Hezekiah Success (Jay-Z Ft. Nas)

An accomplished MC, producer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Hezekiah Davis has been bubbling in the underground for quite some time. Residing in Philadelphia via Delaware, Hez has been cultivating his boom bap-meets-soul sound for almost a decade, with various production credits for the likes of Bilal, Jaguar Wright, Santogold, and Freeway.

Unfortunately, he's been at the cusp of success for so long (both his first and second albums lost their distribution immediately after release), he's declared that his third solo album, Conscious Porn, will be his final album as a solo artist. While he will continue to create music, he says he has little desire to continue on the road as a solo artist.

Check out Indie Shuffle's exclusive interview with Hezekiah to learn more about what makes this underground sensation unique:

Can you explain the concept behind titling your third album "Conscious Porn"?

There are two type of people, rap people and R&B people. The difference is the R&B people say what you want to hear, and the rap people say it straight up - whether its asking for sex or being political. It's a movement to stop the R&B... aka rhythm and bullshit.

What do you draw inspiration from, and to what extent does being based in a musically-rich city like Philadelphia influence your sound?

Man... this city breathes life into you as an artist without overwhelming you. Its a small major city so every thing and everyone are accessible. Whenever I leave, I always come home appreciating my city that much more.

On Conscious Porn you work with artists ranging from Peedi Crakk, Talib Kweli, Cody ChestnuTT, and Bahamadia. What is it that you look for in fellow artists that you collaborate with?

Well, when I make a track/beat, it has a tone and a rhythm -- right away I know who would fit perfect on what track. You gotta study music to be able to hear this.

You've had some unfortunate dealings with labels in the past. What has your experience with labels taught you about the business, and how you are going to choose to proceed from now on?

Only that what will be will be, take it and move on. Also to always have a plan B, C, D, E, F and G and think ahead but stay positive.

You're an MC, producer, instrumentalist, and songwriter. Do you value one method over the other?

They all work in hand, like if I was just a beat maker, I wouldn't know how to explain my vision fully. And if I was just a songwriter, maybe my words would be interpreted differently because of a different backdrop, because music is the setting.

Lastly, what are your future plans for your music? Are there any goals you have yet to accomplish?

The plan is to be a household name, or at least develop a cult following and to inspire genuine, fearless individuality in music again.