Eclecollective Spring 2014 Spring 2014 | Page 26

BIZZY Talks about His Mixtape “84” Crook Interview: Jameson Bennett Photo: Chad Griffith Like Mike, Miami independent rapper Bizzy Crook has enjoyed tremendous praise from both consumers and critics for his Michael Jordan inspired mixtape “84.” The project was not a cliché attempt of a rapper emulating an athlete. There was a strong message of perseverance & will to succeed within Bizzy’s music. At what point in time was rap no longer a hobby to you? What led you to devote this as a serious career? BC: My Manager hates when I say this, because it doesn’t sound legit; it’s the truth. I heard Eminem’s song “My Name Is” when I was six years old, off a “Now” CD my cousin had. From then, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I was never like the other kids. I was passionate about it. What was your first breakthrough musically? BC: I have had a lot of ups and downs. When I was about 17, I got signed to Mona Scott. I was around Jim Jones, Missy Elliot and started going to labels. She was doing the TV show thing; I didn’t think she had the time to really develop me. I was fresh out of high school and I was going to these meetings freezing up. But it’s all about bouncing back and getting back on the court. You are in the early stages of your career. Miami rap has been on a national stage for decades now. What are you bringing new to the city, and years from now, what do you want your legacy to be? BC: The Miami scene is great right now. It’s really different, but first off there is no rapper like me, there has never been. I’m a lyricist; Miami has never really had that. When I tell people I’m from Miami, they are surprised. I want people to remember Miami again. I want people to never forget the legends like JT Money, Trick Daddy, [