Izza Kizza (born Terry Davis; 1981) is an American hip hop recording artist, rapper, and songwriter. He first gained recognition in the mid-2000s while working with the production team Soul Diggaz, releasing music under the alias Young Country (later stylized as Yung Kuntry). His early work included a single released through Universal Records and feature appearances on the Latin pop duo Sin BanderaâÂÂs album Mañana, which received a nomination at the Latin Grammy Awards. He later adopted the stage name Izza Kizza and signed with Timbaland's Mosley Music Group/Interscope Records imprint, releasing a series of mixtapes noted for their eclectic, high-energy style.
Davis was born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia. He began performing at age twelve in a singing group with his older brother and two godbrothers. Inspired by early 1990s hip hop acts such as Kris Kross, he gradually shifted toward rap and began developing his own performance identity.
In 2004, Davis was introduced to a member of the production team Soul Diggaz through a family connection. He relocated to New Jersey and joined their creative camp, where he began recording under the stage name Young Country, later stylized as Yung Kuntry.
While working with Soul Diggaz, Davis signed with Universal Records and, in 2006, released the 12" single *âÂÂPattycakeâ / âÂÂI'm OfficialâÂÂ*. The B-side âÂÂI'm Officialâ features vocals performed by songwriter and producer Shalom "J.Storm" Miller.
As Yung Kuntry, Davis also contributed rap features to two tracksâÂÂâÂÂLo Que Llamas Amorâ and âÂÂNo NoâÂÂâÂÂon the album Mañana by the Mexican-Argentine duo Sin Bandera. The album was later nominated for the Latin Grammy Award for Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group with Vocals, marking DavisâÂÂs first Grammy nomination credit.
In 2007, Davis contributed songwriting and vocal work to the track âÂÂ30 Rocksâ on Ridinâ High by 8Ball & MJG, writing the songâÂÂs chorus and providing vocals that were sampled, chopped, and screwed for the hook.
Following his early success within the Soul Diggaz camp, Davis adopted the stage name Izza Kizza and developed a more experimental, high-energy rap style.
During this period, Davis also worked closely with rapper and dancer Sharaya J, another longtime Missy Elliott protégé. His early creative support contributed to her artistic development prior to her national breakout on the Fox competition series ', where she finished as runner-up in 2018.
His work with Soul Diggaz led to collaborations with Missy Elliott, including âÂÂWalk The Dawg,â which samples Shirley Ellisâ âÂÂThe Clapping SongâÂÂ.
His growing reputation led to signing with TimbalandâÂÂs Mosley Music Group/Interscope Records imprint. During this period he released several mixtapes and was featured in music publications for his unconventional delivery and genre-blending production choices.
In 2008, Izza Kizza released Kizzaland, mixed by Nick Catchdubs. Tracks from the mixtape received notable placements: âÂÂRed Wineâ appeared on Paste MagazineâÂÂs June 2008 sampler, while âÂÂMillionaireâ was featured on the soundtrack for Madden NFL 09.
His song âÂÂTheyâÂÂre Everywhereâ appeared on NBA 2K10 and was used in a hip-hop routine on Season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance.
After parting ways with Mosley Music Group, Izza Kizza continued releasing independent music, including the mixtapes The Wizard of Iz (2009) and ' (2010). He has collaborated with numerous artists across hip-hop, pop, and electronic music, contributing guest verses to projects by Calvin Harris, Crookers, and others.
Izza Kizza is known for his rapid-fire delivery, unconventional vocal cadences, and playful, genre-blending approach to hip hop. Critics have described his work as âÂÂeclecticâ and âÂÂenergetic,â drawing comparisons to the more experimental corners of mid-2000s rap music.
Davis received nomination credit as a featured artist (credited as Yung Kuntry) on two tracks from Sin BanderaâÂÂs album Mañana, which was nominated for Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group with Vocals.