Born a star by nature, Mahzi’s light shines bright wherever she goes. Born and raised in the treacherous city of Detroit, she’s seen it all through her observant eyes. Her brazen lyrics paint a clear image of the street environment in which she was raised. A slick-talking star of her own show, her rhythm and distinct pitch paired with hard-hitting bars exude a level of confidence that overflows on every track.
In our latest interview with Mahzi, we got to chat with the rapidly rising artist about falling in love with music, signing to Ethika, and releasing a plethora of music. Read the full conversation below and keep an eye out for her forthcoming material.
Walk me through our childhood, what was it like growing up in Detroit?
Haha , questions like that are never easy although you would think it’s the most simple to answer. It was cool though , I was cared for by a few family members on my pops side during my childhood in the city. Lived with my grandma’s sister , my favorite Aunt “Aunt Endia” , she was super religious. We went to church like three times a week, after church every Sunday we’d go to the dollar store and she’d let me get whatever I wanted. When I was 5 I moved to Vegas and I was back and forth every year from Michigan to Vegas until I finally got kicked out of Southfield Public Schools. I finished high school in Vegas.
How did you eventually fall in love with music?
I come from a big musical family. I didn’t even know I could sing. One day on Christmas my big sister got tired of singing all the Christmas carols by herself , she had a huge voice at a YOUNG age. So she asked me to sing Noel with her, I copied a note she told me to do and it was history. My father was also a part of a huge Detroit rap group , they were called AWOL. All the Detroit OG’s / Legends know about my dad. Helluva, Boldy James, Mack Nickels , Trick Trick, Stretch Money etc.
Who were some of your musical influences?
As a child my sister and Beyoncé were my biggest musical inspirations. Beyoncé and my sister also have the same birthday. Once I started smoking weed Dizzy Wright & Jhene were my biggest inspirations. I actually know Dizzy personally and to see his growth happen overtime in real time was literally surreal. It was for sure a motivator.
At what point did you recognize that you were going to make a career out of artistry?
It honestly just happened. Once I realized I could do music I stayed involved. I was in a rap group , a singing group with friends , one with my sister. I used to battle rap haha. The more I progressed in every field I started to feel like I was put here on earth to create music. I stuck with the name Mahzi and pursuing a real musician career in 2017.
Out of all the labels wanting to sign you, what made you choose Ethika Music?
I feel like higher powers chose Ethika music. I wrote Ethika literally 70 weeks ago. I never forgot but as an underground artist you never expect them to reach back out to you. I’ve asked plenty of labels for an opportunity, and if not an opportunity just a EAR. I used to spam Money Man’s page and DM asking him to let me pay him 1000$ to listen to 30 seconds of one of my tracks ; lol. You never expect these labels to see your message or comment. When Ethika contacted me it was 2 days after my birthday, I was depressed and in a bad place mentally. It came out of nowhere. I really be feeling like God linked us. Lol this all his work.
In 2020, you dropped a total of three projects, what was the move behind that?
People be scared to say my name , or show love in my city. I’m like the underdog, the black sheep of Detroit. My work ethic and sound crazy though. I just wanted to be the only female artist in the city who could say in 2020 they dropped 3 quality albums. It was something I just had to do for self. When you get overlooked for 3 years and you bussin through walls all 3 of them years , by the 4th year you done got a headache trying to figure out what’s the issue. It was no issue though. I just had to apply pressure. 3 albums in one year with no features was pressure.
What can your fans expect from you in 2021?
Ethika or Nothing. Major features , I have an underwear collaboration coming with Ethika. Mahzi is invading the west coast , the label is relocating me to the palm trees. It’s a lot of big surprises, stuff I don’t even know if I can speak on ! Stay tuned , get popcorn it’s about to be a real SCHMOVIE!
