The Kaze
The Kaze | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Killa Klan Kaze |
| Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Labels | Kami Kaze Productions (1992–present) Hypnotize Minds (1997–2000) Prophet Entertainment (1995–1998) |
| Members | M.C. Mack Vokillz Kano Da Wolf Mac-Yo Queen King |
| Past members | Scan Man K-Rock (deceased) Project Pat Lil Corb (deceased) Pimp Teddy Mac Yo Nigaro M-Child |
The Kaze, also known as Killa Klan Kaze, is an American hip hop group from Memphis, Tennessee. They are largely known for their affiliation with Three 6 Mafia throughout much of the 1990s, having been a featured act and members of the Prophet Posse and Hypnotize Camp Posse. The group originally consisted of M.C Mack, Scan Man and K-Rock, though Project Pat replaced K-Rock in the trio for the group's debut album, 1998's Kamakaze Timez Up, produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J.
In 2000, the group's affiliation with Three 6 Mafia ended when M.C. Mack and Scan Man had a fallout with DJ Paul and Juicy J after attempting to release music independently produced and recorded under The Kaze name, with a lengthy dispute over royalties resulting. Since that time, The Kaze has operated independently, having undergone membership growth and changes, while releasing several albums via its label, Kami Kaze Productions.
History[edit]
The Kaze began their activities in the early 1990s in Memphis. In 1995, the group (then known as "Killa Klan Kaze") was featured on a tape entitled "Volume 3 Spring Mix 95", which contained the first recorded track of Killa Klan Kaze, "Runnin 'Lip". They had a track on Three 6 Mafia's 1995 EP Live by Yo Rep, titled "Be a Witness". Project Pat ultimately replaced K-Rock and in 1998 the group released their first studio album Kamakaze Timez Up and sold about 50,000 independent copies. The album was released with the production of Three 6 Mafia's Juicy J and DJ Paul. The album would be the only project released by the group together.[1][2] 1998, the group's label, Prophet Entertainment shut down after label co-founders DJ Paul and Juicy J split from fellow label co-founder Nick Scarfo. The result was DJ Paul and Juicy J's creation of a new label, Hypnotize Minds. In, 1999 Scan Man and M.C. Mack founded their own Kami Kaze Inc. independent label and released Thugz From Southside: 2000 Mazdestruction.[3]
In 2012, the group was nominated for music awards at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and won the "Best Group" Award.[4][5]
In 2020, MC Mack filed a copyright lawsuit against Three 6 Mafia, alleging that they have been using their music without permission since the 1990s.[6][7] The case is pending in court in Shelby County, Tennessee.[8]
Discography[edit]
Studio albums[edit]
- Kamakazie Timez Up (1998)
- Kami Kaze (2001)
- Only the Strong Survive (2005)
- KKZ Timez Up: Part 2 (2022)
Awards and nominations[edit]
| Year | Awards | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Memphis Music Hall of Fame | Best Group | Won |
References[edit]
- ^ Aguilar, Elva (2014-01-31). "Interview: Juicy J Talks About Lord Infamous, Katy Perry's "Dark Horse," & His Relationship With Taylor Gang". Complex Networks. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
- ^ Serrano, Shea (2013-08-28). "The King of the City: The Best Rapper in 13 Hip-Hop Meccas". Complex. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
- ^ "KamiKaze Inc. – Biography". 2007-08-26. Retrieved 2018-08-25.
- ^ Gardner, Elysa (2012-09-27). "Memphis Music Hall of Fame readies to induct 25 legends". USA Today. Retrieved 2018-08-24.
- ^ Birchmeier, Jason. "The Kaze-Biography". AllMusic.
- ^ Ivey, Justin (Mar 3, 2020). "Three 6 Mafia Sued By Former Affiliates & Memphis Artists Over Copyright Infringement". Retrieved 2020-03-21.
- ^ "Three 6 Mafia Sued for Copyright Infringement | Pitchfork". Pitchfork. 3 March 2020.
- ^ Strauss, Matthew (Mar 3, 2020). "Three 6 Mafia Sued for Copyright Infringement". Retrieved 2020-03-21.
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