As the founder of The Maze Entertainment Inc., MaizyF is a force of hip-hop innovation, a committed business leader, mentor in Canadian women’s hip-hop, and a skilled emcee and prodigy in music composition and mixing. With a long list of performance and composition credits to her name, MaizyF proves that hit singles are made when talent meets hard work and a star is rising.

MaizyF has been turning heads in Canadian hip-hop with her modern layering of trap and pop music on top of a well-managed hip-hop base. She prides herself in designing layer upon layer of dynamic studio sounds, making her music unique and engaging. She writes intentionally, so listeners can relate to her rhymes in many different ways based on their perspective.

When asked about her creative process, she reveals, “I focus on melodies when it comes to producing and singing. On the other hand, when it comes to rapping, I focus on flow and wordplay. When I’m creating, I like to focus on my feelings and the beat. I usually freestyle first and then make changes afterwards. I love wordplay and melodies, so when I am creating music, I tend to focus on those two things. I want to share my story metaphorically so that many people can relate, and interpret my songs in different ways.”

{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQlvGfLQVd4}

Maizy’s flow is comparable to some of the greats in hip-hop, and one of those greats happens to be a foundational inspiration to her music and composition: “I’ve been compared to Missy Elliott a lot. The music I typically create is hip-hop and pop. My music is very metaphoric and has a lo-fi vibe focusing on compelling lyrics. It's unique, and I think working with Missy Elliot one day would be a dream collaboration. We could create an amazing project. She has a lot to offer, creatively speaking.”

A natural-born performer, MaizyF engages her audience with expressive energy. Her music video for the song “Bag Back” is evidence of her high-frequency persona in front of the camera. She has been featured on BET’s Freestyle Friday and was ranked top five in Toronto by an industry panel of music professionals. Additionally, MaizyF‘s music has been played on Radio stations, such as 93.5FM, 105.5 Vibe FM, G98.7 FM, and 93.1 FM. Blogs like We Love HipHop and BuzzMusicLA have interviewed and featured some of MaizyF’s work. Highlights of her composition portfolio include instrumentals for former Canadian Idol judge Farley Flex and several TV show theme songs for Rogers TV.

At the heart of MaizyF’s business enterprises and music is creating a community. She is the mastermind behind The 6ix Female Cypher Series, which began in 2015, featuring some of Toronto’s best female hip-hop talent. In this series, all tracks and beats are written and produced by MaizyF. She mentors and uplifts women’s hip-hop culture and demonstrates the power behind women’s voices. MaizyF has scouted and crafted emerging voices like LD, Shanny Glow, TPrettyLean, T-La, Haf, CC, and Alberta’s TeaFannie.

{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DUKL6TzRc4}

With a fine-tuned ear for strong voices and an eye for talent, MaizyF has helped evolve The Maze Entertainment Inc. over the years:

“The 6ix Female Cypher Series is a project I started in 2015 that showcased over 30 artists. We have received great feedback and continue to grow into a staple movement in Canada. This has been one of my best projects to date. The Maze Entertainment Inc. is now an established music and event business, and creative hub, and I am very proud of our growth.”

{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0e5VQTml2o}

The work of MaizyF is a source of inspiration and an example of self-styled empowerment for women in the music industry. She “aspires to inspire,” and as an artist, her mission is to create and share her creative lane with others. “There’s nothing better than being yourself and staying committed to your true self,” she says. Offering words of wisdom to emerging artists at the beginning of their evolution, MaizyF says: “You must believe in yourself first for others to believe in you; therefore, when you get on stage or drop a new project, be authentically you and give it your all. I want to aim to convey contagious confidence to my fans when I perform.”

MaizyF’s music demonstrates evolution and growth with every release. She is leaving an imprint in the world of Canadian hip-hop, leading the industry’s future with her message and dedication to self-mastery. She firmly believes that practice brings growth and progression is a process.

This story is part of our 10-part series, "Black History Month Changemakers."