North Philly rap phenomenon Peedi Crakk, aka Peedi Peedi, is the prince of the city, and the MC most likely to attain the kind of commercial success not seen in Philly since Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s prime. Peedi, born Pedro Zayas, has had all eyes on him for a few years, and he’s hungry to prove himself to a wider audience.
“The fans have been waiting for a long time. I’ve been waiting, everyone’s been waiting for the album, for the full blast,” says Peedi, 28. “By June, if the label [Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam] doesn’t drop the album, then we’re just gonna start mashin’ out Rambo renegade style. We’re gonna start leaking joints and go hard and shoot videos. I’m a signed artist, but we’re gonna start going independent.”
Not one to be complacent during the wait, Peedi is currently running the airwaves with a remake of Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s classic “Brand New Funk.” “That was a joint I always wanted to do,” he says. “Jeff called me and I did it at his crib. That put the stamp on it. I had to really mash it and bring my A game. I knew Jeff wasn’t gonna rock with that unless I really did my thing.”
Peedi’s “thing” is being a talent strong enough to bridge the old-school/new-school gap. He’s popular with both kids and grown folks, backpackers and gat packers.
Although he realizes success is neither promised nor guaranteed, Peedi shrugs off the pressure. “Two years ago I probably would’ve felt it. Now I’m more prepped to do this ****. I got this **** on smash. I know how to get busy; all I gotta do is rock out. I have no problem being me. There can only be pressure when you aren’t being yourself.”
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