The New York City crowd didn't quite know what to expect from Izza Kizza before he took the stage at Piano's. There's no doubt they heard the emcee's critically acclaimed mixtape, Kizzaland, and liked what they heard. Otherwise, they would not have braved the cold on a Wednesday night. But for many it was their first time seeing the Georgia native live. Well, after two songs into his set, it became clear to everyone what he set out to do. Dude was trying to bring people into outer space.

Never mind the astronaut jumpsuits Izza Kizza and his hypeman were sporting. The cuts from his debut album had that future sound to it. He seems to have mastered the art of inserting pauses and letting the beat ride at all the right times, allowing a Voltron-like union to form between the rapper and instrumental. Add the quirky adlibs that have become a staple in all of his tracks and it all translated nicely onto the stage.

He didn't reveal too much from the album but he did perform a lot of joints from the mixtape. The live versions of "Millionaire", "Here I Is", "Ooh La La" and "They're Everywhere" got a warm reception as he rocked the mic with choreography that would make Busta Rhymes proud. The favorite of the night would have to have been "Red Wine" with the audience giving in to the reckless nature of the song. When it seemed like the crowd was losing steam, he would jump into the crowd with the people or ask for song suggestions.

Izza Kizza's live set demonstrates why he's an artist to watchin 2009. He's got the wit, lyrics, flow and solid production to back it. Its no wonder Timbaland signed him and Missy Elliot collaborated with him, as they are known for pushing the envelope as musicians and entertainers. The mixtape, Wizard of Iz, drops in March and the debut album's release date is yet to be announced. Until then, catch him live… wherever the spaceship lands.

ORIGINALLY POSTED BY YOUR THE WORST.COM




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