Colin Biz was born in Guyana but raised in Brooklyn, New York - the east ‘90s to be exact. He grew up infatuated with Hip-Hop and the lifestyle it portrayed. He would hear the lyrics from his favorite rappers like Jay Z and Nas and read about them in The Source, XXL, and other publications. It was a chain reaction that started him on his own journey into the music business. Over the years, he's taken on every role in entertainment: record label intern, founder of F.A.M. Records, columnist, actor, artist manager, mentor to young aspiring rappers in NYC, and podcaster. It's the latter that shapes his forthcoming project, Doreen's Favorite, which captures him telling his life story from the moment he emigrated from Guyana to his current day, and it's set to a remarkable soundtrack.
So firstly, how would you describe your sound?
My sound is actually not a sound, let me explain. I'm a storyteller. I'm not a rapper, I'm an author. My debut "album" is an audio book. A hip hop audio memoir of a Guyanese immigrant.
What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?
I'm usually trading ideas with my producer Ryan Smith-Whyte who produced my entire audio book, Doreen's Favorite.
Do you have to be in a certain mood to write a song?
Not very much a mood but more so of having a good flow of ideas. I have these visions and ideas all day, I write them down and build off them from there.
Who are your three biggest musical inspirations?
Jay-Z. The GOAT, the best to ever do it!
Nas, the greatest storyteller behind Slick Rick ever!
Biggie, his stories were so bone chilling and eerie!
Who is the best band you've ever seen play live?
Jay-Z. He doesn't move around a lot too much on stage but his performances feel like he's talking directly to you. Very conversational.
What’s the toughest part of the industry for you?
If you would've asked me this ten years ago I would've said getting my project out. But today it's very easy. I will say that your paperwork is very important. Artists need to get familiar with the language in contracts. Artists really need to educate themselves on business and the way things work.
What’s the most enjoyable part of the industry?
The release of Doreen's Favorite, my debut audio book. The response of my supporters is always very enjoyable.
What’s in store for you for the rest of 2021?
Just continuing to promote my project, Doreen's Favorite. I'm working on something major right now that's going to take this audio book to another level.
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