From Queens to Greatness | Diz The Icon
INTERVIEW TERRELL “REALIFE” BLACK
The Richmond Hill native talks hip-hop influences, entrepreneurship, and using his gifts to inspire change.
Diz The Icon is a product of Richmond Hill, Queens, a borough steeped in hip-hop history. Growing up surrounded by music, he was influenced early on by the sounds of Michael Jackson and the raw emotion of Tupac, shaping his ability to blend versatility with storytelling. His journey hasn’t been without challenges navigating life’s struggles, a conviction in 2009, and the fight to redefine his future. But through it all, he has remained true to his craft, using music as both a release and a means to connect with the world.
Beyond hip-hop, Diz has expanded his impact, launching Yard Out Entertainment as a hub for his creative ventures, writing a children’s book, and even creating a greeting card line inspired by his time behind bars. As the host of Str8 2 The Comments, he brings his signature authenticity to audiences, engaging in raw, unfiltered conversations. With an official album in the works and a vision to leave his mark on the culture, Diz The Icon is proving that his artistry extends far beyond the mic. In this interview, he opens up about his influences, his entrepreneurial drive, and what’s next for his growing empire.
VALIDATED: Growing up in Richmond Hill, Queens, you were surrounded by a rich hip-hop culture. Who were your biggest musical influences, and how did they shape your style?
DIZ THE ICON: I would say that my biggest musical influences early on were Michael Jackson and Tupac. The king of pop opened my ears to a lot of sounds and styles of music I maybe wouldn’t have listened to, and in turn I think it helped me develop different flows. I feel like I can rap and write to anything. Pac is easy, you felt him, and I believe you get that from me when I record.
VALIDATED: The 90s were a golden era for hip-hop. How did that time period impact your approach to music and storytelling?
DIZ THE ICON: That era of music taught me to continue to be an individual, and to tell MY story in MY way. That wasn’t a time where you could get by using somebody else’s entire recipe, that shit was severely frowned upon.
VALIDATED: Many greats have come from Queens—Nas, 50 Cent, Mobb Deep. How do you see yourself carrying on that legacy?
DIZ THE ICON: I feel like everyone you mentioned went through struggle, and struggle builds character. My character coupled with my talent, gifts and hustle should put me in a position to, if not carry on that legacy, at least add to it.
VALIDATED: Your music reflects real-life experiences from the streets. At what point did you realize that storytelling through rap could be a way out?
DIZ THE ICON: I don’t know that I ever looked at it as a way out, even now. I think I use it more-so as a release and a way to communicate what I don’t say. I just happen to be really good at it. Funny thing is that I still haven’t done my best work in my opinion.
VALIDATED: In 2009, you faced a major turning point with your conviction, and after serving your sentence, you pivoted to entrepreneurship—how did that experience influence your mindset and drive for success in business?
DIZ THE ICON: Being put in a situation where your future is uncertain and is in someone else’s hands is a scary proposition, and is something I never want to experience again. Sitting in that building with some brilliant risk takers just showed me that I had the heart to go for and achieve whatever I put my energy into. I decided I wanted to make money using the gifts God gave me.
VALIDATED: You’ve released multiple mixtapes and an EP. How would you describe your growth from Make Em Suffer to 4th Quarter?
DIZ THE ICON: Every project I put out is more polished than the last. Like I may rap better in certain spaces, but I can hear the comfortability and I guess control with every project. There’s things I did on my first project that I won’t do on my next. That’s the growth.
VALIDATED: Your music balances raw street narratives with motivation and wisdom. From my favorite record “Nobody” to “Homeless Or Hustling” and “Dear Amerikkka”—what inspires you to create music with such a strong social impact?
DIZ THE ICON: Really I’m just a product of my environment. I just happen to be able to do what a lot of people can’t, and that’s being able to articulate my feelings through music. I speak what I feel and see. Also my aunt was a Black Panther, so I feel like I inherited that spirit on some level.
VALIDATED: With an official album in the works, what can fans expect from this project? Any collaborations or surprises?
DIZ THE ICON: This next project is gonna be the best work I’ve ever done. I say that every time and every time it’s the truth. There are definitely going to be some collabs, but not many. I don’t really like rappers, at all. As far as surprises go, they wouldn’t be surprises if I told you right?
VALIDATED: Yard Out Entertainment, what can you tell us about it?
DIZ THE ICON: Yard Out Entertainment is the vehicle that I’m using to combine all of my artistry. I have so many ideas ranging from visuals to writing and so forth so I decided to put them all under one umbrella. Yard Out is gonna be a big deal real soon. From music, to shows, to videos, I’m doing it all.
VALIDATED: You’re not just an artist; you’ve written a children’s book and launched a greeting card line. What inspired you to expand beyond music?
DIZ THE ICON: Again it goes back to my God given gifts. These things were placed on me. I never had aspirations on writing the book, that’s all being in tune with my higher power and keeping that promise I made to myself, and that’s being able to use everything I am and that I possess to get to where I’m supposed to be. The greeting card idea came from me being incarcerated, I created cards specifically for people behind the wall.
VALIDATED: As the host of Str8 2 The Comments, how do you approach conversations and connect with your audience?
DIZ THE ICON: Man listen, Str8 2 The Comments is pure foolery. We connect with the audience by using the audience for content and giving them recognition and an opportunity to be active participants in the show.
VALIDATED: What impact do you want to leave on hip-hop and the culture as a whole?
DIZ THE ICON: I just want to be known to have represented the culture that shaped me properly, and show people that as long as you have breath in your lungs you can change your stars. If I do that then I feel like I’ve left my mark.
VALIDATED: What’s next for Diz The Icon?
DIZ THE ICON: Only time will tell. I’m gonna keep my head down and keep grinding and we’ll all see where I end up.
VALIDATED: Where can people connect with you and support your work?
DIZ THE ICON: I’m on IG of course @diz_theicon and @yardoutentertainment. The YouTube channel is YardoutTv and my email is yardout82@gmail.com and my music is streaming on all music platforms. Tap in with me. IT’S YARD OUT!