Connecting with a Global Audience Is Just the Beginning for Lebanese Artist Elie Al Hajj (Ely)

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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