After initially discovering a love for emceeing at a block party thrown by Kool Herc, Curtis Brown, then known as Casanova Fly, along with DJ Disco Wiz, would then go on to form a deejay crew, Mighty Force. From there, Caz later joined Bronx based The Cold Crush Brothers, largely known for their most commercial hit-to-date, “Fresh, Wild, Fly & Bold,” released in 1984. Perhaps Grandmaster Caz’s biggest claim to fame is serving as the (uncredited) primary writer of Big Bank Hank’s verses on The Sugarhill Gang’s classic, “Rapper’s Delight.”
Let’s hop right into this single / video, “N’otis,” featuring Kool Moe Dee — How did this particular track even come about?
The track was inspired by Jay-Z and Kanye West song “Otis.” Rappers were doing remakes and Moe Dee wanted an old school perspective on a new school track. We basically replicated the song with different lyrics.
Aside from the obvious, how then does “N’otis” either differ and / or compare to previous Grandmaster Caz entries?
No difference, except the energy and theme was already there; a no brainer pretty much.
Does this in any way signify that a full length project is also in the works?
You could say that, yes, from Moe Dee and myself, solo and collaboratively.
When you sit down to pen your rhymes, where do you draw your inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from everywhere; other music, ideas, everyday life situations. You should never run out of things to talk about.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I don’t consider myself a musician. I don’t make music, Im a lyricist. I compliment the music. What I want you to get from my lyrics is a level of excellence, inspiration, knowledge, laughter and a deeper insight and perspective on whatever the topic is.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Prince…he was a musician and master showman. He wrote, produced, and played all the instruments.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Madison Square Garden, because it’s home-base.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I’m happy with the state of the Culture of Hip Hop around the world.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
The key to my longevity is Passion, Commitment and the influence I’ve had on the Culture. Recognition from my peers and my continuing participation in all aspects of the culture; I am Hip Hop!
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Business, Media; i.e. Television, Film.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Career-wise I would say The Film Wild Style, and The Collaboration with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on the song “Downtown.”
What’s an average day like for you?
Rock the Bells Radio Show 10am-1pm Mon-Fri. In my Home Office, Phone calls, emails, texts. Smoke somethin’, 3 games NBA 2K. Exercise, Eat, Run errands, home, dinner, smoke somethin’, Phone Calls and texts, TV, Bed!
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
In person, social media, shows and appearances with respect, love and appreciation.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part is the satisfaction of knowing I got it right and that my fans get it! I delivered and continue to and the receptiveness is part of the reward. My least favorite is typing out answers to interview questions!!!! lol.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t, unless you know where my footsteps have taken me. You might not make it out!
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Alive hopefully, and continuing to flourish.
As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Caz?
Make some tea, and smoke somethin’.
Btw, what’s up with Almighty Kay Gee, DJ Tony Tone, Easy A.D., Jerry Dee Lewis, DJ Ultamate [The Cold Crush Brothers]?
The Cold Crush are good. We went to and performed in the Netherlands at The Urban Matters Festival in September.
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
Parting words…”Hip Hop didn’t invent anything. Hip Hop re-invented everything.” Peace!
— Grandmaster Caz
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