Rawz
Rawz is a Multidisciplinary Artist from Oxford. His practice centres around words and music, and is rooted in social justice and the exploration and understanding of our interconnected worlds
Rawz’ story is one of extreme contrast and determination against the odds, themes that he often explores in all aspects of his work. From leaving school with no GCSEs, to becoming Resident Sound Artist at one of the world’s most prestigious learning institutions, his personal journey stands as testament to his resilient character, and strong work ethic.
Rawz started out as an MC and Poet. Growing up in one of the UK’s most under-served areas, Greater Leys in Oxford, he first discovered lyric writing in his early teens, finding it an essential way to channel his emotions and organise his thoughts. Since then, Rawz has performed his craft all over Europe, collaborated with musicians from all over the world, and shared stages with some of his childhood heroes.
As his practice as a Poet and Musician developed, Rawz explored other means of expression; experimenting with a range of mediums including collage, sculpture, videography, photography and more, bringing these skills together with his poetry and music to create projects which combine a range of media.
Through Art, Rawz shares his exploration of interconnection and interdependence. His responses often promote outer change and advancement through inner reflection, and positive action.
An experienced Youth Worker and Teacher, swiftly becoming an expert in the fields of Decolonisation and Public Engagement within a range of academic disciplines; Rawz set up The Urban Music Foundation in 2009. Under this banner he delivers a wide range of creative activities in a variety of settings.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/realrawz
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rawz_official
Twitter: www.twitter.com/realrawz
Bandcamp: www.Rawz.bandcamp.com
Exploring the interplay between science, technology and creativity, Rawz developed a collaboration with Researchers at Oxford’s Universities working at the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence, Immunology, and Modern Literature. Simultaneously a University Research Project, an Art exhibition, and a conceptual Hip Hop album, the project team created a series of “Epochs” – isolated spaces designed to reflect the overall feel of 5 specifically defined eras spanning from the 1950s and into the future. Aside from the album and two public exhibitions, the project also spawned multiple panel events, seminars and articles, in addition to a short film.
UKHH.COM Article on Epoch | BBC interview with Rawz at Epoch Exhibition
University of Oxford E-Research Centre Blog on Epoch
Epoch @ Fusion Arts Window Galleries | Epoch @ The Old Fire Station
An 8 track collaborative album with the versatile singer, Tiece. Rawz Executive Produced the album and made most of the instrumentals. He wrote and performed his lyrics and co-wrote others with Tiece. Rawz also made the cover art and conceptualised, directed and edited the videos for “Together As One” and “You Revel In It”.
“Together As One” Music Video | “You Revel In It” Music Video
Developed and creatively led by Rawz, Digging Crates is an ongoing project looking at the intersection of colonialism, museums, and modern art forms through the lens of Hip Hop’s 5 pillars - Visual Art (Graffiti), (Break) Dance, Music (DJing & Production), Poetry & Lyrics (MCing), and Community. This first iteration of the project was a collaboration between Inner Peace Records, African Musicians and the Pitt Rivers Museum. Sampling the sounds of instruments linked to the museum's African instrument collection, the team created original Hip Hop tracks exploring the legacy of colonialism and empire. Alongside the 7 track album, the project produced a one hour documentary recorded during the main four days of activity in the museum which was shown to two sold out cinema audiences. To launch the album, the team performed a sold out live show at an Oxford Art Gallery.
Digging Crates Documentary Trailer | ”Glass Cages” Music Video | University of Oxford Digging Crates Project Page
