Rapper Young Bruus - Bruising The Competition

(YOUNG BRUUS - STRAIGHT WITH NO CHASER)

Give us some background info as to who you are.

What’s good y’all. I’m Young Bruus, an artist/producer from Chicago’s northside and infamous Cabrini-Green projects. I started rapping around the age of 17 by accident because I used to write spoken-word style poems that sounded like raps until my homey convinced me to take it to the recording booth. I’ve been through homelessness for years, the gangbanging life, the 9-5, you name it, I’ve done it. Even when times were completely grim, I stuck through it and now I’m moving at a ridiculous pace.

What is the significance of your name?

I first got the name “Bruus” because one of my guys said I bruised the microphone during a recording session, so I took it and spelled it differently. It's a name that describes me but it has a subliminal meaning as well. “Bruus” is an acronym for “Bringing Reality Uncut Utilizing Sound” which perfectly describes me as an artist. A lot of my homies call me B-Glock, for reasons I won’t say here, and for a minute that was my stage name until I realized that it’s too vulgar for the mainstream audience.

What sets you apart from other aspiring rappers?

Well aspiring rappers only ASPIRE. I make sh*t happen! Lol. On a serious note though, what sets me apart is my combination of aggression (which seems to be missing nowadays) mixed with wit and an arrogant humor.. That just describes my rapping style. Subject-wise, I tell ALL about myself. It doesn’t matter if it is the most embarrassing thing that one wouldn’t discuss through the context of a normal conversation, I’m not afraid to put it on wax. These rappers make personas that exemplify materialistic things whereas I try to be real at all times. I’m secure enough to put it out there because I’m that comfortable with who I am. I’ve been homeless for years, sleeping in utility closets, taking shits in incinerators, wearing the same clothes for a month, manipulating low self-esteem women to survive, committed heinous crimes, and I ain’t afraid to say that because I know I ain’t the only one out there who’s went through it.

What is the philosophy by which you live by?

My philosophy is "If you want things done, do it yourself. And if you claim something, you must live up to it. A man’s character outshines his earthly possessions."

Which artists have inspired you?

A lot of artists have inspired me but the one who stands out is 50 Cent. His mindframe, his discipline, his business strategy, his music, and his outlook on life is VERY similar to how I feel personally.

Who does your production?

A slew of cats do my production including myself. If you got hot beats, I’m willing to listen. But I’ve been working closely with Beyond Fahrenheit Entertainment as far as production. Zo The Beat Boi produced my lead single “I’m Raw”. I work with producers who bring the HEAT!

What is your opinion of the current state of Hip Hop?

The current state of Hip-Hop is a catch-22 to me…It's really f*cked up but then again it can be very beneficial as far as budgeting for promotion goes and making more money on less volume of material. One thing that annoys me is the lack of talent. ANYONE could get a hot beat and a catchy hook and get ridiculous spins. It’s now all about who you know and a lot of weak n*ggas know the right people. But thanks to Jada doin good numbers last year, Eminem resurfacing, and now Drake coming out, the lyricism will be made “cool” again which works to my advantage.

If you can change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why?

If you suck, sit your ass down! WEAK “rappers” annoy me…When Soulja Boy makes a song full of weak punches while talking like he’s God’s gift to rap, there’s a problem because there’s no one with influence saying “Man joe, that shit WEAK. Here’s a few tips.” There’s no accountability anymore for bullshit music. It disgusts me.

Are there any singers that you would like to collaborate with in the future?

My girl is gonna snap on me about this one but I'd like to do a song with Alicia Keys (sorry boo), Bilal, Kells, Trey Songz, Justin Timberlake, Linkin Park, Ginuwine,and Jeremiah to name a few.

What producer would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Wow….I would love to collaborate with Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Bangladesh, J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, 1500 Or Nothin’, Boi 1da, etc... there’s too many to name.

What is your favorite movie and favorite book?

My favorite movies are comedies…I like to laugh. All of the Tyler Perry joints, all of the Judd Apatow joints too; 40-Year Old Virgin, Superbad, Zack & Miri Make A Porno, Hangover, etc But the "Pursuit Of Happyness" is one movie that I always think back to as an inspiration.

What are some major misconceptions that you think people have of you?

Some peopl think that just because I'm from Cabrini-Green, I’m autimatically going to hurt you. It’s been quite a few times that I’d network with DJ’s or artists, and when I tell them I did my dirt in the Greens, their whole demeanor changed! It’s crazy! I’m really quite a personable guy folks.

What is your favorite part of your live show? How has it evolved?

My favorite part is getting people’s attention, even before the music plays. I feed off of the crowd when I perform so if I spot some shit I don’t like going on, I address it right there on stage. Then I heat ‘em up with an a cappella and it’s nuts from there. I used to do the basic “Yo, yo, yo, I’m Young Bruus from the Chi” but had to switch it up quick because it was too cliché.

What is your LP going to be like?

My LP is going to be like a diary. The 1st half will involve personal accounts from a COMPLETELY uncensored, sometimes over the top perspective. And then the second half of it will be more universal music. I understand that people don’t want to ride to the club listening to a song about suicidal thinking and self-loathing, so I intend to put fun, party/riding music on it as well while maintaining a lyrical accountability. And of course, the album will contain uncut street music as well.

What is your website?

My official artist website is under construction as we speak but I’m a Facebook head, I wont lie. Hit me up @ facebook.com/Youngbruus or twitter.com/youngbruus. My MySpace is myspace.com/bglockbruus.

Any final words for the people.

I appreciate you all taking the time to read this interview and getting to know me a lil’ bit. I PROMISE, with my life experiences that my music is exceptional and you will feel the darkest corners, the lightest corners, and the most arrogant corners of my soul on EVERY track. Get in tune stuuuuuupid!!! Huh Man!

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