Westleaf Staff
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming hip hop talent. Today's guest is, Colin Biz. Colin Biz is a Brooklyn MC with a very unique style that blends spoken word, hip hop, and storytelling. His latest album Doreen's favorite takes listeners on a journey through is early life in New York City in a raw and entertaining way. We linked up with Colin after his recent release to discuss his musical origins and his unique style.
Westleaf Staff: Welcome to On. The Rise. Your style is dope. It's definitely a refreshing listen. When did you start making music?
Colin Biz: I started getting in to music at a very early age. Music was all around me. Everything from Rap, Reggae, Rock n Roll, Soul, Funk, etc. I didn’t really start “Making” music until I was in high school. I was more on the production side. I initially never wanted to be an artist. The creation of a track and putting together projects was the best feeling in the world to me.
Westleaf Staff: Nice! How did your early life shape your interest in music?
Colin Biz: I grew up in Brooklyn. Old Brooklyn. Crack Era Brooklyn. The golden age of Hip Hop Brooklyn! Every day I walked out of my house on my way to school the dope boys outside had the boom box blastin’ KRS ONE, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, LL, Later on it was Biggie, Jay-Z ,and Nas. I couldn’t escape it even if I wanted to. It was everywhere.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope. You named some big artists. Who is your biggest musical influence?
Colin. Biz: My biggest influence is Jay-Z and Rocafella Records. I wanted to be those guys. I grew up watching them from the beginning. When I started my label, FAM RECORDS, I used Rocafella Records as my Blueprint for success.
Westleaf Staff: Nice. I can see the influence. What has been the defining moment in your music career?
Colin Biz: The release of my first project. My audio memoir, Doreen’s Favorite. My album is actually an audio book that details my life from the minute I stepped off the airplane from Guyana. Each chapter is a masterpiece.
Westleaf Staff: What makes you a unique artist?
Colin Biz: I dropped an audio book in rap album format. It’s a hip hop album but not in a traditional way. I’m telling my life story over this amazing production by the great Ryan Smith-Whyte.
Westleaf Staff: What does art mean to you?
Colin Biz: Art to me is expression. Expressing how I feel with passion and love from my heart.
Westleaf Staff: Describe music in three words.
Colin Biz: Life. Love. Expression.
More from Colin Biz
Instagram: @colinbiz
Merch: Doreen's Favorite Merch
Click the pic below to listen to Colin's latest album, Doreen's Favorite.
