Recently, we got the opportunity to speak with them on their creativity, music and links with Pharrell, N.E.R.D. and the Neptunes camp. Here is how it went.

A.C: I hate to use the phrase “up and coming artist ” for someone who already has two mixtapes out with your songs on radio rotation in Nigeria, yet it seems the appropriate word to use would you agree?

Bz: I definitely agree. I guess I’m only going to shake off that tag when I put out videos, drop an album, such and such. Lol. But to be honest, I have no problem whatsoever with it.

A.C: So how long have you been doing this?

Bz: I recorded my first song on the 6th of July, 2005. I was in London at the time and I’ll always remember that day because I spent that night in the studio and by morning, it was pandemonium because the tube had been bombed! I also remember that being the birth of my “underground” phobia. Lol

A.C: Seems like an obvious question, but truth is most of us don’t know, so tell me who is Beazy?

Bz: Well… Before I start, can I just say that I’m terrible when it comes to speaking about myself.

Anyway, my real or government name is Afolabi Durotoye and I’m from Ekiti State. As I said earlier, I’ve been rapping for five years and in that time I have recorded over 200 songs and, I say this with all humility, have become really really good at it. lol

And if you haven’t heard of me, it is quite understandable because I chose to take the slow route to the top. I needed to be sure that when I did come out, I’d be the best at what I do. I feel like I’m at such a place right now and so you can expect to be seeing a whole lot more of me in the very near future.

Oh yeah, I just signed with MADE Music. )

A.C: When exactly did you know Rap was what you wanted to do for sure and no longer just a hobby?

Bz: To be honest, I knew it the moment I began recording my first song in 2005

A.C: I have heard that you do live performances with a live band. Not only is that very unique, it is reminiscent of “The Roots”. What made you think you could pull it off and how awesome has that been for you.

Bz: Well.. I don’t do all my shows with a band. I just really like to. And to be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure I could pull it off at first, but as soon as rehearsals began, it just felt right. As far as awesomeness is concerned, on a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a definite 12. Lol

A.C: On your first mixtape, most every song was with original production & instrumentals and with your 2nd mixtape you used other artists instrumentals, why is that?

Bz: The “first” mixtape “Get Money Stay Fly”, is actually my second and on that one, I did what I love to do, which is make music and push boundaries. I did a lot of “singing” and there are quite a few “unrapper-like” (lol) songs on there as well. It got a lot of positive response from the female audience which led to “rap heads” saying stuff like “yeah he can make songs but he’s just an alright rapper”. Now this pissed me off to no end and so I decided to make the third mixtape, “The Affidavit”. And with that, I’m confident I proved I’m not only a good rapper, but am infact the best in the country, if not continent.

A.C: Now that you are signed to a record label, what are the expectations set b4 u? Is there added pressure to produce music or is it d same as being an independent artist?

Bz: No pressure what so ever. The work I put in earlier has made sure of that. I currently have more than 200 recorded songs and counting so neither MADE Music nor I is really going to have a problem in that respect.

A.C: What motivates your song choices/lyrics? Do you usually get the beat and then write a song or vice versa?

Bz: It’s always the beat first. I believe if you listen hard enough, you’ll find that every beat carries with it an emotion and a phrase. The emotion influences the lyrics and how they’re delivered and the phrase influences the topic. 9 times out of 10, I can name a song before I write it. I usually do in fact.

A.C: What do you think makes you stand out from others?

Bz: My work ethic, attention to detail and my insecurities. People often think being insecure is a character flaw. Personally, I think they couldn’t be more wrong. The only thing that keeps me progressing as an artist and individual is the fact that I never think I’m good enough. So everyday I wake thinking of how to better myself. It’s a tough punishing road to take, but I honestly do believe it pays off.

Oh, and being stubborn helps as well. If it feels right, it is right. I always stick to my guns. Lol.

A.C: Any anecdotes of your best & worst experiences so far?

Bz: Way too many good and bad ones. None jump out at me at the moment.

A.C: Is there a particular audience you intend to cater to? How do you intend to relate to any1 outside of that audience…please note that if you say everyone then part b is, how do you intend to relate to everyone?

Bz: Well I very much intend to relate to everyone. I think the best way to do that is to make all sorts of songs. I personally I hate the idea of genres. I really like to mix it up.

But the truth is, no one person can appeal to everyone, no matter what you do. So I’ll just keep making good music and hopefully get as many folks on my back as I can along the way.

A.C: What does the future hold? An album, a video maybe? What and when should we be expecting something new from you?

Bz: I should be dropping an album by december and a mixtape or two before then. You can also expect a few videos.

A.C: Thank you for this opportunity I appreciate it, and wish you loads of success. Looking forward to seeing you become great, in Nigeria and Internationally as well.

Bz: You’re most welcome but I believe it is I who ought to be thanking you for listening to me go on and on. Lol

Addicted

Ring Ding Ft. Kel

From Las Gidi Ft. Teeto, Chyke

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