Today, we’re starting a new series on HBCU Pulse called “HBCU Artists To Watch”. There is amazing musical talent at HBCUs that are poised to find success in the industry! We want to start with North Carolina A&T’s very own Brandez.
Brandez is a musical artist born and raised in Chicago IL. Considered to be a very versatile artist and businessman. He currently attends North Carolina A&T for a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and will be graduating December of 2022. His passion for spreading the knowledge of self worth amongst all individuals is what guides the steps for his career.
Check out our interview with him below!
1. Tell us about your music journey!
My musical journey started in high school where I attended Homewood-Flossmoor. A very good friend of mine at the time Juice WRLD who also attended that school told me I had a talent. Being that we were both from a big city with lots of other good artists that motivated me very early. At that time around 2016 I had just released my first song “Choosy” on Soundcloud but it wasn’t until college that I decided to approach it as an actual career. After deciding to take things more serious I signed my first independent deal my sophomore year of college. Though the independent label I signed to is no longer in business I can say that they contributed to a huge part of what you see today. Since our separation I am currently still pushing hard and able to say that I am no longer a beginner. Opening up for the likes of Big Scarr, Lil Boosie, Lil Baby, consistently dropping music, and being a student has shaped me into who I am today. I can honestly say that I couldn’t ask for a better story because it wouldn’t be as fulfilling if I knew the next part.
2. Who and what are your music inspirations?
A couple of my biggest music inspirations are Kanye West, Jay-Z, Drake ,Juice WRLD, Future, and Travis Scott. As of today these are my top 6 but I am pretty sure it will change being that the list always does.
3. Why did you choose North Carolina A&T State University as your HBCU?
I chose North Carolina A&T State University as my HBCU because I wanted to pick a school that had a great engineering program. I also wanted to choose North Carolina A&T because of the way that they treat their students and staff. We are all a family at this school and that’s how it feels walking to every class, meeting every friend, and attending every event. I love it here.
4. How has it been as a rising artist at your HBCU?
Being a rising artist at my HBCU is extremely enjoyable but can sometimes get difficult when you have to balance computer science, friends, music, and family. The love that the students show however makes me want to never give up and continue to put us on the map. I have gained so many fans from this school and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the students that go here. I love them.
5. Where do you see the Brandez brand this time next year? How about three to five years down the line?
Around this time next year I see tons of exposure for the Brandez brand. My brand “KYW” standing for “Know Your Worth” will reach billions. I want to change the way in which people see their worth and visualize more. Three to five years down the line I will be the biggest artist out, and amazing family man, and extremely wealthy. Thats my only focus.
6. What’s next for you?
What’s next for me is to continue to drop music. I’ll be releasing my first album which is a collaborative project with South Carolina producer 4DL. Everybody needs to check him out. He is definitely up next out of the Carolinas. I believe that this project will bring some life back into music and provide today’s generation with a new sound. We have been working on this project for about a year now and I think it’s about time that the world hears it. I can’t sleep until they do its literally the only time I can rest is when I know my supporters/fans have what they need.
7. Where can we find you on social media and how can we support you?
You can find me on all social media platforms @_Brandez_. You can not only support me but all HBCU artists by following and spreading my business “HBCU Sound” around the world. (@hbcu_sound). HBCU sound is a business that I created dedicated to the exposure of artists, producers, photographers, and videographers that wish to take HBCU music to the next level. It is our everyday mission to provide these students with more exposure and connections. So if you’re reading this and any of the above titles please tap in and go like the playlist “HBCU SOUND” on Spotify !
