Paul Marz, is a first generation Egyptian-American underground MC, lyricist, producer and co-owner of the popular battle rap league iBattle. Born in Staten Island, New York, a dedicated student of hip hop culture, Marz began his journey performing in NYC’s underground rap scene in 2008. The concentrated scene allowed Marz to gain experience with weekly open mics and performances. While living at Staten Island’s central hub for artists, the “House of Dreams” studio, he would gain the knowledge to build his foundation and hone his craft among a number of fellow aspiring creatives, MCs and producers. He began pursuing an independent path with longtime childhood friend, and founder of the hip hop collective Stereotype Co. Dave Noodlez, selling merchandise at underground shows.
From 2010-2013 he released several mixtapes and collaboration projects, beginning with “Welcome to Marz”, comprised of lyrics written in his teenage years. His first full studio album, “Sword of Sound” was released in 2013, produced by J. Glaze and included notable features from veterans like Freeway & Math Hoffa. The project was well received among top blogs in the newly formed, internet dominated atmosphere that resulted from the rise of dependence on social media. Marz capitalized on this momentum, touring around the United States, performing at festivals including SXSW, touring Australia along with affiliates Zu-Ninjaz, Solomon Childs and The Alkaholiks. He recorded his verses for the mixtape “Three Days in the Tomb” with Australia’s DJ Rellik in three days while on tour.
In the following years, Marz began taking steps towards a larger role in the hip hop community from MC to mentor. As the realm of hip hop became more saturated with artists lacking substance, he found himself searching elsewhere. He took interest to the the increasing emphasis on lyricism during the early stages of the modern era of battle rap. In 2012 he began traveling with longtime friend and now well revered battle rap entity, Lexx Luthor, when Lexx was beginning his career. Immersed in the niche world of battle rap, focus was shifted from performing to creating a platform for the next generation of MCs. They began traveling to Toronto, working with league owner Kriss Cane & Beastmode and eventually would help expand the league to create the Beastmode NY division.
In 2017 the rising platform iBattle (founded in Connecticut) was purchased by Marz, Lexx and Matty J of “The Higher Concept”. During the rebuilding process, the increase of digital consumption was taken into consideration and the team moved their focus to successfully creating the iBattleTV app in an attempt to extend the art of battle rap to a larger audience.
In 2019 Marz returned to the studio with newly acquired production skills. His latest project titled “Self Made” features production from P. Souloist (Amsterdam) and J. Glaze, but is the first album where we hear Marz rap on tracks that he has produced. Marz is currently active throwing monthly iBattle events with a new project on the way.
From 2010-2013 he released several mixtapes and collaboration projects, beginning with “Welcome to Marz”, comprised of lyrics written in his teenage years. His first full studio album, “Sword of Sound” was released in 2013, produced by J. Glaze and included notable features from veterans like Freeway & Math Hoffa. The project was well received among top blogs in the newly formed, internet dominated atmosphere that resulted from the rise of dependence on social media. Marz capitalized on this momentum, touring around the United States, performing at festivals including SXSW, touring Australia along with affiliates Zu-Ninjaz, Solomon Childs and The Alkaholiks. He recorded his verses for the mixtape “Three Days in the Tomb” with Australia’s DJ Rellik in three days while on tour.
In the following years, Marz began taking steps towards a larger role in the hip hop community from MC to mentor. As the realm of hip hop became more saturated with artists lacking substance, he found himself searching elsewhere. He took interest to the the increasing emphasis on lyricism during the early stages of the modern era of battle rap. In 2012 he began traveling with longtime friend and now well revered battle rap entity, Lexx Luthor, when Lexx was beginning his career. Immersed in the niche world of battle rap, focus was shifted from performing to creating a platform for the next generation of MCs. They began traveling to Toronto, working with league owner Kriss Cane & Beastmode and eventually would help expand the league to create the Beastmode NY division.
In 2017 the rising platform iBattle (founded in Connecticut) was purchased by Marz, Lexx and Matty J of “The Higher Concept”. During the rebuilding process, the increase of digital consumption was taken into consideration and the team moved their focus to successfully creating the iBattleTV app in an attempt to extend the art of battle rap to a larger audience.
In 2019 Marz returned to the studio with newly acquired production skills. His latest project titled “Self Made” features production from P. Souloist (Amsterdam) and J. Glaze, but is the first album where we hear Marz rap on tracks that he has produced. Marz is currently active throwing monthly iBattle events with a new project on the way.