Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture was a game-changer. Touring Europe, and seeing fans rap my verses word-for-word in countries where English isn’t even the first language—that’s surreal. But one of the deepest moments was releasing The Great Migration. That album felt like my soul on wax, and the love it received was unforgettable. Building with RZA and the Wu family has been a dream in itself, and then transforming that into my own solo career and being recognized outside of the brand, dropping solos and then being called a Hip Hop legend myself is goals!!
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals for the 2025 season?
2025 is about elevating. I’m focused on expanding Black Day In July Productions, producing for more artists, and pushing the boundaries of what I can do creatively. 2025 is shaping up to be my biggest year yet, a true game-changer in my career. This year, I’m leveling up and dropping projects alongside at least three HEAVYWEIGHTS in the game, delivering music that’s destined to shake the culture. These collaborations are with some of the most respected and influential names in Hip Hop—artists who share the same passion for raw lyricism, timeless production, and pushing boundaries. With these powerhouse partnerships, I’m not just making noise; I’m solidifying my legacy and giving fans the kind of heavyweight bars and beats they’ve been craving. This is the year we take everything to the next level! Beyond music, I want to leave a legacy that’s bigger than me—whether that’s through mentoring up-and-coming artists or building platforms for others to shine.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want my music to be timeless. I want people to feel the depth of my lyrics, the layers in my production, it’s all about the details. The details show you who’s locked in, and who’s mailing it in. My music is about balance—raw, unfiltered storytelling mixed with inspiration and hope, ugliness, beauty and all that shit in between. If it resonates with even one person and helps them through something, I’ve done my job.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
It’s a tough call, but I’d say Curtis Mayfield. His music had an unmatched attention to detail. He was a composer, much like a producer we bring all the elements together and make something outta nothing. I think blending his energy with Hip Hop would create something otherworldly. He had a way of speaking universal truths, and offering messages that still hit decades later.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Madison Square Garden, hands down! It’s the Mecca of live performances. Everyone who’s graced that stage has left a piece of history there, and I’d want to add my story to that legacy. Most don’t get on that stage until they deserve it. Goals.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
It’s a mixed bag. I love the diversity and how accessible the culture has become; it’s amazing to see Hip Hop transcend boundaries and reach corners of the globe it couldn’t have touched decades ago. However, I do miss the emphasis on lyricism and originality. It feels like, in the rush to produce content and chase trends, some of the artistry—the real craft of writing—has been overshadowed. Hip Hop is more than just rhyming words; it’s about painting vivid pictures, telling untold stories, and leaving an imprint with every bar. I once said, “Your pen bleeds, but all MCs are not authors,” and I stand by that. Anyone can put words together to rhyme, but can they weave them into something timeless? Can they write with purpose, depth, and intention? Being an MC is more than having a hot verse—it’s about creating moments and meaning that last beyond the beat. A true author of Hip Hop uses their pen like a sword, cutting through the noise and delivering substance. The essence of Hip Hop lies in its ability to inspire, educate, and provoke thought, and that starts with the pen (or phone, lol). The art form will always evolve, and that’s beautiful, but preserving the foundation is crucial. Hip Hop was built on authenticity, storytelling, and the rawness of real life, and it’s our responsibility to carry that forward, even as the culture grows and changes. Without that core, we lose the soul of what made this movement so powerful in the first place.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
QUALITY over everything. Consistency, passion, and staying true to myself. I don’t chase trends—I make music that reflects who I am. Building real connections with fans and putting in the work, year after year, has kept me in the game.
Do you have any other outside/additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Yes, absolutely. One day, I aspire to become a civil rights lawyer and fight for real justice. The injustices that people like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Casey Goodson Jr. endured are heartbreaking and unacceptable, and they highlight the urgent need for systemic change. I want to be someone who stands in the gap, advocating for the voiceless and holding those in power accountable. I’m deeply inspired by attorneys like Ben Crump, S. Lee Merritt, and Justin Moore, who relentlessly pursue justice, even in the face of daunting odds. They’ve shown how powerful the law can be when used as a tool to dismantle oppression and demand equality. For me, this isn’t just a career aspiration—it’s a calling. It’s about taking the passion I pour into my music and channeling it into a fight for justice. One day, I want to stand in a courtroom and fight for the rights of those who can’t fight for themselves, ensuring their stories are heard and their lives are valued. Just like music, law has the power to move people and transform lives, and I want to head that route when I can’t rock stages anymore. Impactful work.
What’s an average day like for you?
An average day for me is a balance of creativity and business, but it’s always dynamic—no two days are exactly the same. I’m usually in the studio by 9 a.m., guided by what’s due or what’s the priority for that day. Whether it’s laying down verses, producing beats, or tightening up mixes, my mornings are dedicated to creating, because that’s when I feel the most inspired. But sometimes, what I’ve planned gets completely shifted because of a new, more urgent task—maybe a last-minute mix adjustment, a client request, or a pressing issue with Black Day In July Productions that needs immediate attention. It keeps me on my toes, but I thrive in that kind of environment. Afternoons are where I dive into the business side of things—mixing tracks, meetings, and strategizing for upcoming releases, tours, or merchandise drops. This is also the time I focus on growing the label, working closely with the artists, or finalizing plans for vinyl production. By the end of the day, I make time to recharge, whether it’s spending time with family, watching sports – boxing, UFC, NFL, NBA, or getting lost in good movies. My schedule is fluid and often unpredictable, but I embrace it because every day is a step toward building something greater.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I have nothing but love and gratitude for my fans—they’re the reason I’m able to do what I do, and I never take that for granted. I make it a point to be open and approachable, whether it’s chopping it up after shows, replying to messages on social media, or just connecting with people who vibe with my music. I value those moments because they remind me why I started this journey in the first place. I want fans to know that their support isn’t just appreciated—it’s the fuel that keeps me going. Whether it’s a quick convo, signing records, or even taking the time to hear their stories, I’m always down to mingle and build those real connections. At the end of the day, we’re all part of this Hip Hop culture together, and I’m honored to share it with them.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part is creating—there’s nothing like turning a blank canvas into something people feel. My least favorite? The politics of the industry. It’s tough seeing talent overshadowed by non-talent, nursery rhymes, algorithms and numbers.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
It’s all about doing the work. Work Ethic. Stay consistent. Don’t be afraid to fail—it’s part of the process. And always remember: your voice is your power, so use it wisely.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself still deeply entrenched in the culture, and continuing to make timeless music. I would love to be like The Rolling Stones — creating, performing, and touring well into my seventies, as long as my body allows it. I believe Hip Hop is a lifelong craft, and just like rock legends who inspire generations across decades, I want to carry the torch for lyricism and authenticity for as long as I can. Beyond the music, I see Black Day In July Productions becoming a cultural institution—a powerhouse label and community that not only produces groundbreaking music, but also nurtures and mentors the next generation of artists. I want to innovate in ways that keep the culture fresh while staying true to its roots, whether that’s through creative collaborations, multimedia ventures, or mentoring younger MCs and producers. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy that proves Hip Hop is ageless and limitless. I’ll keep rocking stages and delivering meaningful art until I physically can’t anymore because this isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. It’s in me.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
You’ve covered it all! Just know that this journey isn’t just about me—it’s about the culture, the fans, and the legacy we’re all building together.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Stay true to yourself, and never stop dreaming. And remember: Hip Hop is more than music—it’s a way of life. Peace and blessings!
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