Influences: Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Eric B and Rakim, Kool Moe Dee, Gigolo Tony, Kid Sensation, Ice T, Krs One, LL Cool J, Fat Boys, 3rd Bass, Cypress Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, The Goats, KMD, MC Breed, Del and Hieroglyphics, Rage Against the Machine, EPMD, A Tribe Called Quest, Masta Ace, Big Daddy Kane, Red Man, NWA, The D.O.C., Nirvana, Esham, Sublime, Prince Paul, Sir Mix Alot, House of Pain, DJ Shadow, Scarface, Henry Mancini, Gangstarr, Nas, Natas, Led Zeppelin, Public Enemy, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, Black Sheep
History of Gozza in his own words...
Ever since I was a kid, music has been my life. My brother Ryan introduced me to Hip Hop at a very young age and I immediatley fell in love with the culture and the music. Many nights Ryan and I would sit around our small boombox and listen to a local Hip Hop radio show called the Boogie. Shortly after we started making our own radio shows for fun pushing two radios together playing music on one and recording on the other. I wrote my first rhyme in 1987 at the age of 11. I was known for grabbing any open mic I could and spitting my latest raps.
In 1991 I started recording songs and performing with my group the DLP. In 1993 the DLP joined forces with another local crew called Triple Chaos and the Juggernaut was born. 1995 the Juggernaut released our first single "Act Like You Know" with financial and critical success. We toured the Midwest and recorded more songs but the group disbanded in 1996. Shortly after I reconnected with my good friend Rex (aka Jackpot) and we formed a new group under the name Artfull Dodgers.
In 1997 we released our first Artfull Dodgers project the Dusted World EP produced by DJ Phizyx. Dusted World was very successful and introduced the world to the Dodgers' unique Hip Hop sound. From 1999-2008 we released several full length albums including Lazy Eyes, Second Wind, and Off The Credenza. We've also toured the entire time making notable appearences at Scribble Jam, Live Lyrics Tour, and the Vans Warped Tour. We've done shows with Eminem, Cappadonna, Killah Priest, Esham, Too Short, Non Phixion, Petey Pablo, and more. We are currently working on a new album and a DVD video compilation.
In 2004 I started my own DJ company and began working as a DJ full time making the rounds at several local clubs. Currently I DJ every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at CJ Mahoneys Bar & Grill in Rochester, MI. I also DJ weddings, partys, school dances, etc.
Since 2005 I have hosted and produced by own radio show the Gozza Strip on 94.3 Fm WKUF out of Kettering University in Flint, MI. I only showcase Michigan Hip Hop with a goal to expose people to the incredible music being created by artists right here in their home state. The Gozza Strip airs every Monday and Tuesday from 1pm-3pm and can also be heard with a live webstream at Wkuf.org
I also own and operate my own recording studio and do a lot of work as a music producer. I have done production for Artfull Dodgers, J.U.I.C.E, Rising Sunz, Jozi Whalez, Dice, Aslaam Mahdi, DJ Zack Daniels, and many more.
I have also produced and collaborated on various side projects with other talented MCs. These projects include Haim or Feldman? with Jozi Whalez, GozGod with Aslaam Mahdi, and Top Dollar Defeat with Jozi, Aslaam, Jackpot, DJ Zack Daniels, Aborted Rap, and Knucklez.
I have a lot of new ideas and projects in the works. I will be releasing my debut solo album "Here Comes Trouble" very soon.
