Destiny
When anyone mentions A Touch of Jazz, instantly you think of pioneer Jazzy Jeff, neo-soul princess Jill Scott, international duo Floetry, and West Philly emcee Baby Blak. Underneath all that talent is a woman holding down the business side of A Touch of Jazz studios. Remember this name: Irize Refined Earth. First thing to know about Irize is she is born with a natural dose of humbleness. Irize was raised and still resides in Northern Liberties. She was that girl on the block that would constantly throw dope parties. "I always loved entertaining people and being sociable." Since her upbringing was of an urban nature, Irize gravitated towards the hip-hop culture. After graduating from William Penn High School in 1993, Irize decided to venture to Temple University majoring in Broadcasting/Telecommunications/Mass Media. "I picked a course that allowed me to experience a whole bunch of things until I figured out what I wanted to do." Since radio was a major element of her education, she reached out to Philly 103.9 for an internship. She ended up as a producer for Osei's show, Love Talk & Slow Jamz. Through the internship, she gained a further interest in entertainment. Whether it's for financial or personal reasons, sometimes finishing a college degree takes longer than the normal 4 or 5 years. Irize took a year off to work and raise her son. She wanted to be a 24/7 mom. "He went everywhere with me, even class." Irize graduated from Temple in 2001. Within a few days, she landed the job at A Touch of Jazz studios as the assistant to the president, and was recently promoted to general manager. "I was persistent in pursuing this job." To put the icing on the cake, a female also handles the liaison and publicity side of the studio. From Jeff's history to the family atmosphere at the studio, there is no other place Irize would rather be. "I wanted a job where I didn't have to put on a whole new me." For now, she's content in the current state of her career. Regardless Irize is constantly searching for ways to grow within herself, mentally, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually.

Discovery
Irize's drive comes from her son God Ahmad. "He is the motivating force behind everything I do." She doesn't want him to be faced with the world challenges, therefore she does all she can to succeed including strengthening the community that Ahmad is growing up in. She is a member of Women for General Civilization and Social Change. In addition to having strong ladies as its foundation, the organization concentrates on doing workshops and seminars that nurture families in the urban environment. Although they only meet once a month, future plans include purchasing land in Africa. Truly these sisters aren't only doing it for themselves, but for their children. Because it's so easy to lose sight of yourself as a person, it's good to unite with those that share your common cause. That will keep you from losing your state of mind. Irize was also blessed with a chance to travel to South Africa earlier this year. Just by looking at the pictures, it was obvious that she enjoyed and embraced the beauty. The simple things are what Irize is all about. No hype, no drama, just peace.

Determination
"My mistakes aren't the end of the world." Since she's a Gemini, Irize's nature varies from day-to-day with the underlying goal of growth. She's adventurous, not wild and proud, but not conceited. Being one of five girls, she learned how to adapt in any situation. "I'm never afraid to express myself. There are no inhibitions." She also encourages others to live the same way. Persistence is what paved her road. Her advice to other females is to never stoop to sexual endeavors to further their career. "It always comes back to them." Her favorite emcees include Chuck D, Nas, and Ghostface. Not to mention her longtime liking of DJ legend Pete Rock. Hip-hop isn't her only interest. Irize is into rock, R&B, and jazz. Not to mention her original path of journalism. Writing also has a top place on her priority list. "Poetry has always been in my life." Irize proves that anything can be accomplished through determination. Her presence lightens a room, and her courage rubs off on those around her. The 215 area is lucky and blessed to have such a lady representing the positive side of the hip-hop culture. 2003 is definitely our year.

Irize Refined Earth | General Manager
A Touch of Jazz, Inc.
irize@atojazz.com
www.atojazz.com
www.djjazzyjeff.com

Article by Deesha Dyer
Phillyhiphop.com
March, 2003