Recently, underground rap veteran Mickey Factz took to his livestream to weigh in on the latest buzz around the Jae Millz diss track aimed at Aye Verb — a topic that had the hip-hop world chatting.
But as the live unfolded, Factz shifted into something even more interesting: real-time reviews of underground music. Over the course of the stream, he played and critiqued tracks from emerging artists, giving honest feedback that blends street sensibilities with seasoned lyrical understanding. One song that stood out during this segment was “N.Y. Tough” by Wizzy Hoffa, featuring Alexys Rae, Chaz Money, Ace Gifted, and A.C. The track delivers exactly what its title promises — a gritty homage to the rugged energy of New York hip-hop. Every verse captures a different facet of toughness: sharp lyricism, hard-hitting delivery, and cohesive collaboration across voices that represent different borough flavors. This isn’t music made for radio rotation — it’s crafted for listeners who still ride for bars, authenticity, and raw storytelling.
— Enveonline (@Enveonline) January 10, 2026
Who Is Mickey Factz — and What Is He Doing Now?
If you’re not familiar with the name, Mickey Factz is an American hip-hop artist from the Bronx known for his lyrical prowess and longevity in the game — active since the mid-2000s and earning recognition as part of XXL’s Freshman Class of 2009.
But Factz’s influence today goes far beyond rap battles and mixtapes. In 2025, he was appointed as an adjunct professor at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, teaching a course titled “The Art of the MC.” This role places him in a lineage of revered emcees who’ve brought hip-hop into an academic framework, following figures like Black Thought and others who help legitimize rap as a craft worthy of serious study. His curriculum explores lyricism, performance, history, and creative technique — a bridge between street culture and the classroom. Factz has also co-founded Pendulum Ink, a comprehensive online school dedicated to teaching rap theory, advanced techniques, and the business of hip-hop — further solidifying his role as both artist and educator.
About DJ Wizzy Hoffa
DJ Wizzy Hoffa is a Brooklyn-born DJ and producer with deep roots in the New York hip-hop scene, particularly within the Capital Region (Albany/518 area). He’s been active in music since his teenage years, developing as both a mixtape DJ and beat-maker with over 30 years of experience in the culture. Hoffa isn’t just a turntablist — he’s credited with helping shape and support local artists, guiding collaborators in crafting their sound while maintaining hip-hop integrity in both performance and production. Over the years, he’s expanded his creative footprint to include not only DJing and producing original music but also hosting podcasts that spotlight local talent and the community behind the craft. His work bridges the old school hustle of mixtape culture with today’s underground renaissance, making him a respected fixture in the regional music landscape.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS