Posted by Hailing from St. Catharines, Ontario, Sayzee has been carving a unique lane in the indie hip-hop scene with his signature underground sound. A versatile artist with a growing reputation, he’s now taking his craft to the next level with the release of his ambitious two-part album, YFRWN X: A-side & B-side. Rap Olympus Media sat down with him to discuss his creative process, his evolution as an artist, and what drives his relentless approach to making music.
Congratulations on reaching the tenth installment in your YFRWN series! What inspired you to make this a two-part album, and how do they connect or differ from each other?
My longtime partner, Ceaza Leon, suggested I do a double album. I had a couple dozen songs ready to go and didn’t want to dump them all at once, so we made it two parts like an old vinyl record, A-side and B-side.
This time, you took on the role of producer. What inspired you to step into that position?
Honestly, I have no clue. My boy Skin Deep sent me a version of fruity loops, and I just started making beats in February. At first, I was messing around, but after a couple of months, I started rapping on the beats I was making. It was a change in dynamic, producing the music and then rapping on it. I could make exactly what I needed for the moment at hand. I freestyle all my music bar-for-bar with punch-ins, so the vibe is crucial. It either makes or breaks the song.
How do you feel this album reflects the current landscape of hip-hop?
I’m just doing my own thing. I don’t listen to much music outside of older stuff, so I try to avoid being influenced by what’s currently trending in the culture. I’d say my sound is pretty original, but it still carries hints of the new underground sound.
If there is one thing you want listeners to take away from YFRWN X, what would it be?
Just that I’ve been a problem and that I’ve been slept on for so long. This is my fifth and sixth album of 2024. Earlier this year, I dropped “The Sun is Out” alongside Scarborough rapper Tona, a collab album with Toronto producers Tone Mason, an album with NY rapper Jamal Gasol, and a handful of singles. I’m working hard to prove I deserve a spot in the elite conversation!
If you could talk to the younger version of yourself at the start of YFRWN, what advice would you give him now?
I would say focus on the business more. I love making music, but being independent is stressful, especially when you do everything yourself. I would tell myself not to be scared to ask for help. Somewhere down the road, you are going to need it!
What are your plans for future projects? Can fans expect a YFRWN XI next October, or will you be exploring new directions?
I think this double album solidifies the YFRWN experience. Eleven completed albums and I’m finally running out of scary shit to rap about! I have a bunch of music lined up for the new year with some pretty crazy people I never thought I’d be working with, so stay tuned for that.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the people?
Don’t give up on your dreams, especially when it comes to music. It’s a long road and it takes a lot of blood sweat and tears to get where you need to go with this shit.
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