Hardcore Champ: Summer Slam Interview with Ontario Emcee Sayzee

Ontario emcee Sayzee is back in the ring with his latest release, SUMMER SLAM, a 10-track album that channels the raw energy of underground rap and the theatrical chaos of pro wrestling. The self-produced album hits harder than a Ric Flair chop to the throat, with more intensity than a hard-core title match.

Designed to grip both rap fans and wrestling heads alike, SUMMER SLAM isn’t just an album, it’s a full-on spectacle. In this exclusive interview, we step inside the steel cage with Sayzee to talk about his creative process, the vision behind SUMMER SLAM, and how he managed to bridge the two worlds together. Grab hold of the turnbuckle, cuz here we go!

First off, congrats on the new album! You don’t hear conceptual projects too often these days. How did it come about, and what led you to take this direction?

Thank you, bro. And thank you for all the support this year. You played my shit more than a few times. I appreciate that for real. I’ve always been one to take on conceptual projects, from the Freddy Krueger series YFRWN to all the Dragon Ball saga tapes.

The wrestling theme was kind of special to me. I did an album called Sayzor Ramon back in 2013, about the legendary Scott Hall. SUMMER SLAM is kind of a spiritual successor to that tape. I’ve watched wrestling my whole life, and I knew I could tap into that energy for this tape. I just needed the right beats, so I decided to make them myself.

Rumor has it you completed the project in just a week. Fact or cap?

Facts! The creation process for SUMMER SLAM took about six days. I just locked in and banged out the 10 songs without any interruptions. Mixing took a little longer, but all the beats, rapping, and artwork were completed in less than a week.

With complete creative control over the project, did you find the process more difficult to handle?

Naw, I honestly found it easier. Usually, I know what I want to create in my mind before I get started. Being able to craft the right soundtrack for the mood I’m in is clutch. All my music is mood-dependent and done on the fly.

You’ve been cooking with the visuals lately. Do you plan on releasing any music videos to accompany the project?

Definitely! I dropped BIG VAN VADER with some DIY footage to tease the project. It was the first time I edited visuals on my own. Shit was hard lol! I’m also dropping a video for MEAN GENE MACHINE shortly after the album release. Most likely, I’ll shoot one for PUT A TENT UP, the joint I did with Jason Packs.

Is this project a standalone release, or should fans expect a follow-up around this time next year?

You never know when another elbow drop might connect. There are plenty of PPVs I could make themes around. We’ll see what happens.

We wouldn’t be surprised if you had another project set for later this year. What’s next for Sayzee?

I’m dropping an album with producer supergroup LUPARA next. You can expect that project in a few weeks. I also have an album alongside legendary producer Finn, scheduled for the end of summer. Currently, I’m working on Smoke Wave 2 with Jamal Gasol, and SUN IS OUT 2 with Tona. Just try to stay busy fam!

SUMMER SLAM is available on all digital streaming platforms. Tap in today for a listen! For more music-related news and all future releases, follow Sayzee by clicking the links below.

BANDCAMP | APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY

YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM