Rob Dz is a musician, lecturer, author and activist in Madison. Since breaking onto the local scene over ten years ago, he has always been a passionate proponent of Madison hip-hop, as well as one of its most prominent artists.
Over the last decade, Dz has performed with numerous national hip-hop performers, and has won multiple Madison Area Music Awards. He is currently working on a new album tentatively titled Modern Day Louis McKay, which will feature the contributions of multiple local producers and a broader sound palette than his earlier works.
Artists I emulate: Not so much emulate, but definitely influenced by Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Issac Hayes, Sade, Common, Scarface, Heavy D, Stevie Wonder, Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd, Redman, Hall and Oates, and Talib Kweli.
Performance style: Soulful.
Venues I play: High Noon Saloon, The Annex, The Frequency, Orpheum Theatre, The Barrymore Theatre, Union Terrace, and Monona Terrace.
Crowd: The people do whatever the spirit moves them to do as it goes through me and connects with them!
Artist Philosophy: Live as right as you can in your walk, and let your light shine as your talk!!!!!
What Makes You Unique: We're all unique, some folks just choose to be like everybody else... I don't.
Best DJ/hip hop act today: Anybody that speaks out for truth no matter how it sounds is a favorite of mine!
Upcoming shows for Rob Dz include:
- Saturday, March 7: Performance with Uniphonics and DLO at The Frequency
- Tuesday, March 10: Lecture at Edgewood College
- Sunday, May 17: 12th annual WORT Block Party at Doty and Bedford
This is part of a series highlighting Madison's hip-hop emcees and DJs. If there is someone you want us to profile, please contact us.
