Kevin Thomas, a.k.a. KAZE (pronounced Kah-zee) wasn’t born in Chapel Hill but he considers himself a Tar Heel. When Kaze was 13, the family picked up and moved to North Carolina and Kaze has made a name for himself in the arts, music, and civic engagement ever since.
Kaze is an actor, among other talents, and recently co-starred in: “A Such A Thing As Too Late.” Says the movie promo: “After awaking in a state of limbo, an adulterous and abusive husband is forced to face the tragic consequences of his deeds on his 10th wedding anniversary “
Check-out his inspiring performance here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15452728/?ref_=tt_mv_close
While at the University of North Carolina (UNC- Chapel Hill), Kaze created a crew (eventually a campus cultural organization) called Hip Hop Nation. Comprised of poets, breakers, and musicians, several members at Hip Hop Nation earned record deals and began touring during Kaze’s tenure. Hip Hop Nation would also begin the continuing “Pit Cypher” and eventually lobby the student government for the funds that would lead to the first recording studio being built on UNC’s campus.
Kaze parlayed a website into a job creating content with a production company where the TV show “Hip Hop Nation” would be born. Starring Kaze & K Foxx (of Hot 97 fame) and featuring theme music by 9th Wonder, Hip Hop Nation provided early coverage for the likes of Guilty Simpson, King Gordy, Frank N Dank and Nelly, and showed love to the legends with segments on DJ Premier, RZA and Large Professor, amongst others.
Along with coverage of other new artists, Hip Hop Nation gave Kaze a competitive edge when it came to releasing his debut album, “Spirit of ’94”. Through that project he was propelled into the local spotlight for up and coming artists, and following up with “Enemy of the State”, “Word on the Street”, “Block 2 the Basement”, “First In Flight,” and “Black Kennedy” has continued to keep the hype around Kaze and his music.
Among other talents, Kaze has served as special event and music coordinator for the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership. Local radio station, WCHL Radio named him a Hometown Hero.
