Chris Rolle

Chris Rolle, also known as "Kazi" ), is a community activist, rapper, and founder of a record company. Beginning as a teen, he has been involved in New York City's Art Start program. In 1999, he founded the Hip Hop Project. He is a subject in the film, The Hip Hop Project, which was produced by Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah. Since June 2004, he has been a member of Art Start's Board of Trustees. He is a motivational speaker on men's issues in the African American community. He is founder and co-CEO of One+One Records and a hip hop performer.

Early life He was born in Nassau, Bahamas; since 1990 he has lived in Brooklyn, New York City, United States. In 1994, while in high school, Rolle began an involvement with Art Start as a student in the Media Works Project. He graduated in 1996 from the New York City Public Repertory Company (an alternative arts high school), where he won the Playwrights Competition. He was with the project until September 2003. He was succeeded in his role at Art Start by one of his own students, Diana "Princess" Lemon.

A Brooklyn Story He was director, actor, and writer for Tomorrow's Future theatre company; his work there included the play A Brooklyn Story.

Musical career He founded One+One Records in September 2003. One of his good friends Nasir Jones, aka Nas, an American rapper who helped Rolles establish a career as the rapper, Kazi.

Awards His awards include a Governor's Citation, and the CBS Fulfilling the Dream Award for his play, A Brooklyn Story.