NO STORY
JUST LIFE
early opportunity
The origin of an iconic figure
Rebellious Curiosity
Break the rules to stand out
Frugal for growth
Find opportunities from nothing
Not so original
Build on what's already created
Skin in the game
Invest in yourself
Create leverage
Ditch middle man
NEXT CHAPTER ( ) LAST ALBUM ( ) DONE WITH RAPPING, bACK TO CLASS ( ) BUT THIS TIME I'M THE MASTER
Once Upon A Time
For 'No Story, Just Life,' this song, the album opener, came together in a unique way. Stephen Cunny's loop inspired me, and I wrote the verses on the spot. He added an organ, and I wanted a choir. COVID made it challenging, but Helga Buitelaar's creativity prevailed. Thanks to all involved!
I MISS MY MAMA NOW
During a tough period in my life, losing both parents in a short span, I turned to music. Nick (Moods) sent me a beat we'd shelved earlier. It sparked my creativity, and I wrote this song in 15/20 mins, a form of self-therapy. Thanks to Nick, Roy, and supportive friends.
Anaïs
While writing 'I Miss My Mama Now,' my girl discovered she was pregnant, bringing joy amid sadness. We cherished this emotional journey, falling in love with our unborn child's heartbeat. I recorded the echo and, with Niels Broos, turned it into a song celebrating our son (praise you bro). Randall added the perfect touch with his trumpet (thanks bro). Special thanks to my amazing wife for this ode to new life; you are the greatest and the only Goddess I believe in. I love you.
Guidance
In 2018, after a gig in Amsterdam, feeling tangled from personal losses, I sought a unique musical outlet. Instead of the usual rap verse or hook, I reached out to Izak Boom, known for a different genre. He sent me 15 instrumentals, and one clicked. I opened a bottle of Metaxa and recorded raw, heartfelt lyrics in my home studio. We kept those first takes, and ending with "I love you" conveyed my gratitude to those who supported me during that difficult period.
APOLOGIZE
In 2012/2013, I created "Apologize", a timeless track thanks to Moods' production. Originally meant to sing about relationship issues, it took on new meaning after my losses. Niels Broos added Rhodes and synth sounds, enhancing the magic. Nick and Niels should collaborate on an album; their skills are unmatched.
Early Retirement
feat. The Outlawz, Self Dialect & Freedom Writers
I connected with my favorite hip-hop group, The Outlawz, and even befriended Young Noble. I taught at New Arts from 2011 to 2016, drawing inspiration from Erin Gruwell's "Freedom Writers." My talented students formed Freedom Writers, like the original. I mentioned working with The Lawz and asked some of my students to jump on a new song with me and The Outlawz. The day E.D.I. and Noble joined us in the studio was fantastic. They penned lyrics on the spot. We created a video, and that's how "Early Retirement" happened!
WHY?
In 2012, at Steven Rietveld's Rotterdam apartment, we crafted "Why?" in a single productive afternoon. His unique samples sparked my creativity, and I penned the lyrics on the spot. The news of conflict in Israel/Palestine stirred empathy, leading me to write a story reflecting life's unfairness.
Leave Me The F@*k Alone
Created this beat in 2007 after a South Africa and Lesotho tour with my former crew Devastators after winning a talent competition. The title captures its essence. Initially hesitant to share, but now it's time to move forward. Mastermind Demis Iossifidis added the bouzouki, making this song complete.
No Story, JUST LIFE
feat. The Game, Anaïs & Young Noble
I produced the music about 15 years ago, and in 2012, Young Noble added his verse in DJ Prace's studio. Something felt missing, so I didn't release it. The track needed a vocal intro that blended rap and poetry. Years later, in 2021, I reached out to The Game to contribute and he delivered exactly what I needed. My beautiful son Anaïs added the finishing touch by doing add-lips and announcing the album name in the chorus and blessing the outro.
SANTIAGO
feat. Xzibit
While writing my TEDx Talk, I was reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Realizing that life is a ride (so buckle up), I reflected on the past years and tried to capture those moments in words. I sat down with Izak Boom, who produced the whole record, and told him I obtained a verse by Xzibit with similar content (I grew up on music from X to the Z so this was amazing). We wanted to create a record where we preached the gospel, and that's what we did. The outro was inspired by Xenakis, a Greek conductor.
PHILOSOPHIES
feat. Masta Ace
In 2017, Masta Ace and Marco Polo lit up my hometown, Gorinchem. I connected with Ace for 'Philosophies.' Jozai Senjo, my childhood friend, crafted the beat, and I co-produced and mixed it—a challenging but rewarding task. Helga Buitelaar's choir and Delano's beatboxing added magic. These moments bring me back to the good times.
Wanted to talk about it
feat. Elameen & Metalz
Amine El Filali, my cherished friend for decades, shares a unique bond. Music, our lifelong companion, transcends time and distance. In 2018, while he visited the Netherlands, we created songs, including one on a Jozai Senjo beat. Metalz from Zegevier joined us as we explored the depths of friendship. This conversation was essential, a testament to our enduring connection. Just wanted to talk about it.
THE UNSEEN
feat. Snoop Dogg
The album was done… mixed and ready for mastering… But then this happened…
Georgios: ‘Yo Izak, you will not believe this, but I just got a verse from Snoop’
Izak: ‘Say what? Let me hear that.’I wanted to blend different cultures that enriched me/us in this song. The Greek elements are supported by the bouzouki, played by my bro Demis Iossifidis, the classical elements by opting for something without drums and bass. Sprinkle some hip-hop over it with some dope verses, and you get 'The Unseen'. Snoop Dogg on 'No Story, Just Life' is the cherry on top for me.
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
Realized this song after a 2-hour talk with Nerko Hadziarapovic. We shared our East European roots, living in the Netherlands, and the absence of fathers while being fathers ourselves. Nerko sent the instrumental, and I penned and recorded it. Our kids joined, making it a family project. Thanks, Nerko, for everything.
ONCE UPON A TIME
I MISS MY MAMA NOW
Anaïs (Prod. by Niels Broos)
Guidance
APOLOGIZE
Early Retirement
WHY?
Leave Me The F@*k Alone
No Story, JUST LIFE
SANTIAGO
PHILOSOPHIES
Wanted to talk about it
THE UNSEEN
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
We still have ( ) missing pieces of the ( ) story. Hopefully these videos can fill in the ( ) gaps.
Not top secret
(4)
Sources
Complex
Video
How KAWS Became the Face Of Contemporary Art | Blueprint
Bloomberg
Video
The Evolution of KAWS' Street Art Aesthetic | Brilliant Ideas Ep. 29
Reserve Channel
Video
Pharrell Williams Interviews David Salle & KAWS | ARTST TLK Ep. 2 Full | Reserve Channel
Hypebeast
Video
KAWS x i-D Magazine Video Interview
WANT TO PRE-SAVE THE THIRD ALBUM BY GEORGIOS LAZAKIS?
Part of the profits of this album go to three children that endured hard knocks.
