New War Zone brings flavor to the North Country

They don’t call it rap. They don’t call it hip-hop. What they do is music.

Story and photos by Vanessa White

Before heading to the back room studio to record a new track, New War Zone (NWZ) get cozy in their sofa and chairs and prepare to discuss hip-hop politics: how they are different from other musicians, what makes a great musician, and how they define success.

"Everybody has a different definition of what hip-hop is," says Dominick DeBonis of Brooklyn, also known as Cracka Barrell. "All of our five styles merging into one represent a broad spectrum of what hip-hop is."

Cracka Barrell’s explanation of hip-hop is echoed by all the members of New War Zone: Farris "Fonicks" Thomas, 21; Taylor "TMH" Jackson, 21; Brian "Mickey Haze" Hoeg, 20; and Darrell "Dmac" Davis, 20.

"We’re musicians," says Fonicks of Wyandanch, Long Island. "Hip-hop isn’t dead, but it’s definitely evolved."

NWZ represent themselves as individuals and recognize the importance of commitment in order to be successful in the music industry. On the flip, they have seen success extract the fun out of hip-hop as some artists fumble to decide between exposing the public to who they are versus what they think the mainstream wants to hear. "The mainstream audience wants to hear what’s catchy," says Mickey Haze. "That’s not what we’re geared towards."

"A lot of people can’t fathom a rap group with three black guys and two white dudes in it"

Mickey Haze fights against the commercial struggle as co-founder of the company New War Zone Productions. Coming from a suburb of Albany, he has plans of saving hip-hop. "One thing that’s been consistent is hip-hop music. It just kind of stuck with me."

Music is a hobby for NWZ; an escape, therapy for their college educated minds. All members attend classes at SUNY Plattsburgh: their point of departure as a group.
"A lot of rappers chase the dream," says TMH of Brentwood, Long Island. "They don’t finish school."

TMH and Fonicks knew each other pre-higher education and strive to reflect the Long Island voice in their lyrics and style. They feel that people don’t pay Long Island the respect it deserves and as a result, the Long Island sound isn’t brought to the masses.
"It’s an interesting place," says TMH. "You got the good and the bad."

When Fonicks made his way to SUNY Plattsburgh in fall 2006, he met Mickey Haze and Cracka Barrell. The three began spitting together for recreation until Dmac and TMH got into the mix in 2008, completing the concoction: NWZ.

NWZ does everything from conscious cuts to party songs. They aim at being recognized for their lyrical talent, which has been a part of each of them since they were preteens.

"I kinda started rappin’ by accident," says Dmac of Harlem. One day in class, a girl he was crushing on inquired about a rap he was writing. He spit it for her and she was impressed, so impressed that the next day she called him out in a cypher. Having nothing to say at the time, Dmac vowed to have a few bars prepared for the next day. "I thought it was the worst rhyme in the world," he says. "But the other guys actually liked it."

It took Dmac a couple of years to gain the confidence he continues to perfect. "I try to represent good lyrics," he says. "Something I wouldn’t be ashamed to show my mom... something that you can have your grandparents bumping to." Besides breaking through the age gap, NWZ also manages to reach a broad racial demographic. "A lot of people can’t fathom a rap group with three black guys and two white dudes in it," says Dmac. "Just because they’re [Cracka Barrell and Mickey Haze] white doesn’t mean they can’t rap."

"Hip-hop isn’t dead, but it’s definitely evolved"

Cracka Barrell addresses the use of the controversial word "cracka (cracker)" in his rap name, mentioning that his intent is to spin it, pointing out the stupidity of the word. "I was always called ‘cracka’ growing up. It’s a way to compare it to other derogatory terms." Fonicks joins Cracka Barrell’s attempts to remain positive with a slogan of his own, "fly high." It means "flying over all the haters, all the drama and don’t let nobody hold you down," he says.

NWZ has successfully implemented Fonicks’ words of wisdom and have developed their own unique sound within a short period of time. "We’re starting to get that chemistry," says TMH. "We’re starting to blend real well."

Hear for yourself. NWZ has a mixtape out called "The Leak: First Day of Class," free for download. Listeners can also find NWZ on myspace.

Will you listen to NWZ?