217hiphop.com Exclusive Interview with B. Daz!

Bloomington rapper Brandon DaZ has been on a tear. Performing is various cities across the Midwest and releasing new content at a blistering pace B. DaZ has set himself apart from the current crop of Illinois rhymers. We recently caught up with him for an exclusive interview, check out what he had to say about his influences, the Bloomington underground scene and more!

217hiphop: What's going on? Tell us a little bit about Brandon Daz.

B.DaZ: I'm an artist with a new Midwestern-Eastern style. Just doing shows, shooting videos and working this current project: "Coldest Winter" EP.

217hiphop: Where did you come up with your stage name?

B. DaZ:  HaHa. From the movie "Bedazzled". My original rap name was Brand X though, but that was too generic. Then I figured Bedazzled was gay and changed it to B. DaZ.

Then I was grown so I made it Brandon DaZ.

217hiphop: You've been releasing quality music for some time how did you get your start?

B. DaZ:  My pops!!! He's a DJ and a drummer. He would always be playing music and practicing at the house. Plus genetics. He is an amazing musician for real. Out of this world.  He had a studio in the basement and I recorder there and all the time. Like how kids play video games or hang or smoke or drink, I was in the lab since 12 at least.

217hiphop: Who are some of the artists your consider influences to your style?

B. DaZ: Influences: Michael Jackson, Prince, Jay Z, Nas, (Lil) Wayne, Kanye (West), Metallica, Blink 182, Panic! At the Disco, Madonna, Pharell, Timbaland, Missy, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, The Doors, Outkast, Led Zeppelin, Incubus.

217hiphop: Bloomington, IL isn't really known as a big underground Hip Hop scene. Tell us a little bit about it.

B. DaZ:  There actually is an abundance of hip hop there. The powers that be won't let it get its shine though. Hopefully my brother's (Futuristic) success inspires them to be more open to it. Drill is their favorite out here though. They think that's cool.

217hiphop: Who in your opinion is making the most noise from your area?

B. DaZ:  Me for ten years at least I think . I believe that no matter who you are your greatest competition is yourself though.

217hiphop: Who is your dream collaboration? (Dead or Alive)

B. DaZ:  Sam Smith.

 217hiphop: You have been traveling to do shows, where are some of your favorite spots to rock?

B. DaZ.: There is something special about each place you go to. (The) West Coast has palm trees, great weather and such an awesome texture to it, plus they love my brand of music. Fort Wayne Indiana turns up! They are very supportive. In the hometown ain't nothing like The Castle. The sound quality is great and it's like inviting the homies over. Lol. I'll be nervous, but then I'll see all my friends in the front row. Springfield (IL) is so dope too. It's so old school- new school hip hop. It's just so real. It's like a Cadillac, gritty but so clean ya know?

217hiphop: Your music almost always is heavy on content, meaningful verses and songs. Is that something you try to do or is it just part of your style?

B. DaZ:  No I don't do it on purpose. Haha, a lot of it is things I didn't even know I think about. I'm actually super simple as a person and fun. I try not to think too much.

217hiphop: Who are the 5 artists on your playlist?

B. DaZ:  A great big world, Justin Beiber, Ty Dollasign, Logic, and that Kurt Cobain. Lol, the CDs that came out last week.

217hiphop: Any shout outs or last thoughts you wanted to leave with the fans?

B. DaZ:  S/o to god, my family, friends, fans, & whoever is reading this!