Hear a sample of his music:

Hybrid Thoughts(Aztech, Kas?er, Ethah and Reel Drama) featuring Craig G -- "Back Then"

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Tell us how you got your name and as what group are you from?  

- The name Aztech is actually short for Aziatic Techniques and the name was given to me by another local cat from Lynn MA, I've always believed a name should be given to you rather then just randomly chosen. I'm part of the Boston Hip Hop group Hybrid Thoughts which also consists of Kas?er, Ethah and DJ Reel Drama.

How did you get into hip-hop growing up?

- I grew up in the projects so Hip Hop was always around me daily, and when i say that i don't just mean Hip Hop music i mean the culture in general. The way cats talked, dressed..basically just the way of life, so i was naturally drawn into it. I actually first entered Hip Hop as a B-Boy so i automaticaly was tapped into the pureness of the culture. There was actually one time i was in Providence for a B-Boy jam, which was a two day event and me and a couple homies had to sleep outside at a park in Providence, then a cat named Poem from The Zulu Nation,(a Zulu King) brought us into his home and broke bread with us about the culture. That was the night i truly learned about what Hip Hop really is.

What’s your mission in hip-hop?

- Basically just to bring back wittyness, and to show cats thats its cool not to be a drone and think for themselves. Certain "people" have programmed Hip-Hop to be a certain way..but thats another story haha.

What was the first thing that made you want to get out there and rap?

- Well my situation in life was never exactly great, and I quickly learned that was the most effective way of letting my thoughts out. As far as influences it was honestly alot of the Native Tounge Hip Hop that really intrigued me to start writing seriously. And of course Wu.

How did you get into listening to Wu-Tang? Who is your favorite general?

- I remember the exact day actually. One of my homies gave me a copy of the 36 Chambers cassette, the shit really blew my mind that a group of cats could be so intellectual and at the same time more grimey than anything Iv'e ever heard. My favorite general changes alot haha, I've actually always been big on Inspectah Deck i just feel like he's the complete MC.

How do you pick beats for your albums? Do you make beats yourself?

- Iv'e messed with beats myself but it really aint for me. I got a team of bonkers producers so beats have never been a problem for me to get. As far as picking beats for the albums, it's just gotta catch my ear and be a beat that really hits me..like as soon as I hear it, I wanna write.

What is your view on hip-hop and direction it is heading?

- Hip-Hop is heading straight down right now to be honest, people have stopped caring about lyrics, fans aint buying records no more, and the true aspect of the culture is almost completley disregarded..you can go to a sold out Hip Hop show and more then half the place has no idea who Afrika Bambataa is. That's why its up to the few of us left to educate the uninformed.

What kind of process do you go through before you make a song?

- I'll marinate on the beat for a while, freestyle for a bit to get an i dea and feel for the track, then everything falls into place.

Do you believe an expensive sample is a necessary component of a good beat, and nowadays artists cannot affords paying big bucks for sample clearance and this is one of the reasons why hip-hop is not as it used to be?

- Nah, I mean I'm one thats all about sampled beats but as far as it being a necessary component I don't think so. If you look back to when Hip Hop was at its best and purest there weren't really any samples at all, just simple drum loops, and in my opinion those beats were the ones that really hit you in the heart.

Would you rather perform on stage or sit in the studio and create a perfect track?

- It honestly depends..if you have seen me and crew rock a live show then you know we live for performing live, it's what we thrive on. But when it's time to work on an album the studio is your home, temple whatever..and that's where you need to be at all times.

Listening to your mixtapes I felt, you have a very soothing voice and no matter what mood one is in, they will enjoy you on the track. But, How would you describe your style?

- Word up, i appreciate that, it's hard to really define my style since my influences range so far you can kind of get a feel for different styles when listening to my projects, but i guess you could say i'm more along the lines of Soul inspired Hip Hop.

Can you talk about your past discography?

- My first offical solo release was the album "Revolutionary Ruins" under the label VikingLike LTD. it was my first full length album, but i honestly feel it was the only project that lacked proper direction. I stay putting out mixtapes year round, most known are probably "In Due Time" and "The Dusty Stereo" mixtapes. Myself and Ethah of Hybrid Thoughts just recently put out our album "Hybrid Genetics" and ive appeared as features on countless albums and mixtapes.

Any plans to do a track with any wu killah bees?

- Yes, i got few coming in 2010 both production and features..however thats gotta be kept under wraps until it happens.

- Thats a tough question, I'd have to say any of the generals.

What projects can we expect to see from you?

- Myself and Ethah just released the album "Hybrid Genetics" which features cats like Craig G, Big Shug(Gangstarr Foundation), Access Immortal, and more..My group Hybrid Thoughts is currently working on our first official group album "Genetics Of The Gods" which should be out by Fall of 2010, and myself and DJ Reel Drama are currently working on an untitled EP.

What are your favorite things about Boston Hip-Hop Scene?

- The Boston Hip Hop scene is definatley tightly knit..I think the problem in the past with the scene here is the lack of support from each other, but that seems to be ending which is good.

Any Shoutouts?

- Peace to my family, they all know who they are.

Any last words of wisdom for the fans?

- Don't be blinded and don't be a drone. Keep the true essence of Hip Hop alive!..peace to Wu Forever.