Meet an up-and-coming Canadian rapper and songwriter who is set on using his music to inspire generations of youth and young adults to speak out against issues that have impacted their lives.
Often compared to Drake, K’naan and Kardinal Offishall, 16-year-old REZZI (also known as Brandon Philip Reyes) told RIZZARR that during his tough childhood he struggled to express his thoughts and emotions. He then turned to music to help him persevere. It inspired him to help other youth who are struggling with various issues, like bullying.
REZZI says he wants his music to be an anthem for youth and young adults who feel marginalized by socio-economic factors and education.
Since coming onto the music scene, REZZI has been to share powerful messages with thousands of young people across the nation and Canada while performing at various events, like Youth Day Toronto. His first single, Home of The Brave, featuring popular artist DZA, was just released and he’s currently working on his debut mix-tape scheduled to release later this year.
RIZZARR was very inspired by his dreams and his message. We decided to catch up with him and find out more about his music and how he believes we can all inspire youth and young adults by being honest and sharing our personal struggles.
RIZZARR INTERVIEW
REZZI: “There so many ideas about how people can change the world, but those ideas are nothing compared to someone’s drive to actually changing it for themselves and for others.” (Photo courtesy of REZZI MUSIC)
1. What initiated your interest in speaking out against bullying and sharing your story on BullyVille.com?
The reason why I started speaking out upon is is because I see way too many situations and lost causes where kids or teenagers end up at an end of a one way road. Kids get lost. They put themselves in a place where it just naturally isn’t good for them. I wrote the story on Bullyville.com just as a personal letter to anyone who is in need of that support. I know how hard it can.
2. What are some of the challenges that you faced as you tried to go after your professional dreams and your passions? And how did you overcome them?
Age is the biggest issue I had to deal with, especially solely off the fact of people being ignorant. A lot of individuals who come across me for the first time don’t take me seriously because I’m younger then most professionals. I have really overcome it as of yet. It’s something that I can’t change myself, although society would fit best adapting around the idea of complexity in age.
3. How do you feel that these experiences have shaped you as a person and your ideas about how people can change the world?
Everything that has happened in my life has just culminated up into the way I carry myself as a person. I have always seen the world as something that can always be changed. We are people who do live in and control society. Therefore, I believe that changing the world can and will always start with one person. There so many ideas about how people can change the world, but those ideas are nothing compared to someone’s drive to actually changing it for themselves and for others.
4. Who has played a major role on your life and in your development as a person?
There is more than one person who has influenced me in my development. I would say my closest friends and my family because without them I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Support is everything.
5. Why do you think more people should be aware of bullying and your efforts in helping to put an end to this terrible thing that happens every day?
Simply, because it’s not fair to the ones who are getting bullied to carry themselves on their own in that situation. It can be tough for a lot of them, so support is nothing but a positive.
6. What are you hoping that people will take away from your anti-bullying messages and lyrics?
That there is always hope to overcome adversities in life, especially the ones that greatly hurt you emotionally and physically.
7. How you do plan to continue to use your life to change the world? And what are you hoping to accomplish in the future?
My intention is to try my hardest to make the world a better place for people. Whether it be through music, or life experience. It’s something we can all work at. Wouldn’t you? And, I plan to turn non-listeners into firm believers, to believe in the message and to see the movement I’m creating.
8. What advice would you give to anyone who is struggling as they pursue their dreams?
I once read “An overnight success takes 10 years.” Let that be something you take with you.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
