Playhouse Hollywood hosted a showcase on Thursday for up and coming L.A. rapper Sozay. Although many guests were present to support the aspiring artist, many guests arrived with the question, "Who is Sozay?" Ironically, this question is also the title of Sozay's debut album, which released last year. After Sozay's performance, however, the audience would undoubtably capture a better idea of who this talented man really is.

 

When Sozay first came out, guests were busy networking and mingling around the bar while enjoying hors d'oevres and drinks. However, once he began to perform, audience members slowly began flocking to dance floor surrounding the stage to listen to his performance. The venue provided a setting that allowed Sozay to connect with his audience while performing what was ultimately the story of his life and journey to music. Prior to pursuing his career on stage, he spent time in prison and struggling with substance abuse. His passion to live a better life and to raise his children in a positive environment is palpable when he speaks and when he raps. 

Will he be the next big rapper? He has a long way to go. However, his stories and his messages are much more humbling than much of the arrogant lyrics on the hip hop and rap charts today.

 

VIDEO: Neon Tommy sat down with the artist before he hit the stage to find out the meaning of his latest album titled 'Who is Sozay?'

Reach reporter Giselle Ugarte here.