Interview with THURZ

Thurzday, or Thurz (Alexi Koffi) is an Inglewood native with the City of Angels running through his veins. He was featured back in April of this year in Complex as one of the top 10 rappers to watch out for. L.A. TACO's own Erwin Recinos was able to catch up with the Thurz and ask a few questions about LA hip hop and get you some insight into his last album LA RIOT.

Where did you grow up in L.A. and does the influence of that city make its way into your music?
I grew up in Inglewood, CA on 517 W Queen St. My music is definitely influenced by my city and upbringing. My music is based off life, and a lot of experiences in Inglewood are referenced to shape me and my sound.

How exciting is the LA hip hop scene right now? What do you think is fueling the fire?
LA is the focal and vocal point for Hip Hop as a whole right now. What's fueling the fire is the neglect of mainstream opportunities to jump from the underground and finally having a stage to showcase our art and be bigger than our predecessors.

Name five artists that you are currently listening too in the LA hip hop scene.
Co$$, Overdoz, Cali Cush, J*DaVeY, and The Cafeteria Line.

Name 5 albums that you couldn't live without?
Death Certificate, Illmatic, Thriller, Legend, Doggystyle.

Favorite place to eat in LA when you come back from touring?
Pinches Tacos, Café Brasil, Chick-Fil-A, Umami Burger, any Thai restaurant...kinda difficult to find a bad Thai food spot.

L.A. Riot by Thurzday via iTunes.

Your release of LA Riot was highly talked about and reviewed as one of the best albums this year coming out of LA. Reflecting on it, how do you feel about the album since its release?
I'm very proud of my first album. Everything was unique and original from the concept, campaign and execution of tying an historical event to my state of mind for an artistic expression.

Ever since I heard the album I've wanted to ask you this: What was your most lasting impression as an adult reflecting back at that period in time?
The most lasting impression as an adult was that the lack of communication between the LAPD and the urban community was at an all-time high, disconnect along with so many variables that caused the city to erupt in madness. It would take a lot for Los Angeles to experience anything close to that.

To be honest I think your album LA Riot talks about things that people have forgotten about in this city. Inequality, poverty and and a decline of social conscience. Do you believe theses clouds still hang over this city today?
These clouds still hang over the city for sure. Several areas are designed to keep minorities from inhabiting them, and politics is a big web with so many variables to reach a desired goal. The decline of social awareness is in direct correlation to our schooling system with overpopulation and no-fucks given about the future of the masses. It's pretty depressing.

Explain the concept of the song "Los Angeles" and how it came about. Also, what is your ideal vision of this city we call LA?
With Los Angeles, I wanted to give the extreme positives and negatives to what my city is...city of dreams and broken dreams. I had fans call in to give a short statement on what the city means to them and we tied it into a song. My ideal vision of the city is it being a breeding ground for creativity with the cultural mix of different ethnicities. L.A. is the best place to network and kick plans in action, but a goal without a plan is just a plain ass wish.

Last song you listened to on your iPod?
Acura Legend.

If your voice was a musical instrument what would it be and why?
My voice would be a funky bass similar to Verdine White of Earth Wind and Fire, or the M16 guitar played by Peter Tosh.

Do you have any upcoming projects that our L.A. TACO readers should be looking for?
Blood on the Canvas.

Keep up with Thurzday via Twitter, Facebook or his website, Thurz.xxx for up coming performances and new music. Download L.A. Riot here.