California-based bilingual hip-hop artist Phaze has released his new single “Vengo De Nada,” featuring David Rolas and produced by Choko Beats. The track is a bold statement of resilience and ambition that bridges cultures and sounds. Driven by a dark, bass-heavy beat layered with eerie synths and sharp trap percussion, it highlights Phaze’s ability to shift seamlessly between English and Spanish, delivering verses that feel both intimate and resonant.
“Here’s how it all came together: I had a studio session with Choko, and we had recorded one song already, when we were done, David Rolas came into the room, and we were going to work on a song, and David was taking the initiative until he had to go drop off his cousin. In the meantime Choko played another four bar drum pattern and I preferred that so we decided to do that and in 20 minutes Choko worked his magic and my vocals were laid out already and that’s when David Rolas comes back into the studio and listened to the song and stayed in awe and said to me ‘Phaze, I know it’s your song, but could I get on it?’ I told him, hell yeah, of course, that was the whole reason for this, and the rest is history,” explained Phaze.
With a cadence that is at once conversational and commanding, Phaze rides the beat in tight pockets, building momentum through bursts of intensity that amplify the song’s raw urgency. Delivered largely as a freestyle, “Vengo De Nada” captures his unfiltered energy in the moment, framing his journey as both personal testimony and a universal come-up anthem — a declaration of starting from nothing and pushing forward with unshakable determination.
“‘Vengo De Nada’ really means ‘I come from nothing’ — not in life, but in music. I started from ground zero with no connections, just a dream. The song is meant to be inspirational, to show people that they can do it too. I’m also a recovering addict — I’ve been fentanyl-free for three years now — and part of my mission is to give people hope,” continued Phaze. “I want them to know they’re not alone, that God’s got them, and that they have a purpose. If they see someone like me, who struggled with addiction, pushing forward and succeeding, maybe it motivates them to believe they can turn their lives around too.”
Rooted in his El Monte, California upbringing but reaching toward a global audience, Phaze blends West Coast hip-hop grit with modern Latin trap edge, crafting a sound that is fresh, authentic, and undeniably his own. Even his stage name, Phaze, reflects that journey of growth and transformation.
“I went through all kinds of phases — wanting to be a DJ, a rocker, a singer, a drummer, and then back to hip-hop,” he recalled. His logo, featuring three pyramids set against a purple haze, carries deeper meaning as well: as a Third Degree Mason, it symbolizes mystery, resilience, and evolution — themes that echo throughout his music.
“Vengo De Nada” also marks the first single off Phaze’s first debut album, If It Weren’t For You — a deeply personal body of work released under his own label, Purple Pyramids. While his last project was a mixtape back in 2016, this album represents a major milestone, featuring 17 tracks drawn from true stories and life lessons. Each song reflects pivotal experiences that have shaped him — from struggles with addiction to heartbreak, faith, and redemption. As Phaze explains through the album’s title, If It Weren’t For You is about acknowledging the people, moments, and challenges — good and bad — that made him who he is today.
“If it weren’t for these situations, for this substance, for this girl, for being in dark spaces, for God’s help, for my parents…I wouldn’t know what I know today — it can apply to anybody,” shared Phaze.
Releasing on September 14, If It Weren’t For You carries added meaning for Phaze. The date marks both the album and single’s release, chosen in memory of his late best friend, Michael Fabacher, whose birthday falls on the same day. The project also pays tribute to Phaze’s roots — with a father from Matagalpa, Nicaragua, and a mother from Guadalajara, Mexico — grounding his music in a sense of heritage and identity. Though If It Weren’t For You is his official debut album, Phaze has been dedicated to music for two decades, beginning at just 15 years old.
“Actually, now that we’re talking about it, I’ve been playing around with music since I was a young kid,” said Phaze. “My mom was the first to really get me into it — she encouraged me to start writing. Over time, I discovered Eminem; he became my idol. He’s the reason I fell in love with hip-hop.”
In addition to hip-hop and rap, If It Weren’t For You expands Phaze’s sound across genres, weaving in Latin urban, Spanish hip-hop, reggaeton, trap, and even corridos. The album also brings together a range of collaborators who add their own unique voices to the project. Krypto of AK47 Boys Sucios lends his raw energy to “Smoking On All In My Zone,” while singer Jiana appears on “I Do.” Angelito joins Phaze on the corrido-inspired “El Angelito,” and Los Angeles rapper Swifty Blue is featured on “First You Make It Big.” David Rolas also makes a feature appearance in the album on “Vengo De Nada.”
“I’m everything in one — I manage, I write, I produce, I mix, and engineer. The only thing I don’t really do is make my own beats. I’ve done it before, but it’s not my strength. All the lyrics are mine, while the beats come from different producers,” Phaze noted, underscoring the hands-on approach that defines his work.
To complete the process, the album was mastered by longtime collaborator Choko Beats, ensuring a cohesive sound across all 17 tracks. Together, these collaborations highlight the album’s versatility and Phaze’s ability to bridge different corners of the Latin and hip-hop markets.
“I really encourage people to listen all the way through,” remarked Phaze. “I grew up on albums where every track flowed into the next and together, they told a complete story. That’s what I wanted to create with If It Weren’t For You — something you experience from beginning to end, where each song adds another layer to the bigger picture.”
With the official music video for “Vengo De Nada” currently in the works and slated for release in the coming weeks, Phaze shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can stream his music on all major streaming platforms and stay tuned for updates, new releases, and appearances by following him on his social media.
“This single and album are about blessings, about the past, and about finding the strength to keep moving forward while spreading a positive message,” Phaze reflected. “I want to thank my family, my mom and dad, and my close friends for always supporting me. And to all my people out there in the streets — with God’s help, you can find your way back home. Drugs are nothing to play with; they open doors you can’t close. But there’s always hope, and there’s always a way forward.”
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The HU are a Mongolian heavy metal group with a powerful mission—to share their country’s rich culture with the world. Their music blends traditional Mongolian folk sounds, including the art of throat singing, with a bold modern edge. Their songs draw inspiration from ancient poetry and battle chants, creating a sound that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly original. This distinctive style has earned them a massive global following, with each new release and tour attracting even more devoted fans.
I had the chance to sit down with the four founding members for an interview, joined by a translator, during the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
Band Members:
Nyamjantsan "Jaya" Galsanjamts – (tumur hhuur, tsuur, throat singing)
Galbadrakh "Gala" Tsendbaatar – (morin khuur, throat singing)
Enkhsaikhan "Enkush" Batjargal – (morin khuur, throat singing)
Temuulen "Temka" Naranbaatar – (tovshuur, backing vocals)
We just started the festival, but that’s the best show I’m going to probably see, so thank you!
Temka - Thank you very much.
Your two highest streamed singles, (“Yuvu Yuvu Yu” and “Wolf Totem”) have over 140 million YouTube views combined. Were you surprised by the level of popularity it achieved online?
Jaya - Of course, you know, we wanted to have some kind of success and when we started this thing. We wanted to share our Mongolian culture with the world, and when we posted those singles on YouTube, the numbers went so high and so fast. We were super happy with the outcome.
What was it like meeting the president of Mongolia? Is the president a fan of your music?
Enkush - It was a great visit! First of all, it was a great honor for us meeting our president. He’s a rocker guy. He loves rock music. AC/DC. Metallica. So it was a very friendly visit. He was super down to earth. In the past, he actually worked with our producer Dash (Dashdondog Bayarmagnai), and so, it was a good meeting.
That’s a good segue into our next question! You were asked to participate in a 30th anniversary album for Metallica called Metallica Blacklist. They are local legends here. Were you big fans of them growing up? And what was that experience like?
Gala - Well of course, you know, we’ve all grown up listening to Metallica. They’re our idols.
Enkush - We have always looked up to them and we were dreaming to be like them, and working with them was just amazing. It’s a dream come true.
When did it start that people shouted “HU” at your shows? Does that happen most of the time?
Temka - (laughs) You know, every show we go to the people chant “HU! HU!” Especially at our headline shows. We’ll be in the green room changing and when people start chanting, “HU! HU!”, we’ll know that time is up and we’re ready to perform. And yeah. Everywhere we go, the people chant “HU!”
It made me feel like I was at an AC/DC show where people chanted “Oy!” or a Ramones show. It felt great!
Temka - Yeah!
Of all the bands who start with “The”, who is each of your favorites, besides “The HU” obviously!
Enkush - The Strokes (pointing to interviewer)
Yes! I’m glad someone finally understands my costume! (dressed as Fabrizio Moretti, drummer of the Strokes, who are headlining that nite).
Jaya - The Kooks
Gala - The other Who
(laughs) Nice! I saw them play at this festival at the same stage you just played actually. And what was yours?
Temka - The Beatles
Can’t go wrong there! Do any of you ever sing English language karaoke songs, but in a traditional Mongolian throat singing voice?
The HU - (laughs) Yes.
(laughs) What are some favorites?
Gala - (in regular speaking voice) “Can’t take my eyes off of…” (in Mongolian throat singing voice) “YOUUUUUUUUUU.”
(laughs)
Temka - (in Mongolian throat singing voice) “I LOVE YOU BABYYYYYY.”
Incredible… Thank you!
Translator - Picture?
Yeah!
The HU - (while posing for picture, in unison Mongolian throat singing voice) HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
Photo Credit: Enkhbat Nyamkhishig