If the blockbuster hit Straight Outta Compton is to be given any credit—beyond its obvious brilliant character development, compelling plot-line, and incredible soundtrack—it’s that it illuminates the somewhat unfamiliar journey of young, up-and-coming Hip Hop artists. These artists, not yet recognized for their talent, are usually tangled in the complicated throes of life—maintaining that delicate balance between pursuing their passions and trying to succeed in a society that demands their nine-to-five participation. And yet they do it.

One hip-hop artist (straight outta Kuwait) does it particularly well—Frizzy Dizzy. From Toronto to the Middle East, Frizzy has felt inspired to create a sound that communicates to the masses. Committed to breaking down the stereotypes of Arab people everywhere, his music demonstrates a unique sound by blending Eastern and Western styles. He does so by involving a number of different local and universal instruments and by using a tight mixture of English and Arabic in his lyrics. The multinational power of his persona and his music is fantastically evident!

You’ve come from humble beginnings, grinding your way up and through the music scene in Kuwait. Can you describe this journey? What exactly drew you to the industry?

It was my love for music. I’ve been a fan of Rap/Hip-Hop music from a very young age. I used to freestyle as a hobby with my friends. Then, after I moved back to Kuwait in 2007 (from Toronto, Canada) I started recording songs in the studio. It wasn’t until 2014 when I decided to release my music to the public and introduce myself as a rapper. Most recently, I’ve released my single ‘Tarab’ in which we used a classic sample from legendary Arabic singer Um Kalthoom. We also used classical Arabic instruments such as the oud and mixed it with modern day Hip-Hop beats. The track featured Kuwaiti rap artist/actor Bader Al-Hindyani and the video cameod a lot of known talented artists from Kuwait: comedian Mohammed Aqua; public figure Shredded Diesel; graffiti artist Monstariam; and break-dancers Dossy & Slashz. This journey has been amazing and full of so many surprises and achievements. I am truly grateful and proud for all the accomplishments I’ve experienced.

How does being Kuwaiti influence your style?

In many ways, actually. From the image, to the lyrics, to the music, to the topics and the messages. Hip-Hop is about being true to who you are. Bringing my Kuwaiti roots into the music makes it possible for me to have my own style – this is very important in Rap music.

Kuwait has quite a thriving arts scene, both above and underground. How do you feel you contribute to this creative community?

I give back to this community by representing and staying true to who I am as an artist. Since I’m from Kuwait, it’s only right I rap about what’s going on here. I believe that it’s very important to enlighten people all over the world about our culture, history, and traditions. I’ve managed to accomplish this on an underground and mainstream level through my music. I’m also pleased to see other rappers getting creative with their work with how they represent Kuwait. You should never be ashamed of who you are.

And, what’s the most challenging thing about being a hip-hop artist in Kuwait?

The most challenging thing, by far, is grabbing people’s attention and convincing them to take your art seriously. Rap or Hip-Hop music is rarely taken seriously in Kuwait due to its often misunderstood stereotypes (especially for local artists). Even though the rap scene has become big in the last couple of years—and continues to grow—I still believe that it will take some time to gain the full support of the public.

Art is said to be the great dissolver of barriers. What grand gesture, if any, do you hope to achieve with your music?

Along with getting regional and global recognition, I want to be able to teach—to show and educate people all over the world about Kuwait and Arabs in general. Changing the negative stereotypes of Arabs into a positive one is one of my top priorities as a Kuwaiti rapper.

Lastly, what’s next for Frizzy Dizzy?

Well I will be releasing singles here and there, but my main focus is the album I’m working on right now, titled Sunny Side Up. In it there will be numerous collaborations; amongst those are Amin Fari, Arabique, and the amazing poet Fatima (Faswords). The whole concept of this album is to produce a Hip-Hop sound coming straight from Kuwait. It will consist of Kuwaiti flavors, lyrics, topics, and any vibes that relate to Kuwait in general – and I am so excited for it!

You can follow Frizzy Dizzy on Instagram @Frizzy_Dizzy to keep updated with all his latest projects.