In early 2011 the ladies of AAMP got the chance to chop it up with artist Big Bril. You all get to see the pics of Bril and hear is music but this interview takes it a step further! Get to know another side of Big Bril as you continue to read below:
*Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What are your interests?
My name is Jibril Holmes; I’m from East Orange NJ. I’m a homebody, I play video games and all that but rap is my main focus. I love working on my craft.
*What does music mean to you?
Music means everything to me. I love music because at a young age I went through a lot and music has been my escape. I lost my best friend in a shooting and I was supposed to be with him at that time. That day, my mother told me to take out the garbage and usually, I never listen to her but that day I did. My best friend ended up leaving me because I was taking too long. I was supposed to be in that car with him three years ago. My best friend was and still is my main supporter. He encouraged me to rap.
*How would you define your city's music?
I grew up in East Orange surrounded by a strong Muslim community and my father is Muslim. He didn’t want me to listen to rap and forced the religion on me but growing up, I knew all the songs on the radio. I used to rap with my toothbrush in the mirror!
*When did you realize you wanted to become an artist?
At age 18/19. I lived with my uncle during high school and he didn’t approve of my rapping but I was really into basketball. I defied my family against school and basketball, and got into rapping heavy. My uncle never listened to my music because he assumed it was about women/drugs/etc but I was a storyteller. I based my songs off of a conversation or experience and told the story through my lyrics.
*What are some of your accomplishments as an artist?
Most importantly – gaining a fan base. I do local shows in NJ, my video is on vlaadtv.com, youtube, yoraps.com, mixtapes and different articles. **Recently Big Bril won the TIA Award for “Best Freestyle Artist”**
*Where do you get your inspiration // Who are your musical influences?
Jay Z and Lloyd Banks but I’m not just stuck on rap. I like the rock band “Black Keys” because their music helps clear my mind, especially after listening to so many artists who have the same flow and story to tell. But really, if I’m not listening to myself - I’m not listening to anyone.
*How do you prepare for a show?
I’m the most laid back person during shows and I don’t get nervous. As soon as the music comes in, I try not to focus on the crowd. Once the music is going, I immediately grab the audience’s attention and I feed off the energy of the crowd.
*What do you hope people gain from listening to your music?
I am not the “dance/snap” type of music - I have a story to tell. I like doing music for the ladies as well as deliver punch lines and other varieties of music in which people will hear. I can do a dance track but I will put more thought (lyrically) into it, but I’m not “dancing”.
*What are your music career goals? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Hopefully a record deal as well as PCM officially doing something big. I’ve had 4 mixtapes in 2 years which is major. I also hope to perform in an Arena.
*If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
BRILLIANT. They call me Brilliant Bril!
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