Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Marz

New York hip-hop and rap artist Marz is the guy who’s taken the industry by storm. Not only does he dance, rap, and model, he’s an up-and-coming actor who can be seen in a nationwide McDonald’s commercial currently airing on MTV, VH1, BET, Fox, and other networks. When he’s not crushing it on screen, he’s gracing the stage opening up for artists like Diggy, Mindless Behavior, and more.

In November 2019, he released his highly anticipated full-length project Making Younger Me Proud (under the moniker “That Guy Marz”), highlighting his struggles and how he overcame them. Pop Culturalist caught up with Marz to chat about the album.

PC: You’re an actor, dancer, model, and rapper. How did you discover your passion for the arts? Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Marz: I discovered my passion for the arts around the age of eight. Being in my neighborhood, I was always rapping. But I realized I liked to dance after listening to Michael Jackson, Usher, Missy Elliott, and eventually Chris Brown. That’s when I realized I wanted to pursue a career as an entertainer. Acting came along from watching TV and wanting to be on the screen.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Marz: At this moment, I would say Chris Brown. He’s one of those people who has pushed me to be the greatest version of myself and what I want to do.

PC: Having grown up in Queens, New York: how influential has that been on your career?
Marz: Growing up in Queens has made me the person that I am. Growing up in my hood in Lefrak City, Queens and everything I’ve seen and experienced has made me the artist and person I am today. It’s very raw. It was humble beginnings. I appreciate where I’m from.

PC: You recently released Making Younger Me Proud. What inspired that collection?
Marz: My journey throughout music and me proving that I deserve to be here. That’s basically what that project is all about. I talk a lot about my struggles and obstacles that set me back but also motivated me to push through.

PC: If you had to choose one song off Making Younger Me Proud that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Marz: That’s a hard question! I would say “The Storm” because I’m really telling you my story through my lyrics and rap.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: First album you bought?
Marz: It was probably Lil Bow Wow’s Beware Of Dog.

PC: First concert you attended?
Marz: It was probably a concert at Madison Square Garden with artists like Lil Bow Wow, Omarion, and people of that nature.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Marz: I don’t know if there’s an album that’s changed my life, but there are some that have inspired me to keep doing what I’m doing.

PC: A venue on your bucket list?
Marz: Sounds of Brazil

PC: A must-have on the road?
Marz: My headphones

To keep up with Marz, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream Making Younger Me Proud on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.