Holland Izz Talks ‘Beat the System’ and Independence

For Holland Izz, staying independent starts with understanding the business behind the songs. The Compton, California, recording artist, producer, and entrepreneur points to persistence, faith, and a willingness to experiment as essential parts of his career.

His approach connects songwriting with the work that follows: developing a release strategy, engaging listeners, and taking the music on the road. In his conversation with The Hype Magazine, Izz discusses how those pieces fit together, from writing memorable hooks to maintaining control over his creative direction.

The interview arrives alongside the video for “Beat the System” and follows his 2026 project, Oysters, hosted by DJ Jalil Miles. Below, Izz reflects on his early influences, international performances and plans for new music.

Watch Holland Izz’s “Beat the System”:

Finding the Motivation to Keep Going

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

I’m most proud of my tenacity. The music industry and business can feel very discouraging at times. I’ve witnessed many different artists come and go during my ten years of releasing music professionally. I’m grateful that, even through tough situations, I never stopped. No matter what obstacles came my way, I relied on my faith to get me through them.

I’ve also always had people who doubted me. Being able to ignore the opinions and misconceptions of others is a superpower in my book! To this day, I receive hate in my comments and DMs, but I look at it as a blessing. It only proves that I’m doing something right…

What made you want to start making music?

Watching my father pursue his music career and seeing Lil Bow Wow at an early age made me want to start making music. As a kid, I used to watch my father write rhymes while taking care of me, so I was always intrigued by the creative process.

As I got older, I began developing my own taste in music. Seeing Lil Bow Wow at a young age made me feel like I was watching myself. Seeing how he rocked the crowd and had people of all ages going crazy inspired me in a way I couldn’t forget!

Lastly, music has allowed me to express myself creatively. Oftentimes, when you’re passionate as a Black man, that passion can be misunderstood or labeled in derogatory ways. Music allows me to express myself without restrictions or limitations. Anything goes.

Building an Independent Career

What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an independent artist?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned as an independent artist is to create your own ecosystem and algorithm. You have to know what works and what doesn’t work for you as an artist. Because of that, you can’t be afraid to fail or try different avenues, even if it makes you feel like the butt of the joke or makes you look crazy.

I know how outlandish it may sound, but it’s true: you have to be willing to cut all the “looking cool” s*** out and be yourself! There’s a shift coming where I believe audiences are going to want TRUE artistry. If you can’t entertain a crowd or keep your fan base engaged without relying on the same old gimmicks, you’ll be left behind… FAST! We have to bring back the true essence of Hip-Hop, which is having fun!

Writing With Intention

When you start a new song, what usually comes first?

When starting a new song, the hook usually comes first as I begin writing to the beat. I like to come up with something catchy that the audience can sing along to. It’s necessary for every song to have a “phrase that pays.” It’s not always the hook, either. It can be a melody, an ad-lib, or something that stays engraved in the listener’s mind.

A “phrase that pays” is a memorable part of the song that can create commercial value and potentially lead to merch, brand deals, social media trends, and more. It’s important to create with intention. To me, that’s part of what separates simply making a song from creating something with the potential to become a hit.

How do you know when a song is ready to release?

I know when a song is ready to release through my intuition and by being aware of the current state of society, trends, and music. There’s a feeling I get when I notice a certain trend or sound starting to connect. I have a plethora of music in the tuck, so when my team and I see something happening that may correlate with a certain song or sound I have, we go for it!

It’s important to know when to release music at the RIGHT time and to have a proper rollout to go along with it. The way we digest music now—and the speed at which both artists and listeners move on from a project or sound—is crazy. I believe you have to market a song or project for at least six months to a year to truly give it a fair chance. Nowadays, though, artists and consumers are moving on in two or three weeks. Which is crazy!

Taking the Music Beyond Los Angeles

What’s been your favorite moment in your career so far?

My favorite moment in my career so far has been getting the opportunity to tour across multiple states and countries. I’m currently on my second official tour with MC BXB and Lil Maru, the “Far From Home Tour.”

It’s always refreshing to connect with supporters in different places. It helps put into perspective just how many people around the world actually support my music. Being able to perform in Germany, Canada, and now Japan has given me a different type of motivation to keep going. The narrative that LA artists can’t tour past New Mexico is a myth when it comes to Holland Izz!

Keeping Control of the Business

How important is it for you to have control over your music and career?

It’s extremely important for me to have control over my music and career. I’ve learned to be a businessman before an artist. There’s a difference between music and the music business, and a lot of artists and creatives don’t fully understand what goes on beyond the creation of the music itself.

I’ve been blessed to learn about different aspects of the music industry through attending 1500 Sound Academy, founded by Rance 1500 and James Fauntleroy. I’ve been able to take that knowledge and apply it to my partnership with independent label Playel Records, founded by international artist and producer Solarrio.

Now, I have the opportunity to be my own boss in the music industry while helping run a label that allows me to maintain control over my career and creative direction.

Faith and the Connection With Listeners

What do you want fans to know about you beyond your music?

Beyond the music, I want my supporters to know that I’m a God-fearing human being. I want them to know that I’m not a fly-by-night artist. I’ve been a student of the game for many years, and I’ve been blessed to collaborate with and rub shoulders with many legends.

What I represent isn’t a gimmick. I’ve stayed true to who I am without having to kiss any a** or ride anyone’s coattails. I seriously and genuinely appreciate everyone who supports me in any way because I know you don’t have to.

It’s a privilege to create the soundtrack to moments in your life and convey feelings that you may have experienced yourself. I don’t take my career lightly or for granted. As long as I’m able to continue releasing music, I’ll make sure to always take my listeners into consideration.

New Music on the Horizon

What’s next for you, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans before we wrap up?

I’m releasing my new single and visual, “Get Greasy,” in October, along with an EP toward the end of the year that will only be available for purchase. I’d really appreciate everyone supporting the project. It’s definitely costly to release music at the rate I’ve been doing it, so every bit of support helps!

Make sure to continue grabbing your tickets for the “Far From Home Tour” with MC BXB and Lil Maru. Keep streaming my latest project, Oysters, with producer Tayo Fetti, and stay tuned because there’s a lot more coming.

Most importantly, keep GOD first and don’t let anything get in the way of your dreams! I appreciate The Hype Magazine for giving me this special opportunity. Much love.