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Brandon Jevon Farris, (formerly known as YB) now 808 BEEZY, is a label executive at Bold Records, Christian recording artist, and speaker from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, United States.[1] He launched Bold Records in March of 2014 where he released his first christian rap debut “Salvation”.
Biography
Early life
Beezy was raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He lived in a single mother home with 7 of his siblings. Without a father present in the home, he watched his older brothers as heroes. Mimicking his older brother Antonio, he would stand in front of the radio for hours reciting the lyrics of Eminem, 50 cent, and Ludacris. This practice of reciting well known artist help developed an ability to freestyle. At an early age he knew God was real and felt called to do something greater than what he understood, however, he wavered a decision because he knew there would be a price to following God. His senior year at Watson Chapel is where the plan God had started to become clear when the art teacher asked him to make a rap for the EOC test. Upon asking him, the teacher stated, “I know you are more than who you show your classmates”. This opportunity opened his eyes to using his gift of music for more than free-styling. After graduating he got accepted to attend SAU Tech in East Camden Arkansas. His two years at the technical college were developmental for his craft of making music and his faith. After being invited to Passion at the end of 2012, he committed to following God January 1 of 2013. This decision laid the foundation to begin working on his debut album, "Salvation".
Early career
Beezy always showed a great interest in music. Grabbing his first microphone at the age of 8, music became an escape from the turbulence of his childhood. Watching artist like 50 cent become established artist as well as great business men, Beezy begin taking a deeper look into what moved the industry. This thinking led to Beezy becoming hands on with his approach to breaking into Christian Hip Hop. Instead of attempting to sign to labels he established the imprint, Bold Records in 2013. After building the label he asked college friends to help assist him with the making of his first tour. In 2014 Beezy and his team embarked on “The Salvation Tour”, his first independent tour. As he begin to take more chances by shooting his own music videos, producing merch, and touring with the help of his girlfriend, now wife, Tammy Farris the label begin to expand within itself.[2] In 2015 he took on a role as an apprentice at First Baptist Orlando. At First Baptist of Orlando he begin to develop his understanding of ministry and caring for others, especially youth. Later he would become the middle school pastor. While at First Baptist, he continued to develop his craft of music releasing his ep, Clarity, followed by “Pursuit” and “God Still Has Soldiers”. March 1st of 2017 he transitioned out of ministry and went into music full time.
2017-Present
After going into ministry full time, Beezy begin working on his second album “God Still Has Soldiers 2”. The album released July 3rd 2018 and debuted on iTunes Christian & Gospel charts #20.[3] The album helped establish Beezy within the music scene garnering support from earmilk, HipHopSince197, Allhiphop.com, and Rapzilla.[4] On September 10, 2019 Beezy released the full length album Fire & Desire, followed by his ep titled "Provision" which features Reach Records artist, Wande.[5] November 27, 2020 Beezy brought the Fire Emoji series to a close with the final installment "Fire Emoji: The Finale" which features Christian artist Hulvey.[6] On May 7, 2021 Beezy continued the narrative of Provision with the sequel Provision II. January 30, 2022 he released the full length album "Glass Ceilings" followed by the release of "Wings Of An Angel Deluxe" released August 24, 2022.[7] Since the release, Beezy has been featured in the NBA, NFL, and made it to the LA Dodgers playlist as well as having his record “Distinguished” serving as the background music to Bally Sports Documentary Tribute to Jackie Robinson. Beezy announced his seventh studio album Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines released July 7th of 2023 which charted at #9 on iTunes Christian & Gospel charts.[8]
- ^ Richardson, Deon (November 29, 2023). "Christian Rapper YB Rebrands to 808 BEEZY".
- ^ "Rapper YB Is Making A Big Statement". Thisis50. 2021-09-04. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ Doby, Dr Jerry (2019-09-14). "Who Is Rising Hip Hop Artist YB?". The Hype Magazine. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
- ^ Lee, Brxton (2021-09-14). "The Hidden Gem of Arkansas, Rapper YB". AllHipHop. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ Ltd, Justin Mensah Co. "YB - Provision". RepJesus | Christian Sharing App. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ "Get To Know: YB". Beyond The Stage Magazine. 2021-01-29. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ Wells, Dawn (2022-09-02). "YB shares deluxe version of engaging album, 'WINGS OF AN ANGEL'". USA Wire. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ Ent, Trillest (2023-07-15). "YB Shares Potent New Album 'Dreams Don't Have Deadlines'". 24Hip-Hop. Retrieved 2024-04-23.