Player’s Pass with LA REEZY: La Reezy Carries Malcolm X’s Message in His Own Work

New Orleans is known for many things, but above all, it’s known for its culture. It’s in the music, the cadence and resilience. It’s something that La Reezy has carried from the very beginning. That foundation formed his sound and fueled his trajectory. Every beat he crafts and every bar he delivers is rooted in his lineage. 

While most of his time is spent behind the boards producing and engineering, Okayplayer had the opportunity to sit down with La Reezy during the 61st commemoration of Malcolm X at The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. The day’s powerful Vanguard Ceremony Award presentation underscored themes of legacy, leadership and community. It was a fitting backdrop for an artist whose work consistently reflects intention and self-determination.

As an independent rapper, producer, and engineer, La Reezy moves with a clear vision that mirrors the principles being honored that day. Ownership, empowerment and cultural pride. When asked about the significance of being present at the 61st commemoration, he didn’t hesitate. “I always envisioned rapping as being an activist,” he said. “A rap-tivist, actually.” For Reezy, music has never been just about rhythm or recognition. It’s a vehicle for truth-telling, a platform to challenge systems, and a way to document the realities of his community in real time. In a space dedicated to preserving the legacy of Malcolm X, his words felt aligned. His artistry, much like the message of the day, centers self-determination, ownership of narrative and the responsibility that comes with having a voice.

When we asked what people can expect on the first play, La Reezy states, “You can expect energy the first time you play La Reezy.” Simple and direct. And if you’ve heard his music, you know he’s not exaggerating. His records hit. The drums feel intentional, the delivery feels urgent, and there’s a certain hunger in the way he approaches a track. It’s both rhythmic and unapologetic. The kind of energy that encapsulates you. 

At the 61st commemoration honoring Malcolm X, La Reezy’s alignment was evident. In his independence, his message, and the way he approaches his craft, there’s a clear throughline of intention. Whether he’s behind the boards or on the mic, his focus stays the same: move with purpose, represent where he’s from, and make something that means something. If energy is what you feel on the first play, intention is what keeps you listening.