By Margaret Hall
Musician and president of ASU’s Music Industry Club, Rozotadi offers the Phoenix arts community a cultural smorgasbord of raw, eclectic dishes that reject traditional expectations. He makes no apologies for his style or his swag; his music is a reflection of his story, infused with influence from his ancestors and a sensual soulful combination of Hip-Hop, Rap, and Rhythm & Blues, among other genres. He shares an inspirational, insightful reflection with Write On, Downtown on his musical career and journey thus far.
WOD: How would you describe your creative roots?
Rozotadi (R): I have been a victim of my very own imagination since I can remember. My mind roams free and I continuously seek ways to express all the craziness in my mind. As a matter of fact, it was imperative in order to preserve the light in my environment. Moreover, being immersed in African American culture, I fell in love with Rhythm & Blues. Hip-Hop & Rap ruled my life. I eventually fell into a conversation with music. Life just works like that.
WOD: It’s obvious your style can’t be placed into the general category of hip hop; in other words, you seem to be creating a new musical genre. What is it called?
R: I am taking the genre Alternative Hip-Hop/Rap and making it my crib. It’s a genre-bending, no holds barred, modernization of today’s music. It pays close attention to where a sound is from and how it was made, then perhaps infused with cadence laced poetry, comes an experience the listener might or might not be ready for. It’s Just. Music.
WOD: Who would you consider your greatest idols?
R: I don’t believe in idols. I believe in stories. Society uplifts humans who do great things. There’s a very religious approach to how we’ve curated our social interaction/hierarchy. People are renowned as gods or prophets; however, I don’t believe that’s an efficient approach to life. I congratulate the successes and learn from the failures of those before me and beside me. I take inspiration from everyone and everything. The way a leaf blows in the wind has the power to spark a whole revolution in the human mind. Idols aren’t who I seek, powerfully articulated stories are.
WOD: Do you aspire to become an industry-recognized artist or is the organic vibe of the underground scene more than enough to satisfy the desire for fame most artists possess?
R: I am on a career path toward becoming a very respected individual regardless of “level.” The localization and globalization of my message are an essential facet of my career. The efficiency in which I tell my story and lend my platform so others can tell theirs is what changes the world. The pitter-patter of faux-fame isn’t relative to my happiness. The index of impact with close attention to the scale of it is my game.
WOD: Where do you see Rozotadi 5 yrs. from now?
R: Rozotadi 5 years from now is unconditionally happy, booked, and in the conversation.
Write On, Downtown 