Krypol Haze Watches His Back

In a new video for “Lookin’ Over My Shoulder,” Krypol Haze and Sertified post up in an alleyway, contemplating an education on the streets and their healthy distrust for the law. Save carefree vibes for summer jams. This is paranoia rap for the winter of our discontent.

Krypol Haze (Photo by Nay Michel)

Verbally acrobatic South Austin native, Haze (born Sean Hayes) rattles off a litany of stresses on the track from his sophomore album, Induced.

“Questions that you would rather not ask us
Top caskets with liquor and dropped ashes
A life full of cold sweats and hot flashes
And paranoia every time the cops pass us.”

“Songs like this stem from life experiences and situations where you find out there’s not too many people out there you can trust,” explains Haze, calling the song one of his most authentic and honest. “[You] always have to be on guard.”

Fellow born-n-raised local Sertified (John David Flores Jr.) boasts a nasally, staccato flow that anchored strong 2016 collection Chips and Salsa: The Side Order. He keeps pace with Haze on a lead-off verse about trying to outrun the game over a piano-accented beat produced by Boz aka DaBoznian.

“The style of this song is a clear representation of what our city sounds like in my opinion, from the drum sequences to the sample choice,” offers the guest MC. “Just wait ’til you hear what else the ATX rap scene’s got coming. It’s on the way.”

Next up for Haze, a Los Angeles appearance on Feb. 11 with Mad Macks.