LAZA Formerly Of The Popular LMS Group

Being a member of the world renowned Morgan Family is no easy feat. But, if your dream is to make it in the music industry, it sure has its advantages.

Laza, formerly of the popular LMS group, is currently recording his first solo album to be released later this year entitled Words of A Poor Man’s Son. Laza took on the deejaying (Jamaican style of rap) role within the group taking cues from a host of hip-hoppers (Rakim, KRS One, Special Ed and Run-DMC among them) as well as the hardcore dancehall toasters of the mid 80’s and early 90’s (Supercat, Ninja Man, Capleton, and Buju Banton). The group, in existence for little under a decade, decided to concentrate on their solo projects.

Laza’s album on the family label, Gedion Music, will be a unique mixture of Hip Hop, Roots Reggae and Dancehall. He will take some of his own personal experiences and enlist the aid of producers such as Mr. Mojo (from Morgan Heritage), Legendary Hip-hop producer Clark Kent, Shane Brown(Juke Boxx), Fattis Burrell, Bobby Digital, and upcoming Hip-Hop producer Reefa among many others.

The first two singles as a solo artiste reflect the diverse musical influences that inspire Laza. Brother Mr. Mojo brings in the legendary Ninja Man to toast on the lead single, Number One, currently being serviced at radio. Raw and poinent lyrics urgently delivered over Shane Brown’s instrument rich Chaos riddim describe Laza’s follow up single, What A Gwaan.

Laza grew up in Brooklyn, NY, attended school in Springfield, MA and lived in a distinctly Jamaican household. Surrounded by music [father Denroy Morgan had a crossover hit in the early 80’s with I’ll Do Anything For You while siblings Morgan Heritage earned the title “The Royal Family of Reggae”] Laza took to the business at a very young age. As early as age 7, Laza became very interested in Hip Hop and by the age of 13, his father introduced him to Dancehall. He has a special appreciation for Roots Reggae as he views it as a timeless sub-genre of Reggae.

In 1990, Laza started a group with his brother, Shy-Poo, called “The Dredz” and after performing at Reggae Sunsplash in 1992, they signed a record deal with MCA and recorded an album that was never released. In 1996, the family visited Jamaica and while here, they decided to form LMS, which is an acronym of the names of the members of the group; Laza, Miriam and Shy-Poo.

The newly formed group was well received, released four albums [Reality Check, Zion Gates, Straight from Root and London 2 Paris] and toured the world with Morgan Heritage. Now, as a solo artiste, Laza continues to tour with his siblings as a featured performer.

His dynamic background, contributes to his equally eclectic musical style and sound. “I can sound like an American and I can sound like a Jamaican. When the mixture comes together through music, it’s like magic.” When compared with Morgan Heritage’s R&B vocals, Laza simply describes his vocals as “raw”, especially when he raps. He is also quick to say that his father has played a major role in his music career as “he kept us focused- focused on our music.”

Laza comments that, “It’s harder being a solo artiste ‘cause I don’t have my brother or sister to fall back on, everything’s on me.”