In the world of local hip-hop, few names have been making as much noise as Ahzay. Over the past year, the artist has taken his career to new heights, captivating audiences with his raw talent, infectious energy, and authentic sound. This year marked a pivotal moment for Ahzay and his band, The Squad, as they came together for a live studio recording that captured the essence of their musical chemistry and the synergy that has propelled them to new artistic heights.
Ahzay’s 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. Among the highlights was his performance at the Summer Concert Series at Baker Park, where he commanded the stage in front of a packed crowd. His music, a fusion of hip-hop and soul, resonated deeply with the local community. In February, Ahzay was also a featured artist at the Black History Month celebration, an event organized by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, where he paid tribute to the rich legacy of Black music while showcasing his own growth as an artist.
Despite all of his successes, the most significant development for Ahzay this year has been the formation of The Squad—his talented and dynamic band that adds a layer of depth to his performances. Comprised of lead vocalist Ahzay, Calvin Little on lead singing vocals, Joe McCargo on drums and backing vocals, James Sims on keys, Sam Whetzel on guitar, and Gabriel Thomas on bass, The Squad has become the perfect complement to Ahzay’s hip-hop roots, blending soulful melodies with rhythmic beats and harmonies that elevate the music to another level.
Ahzay, reflecting on the formation of The Squad, shared, “It’s been so refreshing connecting with these guys this year. We’ve known each other for almost a decade but never got together on a musical level until this year. It was an amazing year of performances. We really wanted to get together and show the world what we can do, and will continue to do going forward!”
The live studio recording was a culmination of weeks of rehearsals, and performances. The session, captured by the talented Stephanie McCullers, not only documented the band’s growth but also showcased the raw power of their live sound. Behind the scenes, Felix of Hangar Studios served as the sound engineer for the project. His expertise in mixing and mastering played a crucial role in bringing Ahzay’s vision to life.
The live studio recording delivers a powerful blend of hip-hop, R&B, and soul influences. Ahzay’s commanding vocals are front and center, but the contribution of each band member is indispensable. Calvin Little’s soulful singing adds layers of depth to the music, while Joe McCargo’s drumming creates a driving rhythm that propels the songs forward. James Sims’ keys bring a rich, melodic foundation to the tracks, while Sam Whetzel’s guitar adds texture and soul to every chord. Gabriel Thomas’ bass lines provide a smooth and solid backbone to the sound, rounding out the band’s dynamic energy.
The result is a sound that feels fresh yet familiar, vibrant yet grounded—a true reflection of the diverse musical influences that have shaped Ahzay and The Squad. It’s a sound that blends the best of both worlds: the grit and rhythm of hip-hop, with the soul and musicianship of live instrumentation. It’s a sound that’s bound to make an impact on listeners, both locally and beyond.
Looking ahead, Ahzay and The Squad are already planning for the future. With a year of successful performances under their belts, they are eager to take their music to new heights. The live studio recording is just the beginning. The Squad is already hard at work on new material, promising more collaborations, more performances, and more opportunities to share their unique sound with the world.
For Ahzay, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and impactful career. As he and The Squad continue to refine their sound and push musical boundaries, there’s no doubt that they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the local and national music scenes.