“Machine” made its debut on October 25, 2019, by the fresh and new rapper-actor Michael Ortiz or simply “Wayz”. This album is his first independently recorded work. Wayz tells us that “Machine” embodies what has become of us all as participants in society — “the soulless version of yourself.” Our work, our relationships, our extracurricular, and just the challenges of life can push us not to think nor feel but do. Soulful and enliven creatures that we are, we can also turn into a walking piece of an engine doing repetitive routines of what we are supposed to do. Wayz and his creative work want to showcase that ordeal through his debut album.
Wayz takes his philosophy of realism for his music from his solid native roots. This Chicago-born, Tampa Florida-raised, 3rd generation Mexican-American is proud to admit his origin. He is never ashamed to share that he started in the streets. Wayz believes that being raised in the streets is what made him the success that he is now. Growing in a harsh environment is his formula for success and prosperity. This outlook is what Wayz brings to his sound and what he refers to as “Mexcellence”, the Mexican excellence.
Being a part of the minority group in the US, he wants the Mexican-American consumers of rap, hip hop, pop, and street culture to listen to his music. He identifies with them as they are of the same ethnicity and circumstance. Wayz figured that his music is the most authentic portrayal of his group’s shared experience of difficulties. As of now, there is no mainstream representation of them and the problems they face. There is no better time than now to reach out to this untapped niche, especially after the tension surrounding the Mexican/American border.
Wayz may be targeting his own group’s challenges for his music. But, he believes that this album caters to a different market. For him and also for some, it can even actually promote positivity. Who knows, maybe music that reflects the pain in the mundane can be smooth to the ear too? Numbness from our crowd, our emotions, and our surroundings can be more common among people similarly situated. We may not just be aware of it because we thought it not worth minding.
Do you relate to Wayz’s thoughts on day-to-day life? Listen to “Machine” along with the rest of its tracks, and check out his sold merchandise on this website: wayzworld.com
