Young Iz

Young Iz Bio:

Who is Young Iz ? That Question is becoming more and more of a dispute around the Tampa Bay area. Young Iz is not a group, Young Iz is not a cult. Young Iz is a young trend setting hip-hop artist/producer from the Tampa Bay area. His style is a cross between Nas (Columbia Records) and Outkast (Arista -Records). Gruff, personal, story-telling type raps are what best describe this unique individual. Most of his topics usually speak on politics, economics (poverty in the projects), spiritual beliefs, and other personal experiences. “ Listening to Iz, is a breath of fresh air”, quoted from Tony Montana of WMNF 88.5 FM
Hip-hop’s Underground Railroad. Iz was born as Tredale L. McCullough to Vivian A. Lewis and Leon V. McCullough both from Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Let’s face it, we all know how difficult it is for an artist/s to get signed now a days. Labels are in search of “Ready Made” artist/s . Artist/s who are more self- sufficient (writers/performers/producers) and business oriented as well as talented. That is the very reason why Young Iz decided to launch his own independent label. He wanted to prove to other established record companies that he was marketable. In fact he plans to release his third CD titled “Geek Slang”a doubled disc in the first Quarter of 2005 from his sole owned label Prayin’ Child Music, which is also the name of his publishing company.

Young Iz’s passion for music started back in the late 80’s . After witnessing artists like KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, and Biz Markie strike stardom, Iz knew deep in his heart he wanted to Emcee for a living. Every Saturday night he made it his duty to watch Yo MTV Raps. He emulated the styles of all the popular artist of that time, until he eventually developed a style of his own. His first recording was in 1993 in a small home based studio called D-Squad owned and engineered by David Andre Mott. After working with D-Squad for several years, David, lead Iz to what would be his first ever record contract with F.L.A Records owned by Holly Rob and Dr. Ray. The year was ‘96 when Iz signed with F.L.A Records. ’96 was also the year the label had a hit record that appeared on the movie Booty Call’s soundtrack “ Let me see you Squirrel” by Squirrel. After two years with no progress ,Iz left the label to pursue other goals. Even though the deal went sour it allowed for development of music writing skills, production, and all around studio knowledge.

Iz is a God fearing gentleman who truly believes in the word of God. Young Iz inherited such a name from the Holy Bible. Genesis 32:28 states, “ Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and men and have overcome.” The “Young” represents the youth (humbleness) and the “Iz” represents the prefix of the word Israel. According to Hebrew language the word Israel means to Struggle with God. “ My main objective is to jump start my label and to become successful as a CEO/artist, to help lead the lost back to the Most High, and basically make a honest living off what I love, MuziK,” Young Iz.