From the 505 to the 303: Codyak and His Hip-Hop
“Truth, in the form of hip-hop.” This is how Cody Walizer, a DU sophomore who raps under the name of Codyak, describes his music. An Albuquerque native, Walizer says that he has “always loved music and making noise. I have been rapping since I was very little, but the first time I ever played music formally was in middle School.” The turning point came in high school, when he began work at a local music venue called Warehouse 508. After this, it’s safe to say that he “never looked back.”
What artists is Walizer influenced by? “Immortal Technique is a huge influence on me. I look to the classic hip-hop artists as inspiration: Biggie, Pac, Nas…way too many to name. Real hip hop is all I listen to.” It is perhaps no coincidence that he mentions the song “Industrial Revolution” by rapper and activist Immortal Technique as his favorite song by another artist, because “it still gives me chills even though I’ve heard it more than a thousand times…incredibly dope lyricist.”
Many artists attempt to articulate their life experiences and unique story through their music, and Walizer is no different. “My lyrics come from my experience. This last project I just released was all about my experiences in Albuquerque with narcotics and with the lifestyle that surrounds them. I guess my lyrics are my story…that’s why they are so important to me.” This recent project was the Breaking Bad mixtape, a set of nine tracks named after and inspired by the hit TV show that resulted from a year’s work. He cites the song “Burque,” a song included on this mixtape that is inspired by his hometown of Albuquerque, as “the best song I’ve ever made.” (You can listen to the mixtape, free of charge, here.)
In addition to releasing the Breaking Bad mixtape as well as many other tracks, Walizer has played gigs in both New Mexico and Colorado. He has shared the stage with well-known Denver artists such as The Tickle Mafia, in addition to Solar One, Mic Deli, and Justin Hood, all of whom also have Albuquerque roots.
What advice does Walizer have for aspiring musicians? It is perhaps unsurprising that his statement when asked this question is just as bold and visionary as his lyrics. “Just do it, and don’t let anyone tell you how.”