Beejus

This week I have been slappin' Beejus, Bee Smoove. I have heard BeeJus' name mentioned in circles around the Bay, but I never really gave his music a listen, well I'm glad I finally did. At first listen to Beejus, his voice sort of reminded me of another Oaklander, Sunspot Jonz, but that similarites between the two are only in vocal tone. Beejus has his own flavor which is reflected on Bee Smoove. Beejus kicks off Bee Smoove with a very interesting opener. Intro features a chorus groups singing the hook to Radiohead Creep. I'm not a Radiohead fan, but I found it a very interesting way to kick off a Hip Hop album. Ima' Be Smoove quickly follows Intro. Ima' Be Smoove features a hard clap and is a statement from Beejus claiming I'm going to be smoove. I enjoy it when artists kick off their albums with a mission statement or an introduction to the artists and thats what Ima' Be Smoove acomplishes. One of my favorite tracks off Bee Smoove is up next, Let The Beat Breath featuring Ashley Di'Amante. Contrary to the title Beejus does his lyrical thing on Let The Beat Breath and Ashley Di'Amante has an amazing voice. There does seem to be a nice balance between the music and the rhymes and Beejus lets the beat take center stage on this track. Ashley Di'Amante is featured on several tracks on Bee Smoove such as Gift To The Music, and one of my personel favorites Writers Confusion. Beejus doesn't have an writers block on Writers Confusion and Ashley is so soulful on the hook. Writers Confusion is nice to me, because its a dialogue between Beejus the lyricist and Ahsley the music, between the two they can do anything! Following the "deepness" of Writers Confusion are two banging tracks, Oops We Done It Again featuring Opps and I Party. On Opps We Done It Again Beejus kicks off the track exclaiming "Oops done every beat on the album, but the boy can rap too" and he can, when are we going to get more production and rhymes from Opps? I hope soon. I Party is just one of those feel good rock out tracks, nothing deep or crazy about this song, it just makes you wanna party and who doesn't want to party? Other tracks I'm really feelin on Bee Smoove include Guitar Play, What You Waitin' For, and Beat Bang. Beejus blesses us with a positive, unique song that we so desepretly need in the Bay right now. I love me some hard core street ish, but there needs to be a balance and that's what Beejuss brings us. Its important to note that Beejus doesn't come off weak, he has dope rhymes and can keep it real, he just doesn't front. Did I mention the best part, you can cop Bee Smoove for free on his website www.beejusmusic.com. So don't sleep like I did and get your free copy of Bee Smoove from one of the most refreshing artist coming up in the Bay Beejus. - Thizzler On The Roof

This week I have been slappin' Beejus, Bee Smoove. I have heard BeeJus' name mentioned in circles around the Bay, but I never really gave his music a listen, well I'm glad I finally did. At first listen to Beejus, his voice sort of reminded me of another Oaklander, Sunspot Jonz, but that similarites between the two are only in vocal tone. Beejus has his own flavor which is reflected on Bee Smoove. Beejus kicks off Bee Smoove with a very interesting opener. Intro features a chorus groups singing the hook to Radiohead Creep. I'm not a Radiohead fan, but I found it a very interesting way to kick off a Hip Hop album. Ima' Be Smoove quickly follows Intro. Ima' Be Smoove features a hard clap and is a statement from Beejus claiming I'm going to be smoove. I enjoy it when artists kick off their albums with a mission statement or an introduction to the artists and thats what Ima' Be Smoove acomplishes. One of my favorite tracks off Bee Smoove is up next, Let The Beat Breath featuring Ashley Di'Amante. Contrary to the title Beejus does his lyrical thing on Let The Beat Breath and Ashley Di'Amante has an amazing voice. There does seem to be a nice balance between the music and the rhymes and Beejus lets the beat take center stage on this track. Ashley Di'Amante is featured on several tracks on Bee Smoove such as Gift To The Music, and one of my personel favorites Writers Confusion. Beejus doesn't have an writers block on Writers Confusion and Ashley is so soulful on the hook. Writers Confusion is nice to me, because its a dialogue between Beejus the lyricist and Ahsley the music, between the two they can do anything! Following the "deepness" of Writers Confusion are two banging tracks, Oops We Done It Again featuring Opps and I Party. On Opps We Done It Again Beejus kicks off the track exclaiming "Oops done every beat on the album, but the boy can rap too" and he can, when are we going to get more production and rhymes from Opps? I hope soon. I Party is just one of those feel good rock out tracks, nothing deep or crazy about this song, it just makes you wanna party and who doesn't want to party? Other tracks I'm really feelin on Bee Smoove include Guitar Play, What You Waitin' For, and Beat Bang. Beejus blesses us with a positive, unique song that we so desepretly need in the Bay right now. I love me some hard core street ish, but there needs to be a balance and that's what Beejuss brings us. Its important to note that Beejus doesn't come off weak, he has dope rhymes and can keep it real, he just doesn't front. Did I mention the best part, you can cop Bee Smoove for free on his website www.beejusmusic.com. So don't sleep like I did and get your free copy of Bee Smoove from one of the most refreshing artist coming up in the Bay Beejus. - Thizzler On The Roof

Seven years in the making, Bay Area Rapper Beejus is finally making his official mixtape debut, with “In The Mind Of Beejus,” dropping today, April 13th. Beejus allowed Rawe to take the time to get into his mind, about the Bay Area Hip-Hop Scene, and what he hopes people get from his music. (Download link at bottom)

Bella: What does your name mean?

Beejus: Well, my real name is Brandon and everyone just called me Beejus for short. One of my best friends, whenever he would see me, he’d be like “Beejus,” for no fucking reason. It had taken me a long time to really pick a name, my first artist name that I had went with was B Rob and it was kind of too simple for me so I went with another name and that was Hyph B—but I didn’t really want to be associated with the Hyphy movement and that’s kind of how I spelled it so I just changed it from that. There was a period of time where I didn’t have an artist name at all so I was like fuck it, I’m going to roll with Beejus because it’s random as hell and no one knows what it is, neither do I, so I just rolled with it.

Bella: So since you went through so many names, can you give a background of who you are as an artist and how long you’ve been around and everything?

Beejus: Well I’m 25 now. I’ve been writing and recording since I was 17-18 and in those years I only have a year or two added up time where it was actually recording. From then I’ve come out with two mixtapes basically just teaching myself how to rap which is listening to music and writing trying to formulate my own songs and stuff like that. So, I’d say the type of artist and type of person I am when it comes to my music, I’m very open to different styles and actually being myself when it comes to writing and putting out music because I feel that’s the most important when it comes to actually doing music. I know it actually sounds cliché but a lot of people say it but they don’t mean it, they say that their music is themselves but it just feels like its not them and so that’s basically the basis of me I feel I have a personality and voice of my own that people will like. That’s what I like to put into my music and also, since I love music so much, I feel I can bring good music for people to love where they can get the same feelings I get when I listen to music.

Bella: So, what are you listening to right now who do you listen to that you kind of get inspired in a way?

Beejus: A major influence on my music is Pac of course. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Ludacris, Eminem and then also vocally the Livewires and Textiling. (?) When I was coming up around 17 or 18, when I was teaching myself how to rap, I was listening to them a lot so I followed what they were doing a little bit. All those artists helped in molding how I was going to rap because I would to how they actually put the verses and songs together and like at the beginning stages of me teaching myself how to rap, those were the early stages and the most influential artists.
But right now, I’m listening to Wale, Nio Tha Gift, Erk Tha Jerk. Kings of Leon because lately, I haven’t been listening to too much hip-hop, I’ve been in a rock and roll stage. I’m trying to think of who else has been in heavy rotation on my Ipod, that’s pretty much it that I listen to more then one time a day.

Bella: And do you think working on Streets is Talking Radio do you think it’s helped kind of shape your sound more now?

Beejus: I can’t really say that it’s shaped my sound but, it has definitely helped me shape my industry media personality. It kind of gets me ready to deal with certain things as an artist as far as getting interviewed and being in the public eye. Things like that, it’s really helped because I’ve never really done anything like that before the show and I constantly feel like I’m being watched because the show on the web and also with speaking with the mic. When I know hella people are listening at first, it was scary, but actually doing it every week has got me ready, so yea, I can’t say it’s influenced my sound but it really influenced my personality.

Bella: You know how people say that now there’s a lot of Bay artist that are coming out, that are going to change people’s perception of what’s “bay music.” As an artist, and working on the show, do you actually see this new “movement?”

Beejus: Yea most definitely, I’m super excited and that’s not me talking as an artist myself, but as a music listener. I’m super excited for the shit I’ve been hearing and for the people that are representing us, or that are getting represented in the Bay right now because these mother fuckers are coming out with real ass music, not that gimmick shit that everyone even outside of the bay was coming out with. It feels really good that the artist that are getting pushed are putting out real authentic music and I definitely feel the bay is on it’s way turning shit around.

Now, speaking for myself as an artist, I never saw any of my music as - RaweMag

Seven years in the making, Bay Area Rapper Beejus is finally making his official mixtape debut, with “In The Mind Of Beejus,” dropping today, April 13th. Beejus allowed Rawe to take the time to get into his mind, about the Bay Area Hip-Hop Scene, and what he hopes people get from his music. (Download link at bottom)

Bella: What does your name mean?

Beejus: Well, my real name is Brandon and everyone just called me Beejus for short. One of my best friends, whenever he would see me, he’d be like “Beejus,” for no fucking reason. It had taken me a long time to really pick a name, my first artist name that I had went with was B Rob and it was kind of too simple for me so I went with another name and that was Hyph B—but I didn’t really want to be associated with the Hyphy movement and that’s kind of how I spelled it so I just changed it from that. There was a period of time where I didn’t have an artist name at all so I was like fuck it, I’m going to roll with Beejus because it’s random as hell and no one knows what it is, neither do I, so I just rolled with it.

Bella: So since you went through so many names, can you give a background of who you are as an artist and how long you’ve been around and everything?

Beejus: Well I’m 25 now. I’ve been writing and recording since I was 17-18 and in those years I only have a year or two added up time where it was actually recording. From then I’ve come out with two mixtapes basically just teaching myself how to rap which is listening to music and writing trying to formulate my own songs and stuff like that. So, I’d say the type of artist and type of person I am when it comes to my music, I’m very open to different styles and actually being myself when it comes to writing and putting out music because I feel that’s the most important when it comes to actually doing music. I know it actually sounds cliché but a lot of people say it but they don’t mean it, they say that their music is themselves but it just feels like its not them and so that’s basically the basis of me I feel I have a personality and voice of my own that people will like. That’s what I like to put into my music and also, since I love music so much, I feel I can bring good music for people to love where they can get the same feelings I get when I listen to music.

Bella: So, what are you listening to right now who do you listen to that you kind of get inspired in a way?

Beejus: A major influence on my music is Pac of course. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Ludacris, Eminem and then also vocally the Livewires and Textiling. (?) When I was coming up around 17 or 18, when I was teaching myself how to rap, I was listening to them a lot so I followed what they were doing a little bit. All those artists helped in molding how I was going to rap because I would to how they actually put the verses and songs together and like at the beginning stages of me teaching myself how to rap, those were the early stages and the most influential artists.
But right now, I’m listening to Wale, Nio Tha Gift, Erk Tha Jerk. Kings of Leon because lately, I haven’t been listening to too much hip-hop, I’ve been in a rock and roll stage. I’m trying to think of who else has been in heavy rotation on my Ipod, that’s pretty much it that I listen to more then one time a day.

Bella: And do you think working on Streets is Talking Radio do you think it’s helped kind of shape your sound more now?

Beejus: I can’t really say that it’s shaped my sound but, it has definitely helped me shape my industry media personality. It kind of gets me ready to deal with certain things as an artist as far as getting interviewed and being in the public eye. Things like that, it’s really helped because I’ve never really done anything like that before the show and I constantly feel like I’m being watched because the show on the web and also with speaking with the mic. When I know hella people are listening at first, it was scary, but actually doing it every week has got me ready, so yea, I can’t say it’s influenced my sound but it really influenced my personality.

Bella: You know how people say that now there’s a lot of Bay artist that are coming out, that are going to change people’s perception of what’s “bay music.” As an artist, and working on the show, do you actually see this new “movement?”

Beejus: Yea most definitely, I’m super excited and that’s not me talking as an artist myself, but as a music listener. I’m super excited for the shit I’ve been hearing and for the people that are representing us, or that are getting represented in the Bay right now because these mother fuckers are coming out with real ass music, not that gimmick shit that everyone even outside of the bay was coming out with. It feels really good that the artist that are getting pushed are putting out real authentic music and I definitely feel the bay is on it’s way turning shit around.

Now, speaking for myself as an artist, I never saw any of my music as - RaweMag

The first song I ever heard from Beejus was entitled “So Soulful,” and it immediately let me know that this MC was a force to be reckoned with. Not only that, it proved that there was more to the Bay Area’s hip-hop scene than the pimp stylings of Too $hort and the skinny jeans rap aesthetic of artists like Lil B. The beat was appropriately soulful and Beejus’ thoughtful lyrics were heightened by his smooth delivery.

Naturally, Beejus remains just as smooth on Bee Smoove, an experimental hip-hop album that wins because it takes chances other artists would be afraid to take. The 14-track album, produced almost entirely by Oops, is an eclectic mix of styles, ranging from slow-rolling future funk (“I’ma Be Smoove”) to fist-pump delirium (“iParty”) to classic West Coast shit (“Here We Go,” featuring Fresh Caeser).

Though there are a fair number of guests on Bee Smoove, including B. Younger, Vell4Short, and the lovely Ashley Di’Amante, this is clearly and totally Beejus’ show. The album gives us a peek into the mind of Beejus—even more so than his earlier album actually entitled In The Mind of Beejus. While dope in its own right, In The Mind … was a more conventional, straightforward affair. Bee Smoove is adventurous, exploratory, and indicative of an artist unafraid to experiment beyond the norm in hip-hop.

Download Bee Smoove for free at www.beejusmusic.com. - JayFingers

If we played word association with the phrase "west Oakland rapper," Beejus probably wouldn't be the emcee you'd conjure up. He is not your typical Livewire stereotype. No coke, goons or pistols to speak of, unless of course he's shooting something up on his XBox. As a thinker, father and lover of life, he knows the corner is not his promised land and owns that realization in a way few rappers have the balls to. Needless to say it's a welcome change of pace.

In The Mind of Beejus is part freak fest, part ode to music and 100% real. Stand out tracks include "Invented It," "A Message Pt. 2," and "Don't Dream Music" featuring Vell4Short (below).

If you want to help Beejus celebrate his release, come out to Society Wednesday at Paradiso tonight and/or Fresh Steps at Luka's this Sunday. - 38thnotes.com

Before the official release of Bee Smoove, Beejus had a small listening session. Immediately "Ima BeeSmoove" jumped out. It was different from what we were used to and we wondered if the entire album would have the same sound. During that same session there was a lot of album feedback, including mention that the songs didn't tell us about the life of Beejus. Dubbed his "love letter to music," you were left knowing a lot about his relationship with music (and the different sounds he was into), but not much about him.

But if you watch the beautifully tinted video, this is Beejus. Him with the love of his life. Him in West Oakland. Him doing music. It's over a beat produced by his cousin. And the video was directed by his homie. Now you know a bit more about what it means to bee smoove. - 38thnotes.com

Before the official release of Bee Smoove, Beejus had a small listening session. Immediately "Ima BeeSmoove" jumped out. It was different from what we were used to and we wondered if the entire album would have the same sound. During that same session there was a lot of album feedback, including mention that the songs didn't tell us about the life of Beejus. Dubbed his "love letter to music," you were left knowing a lot about his relationship with music (and the different sounds he was into), but not much about him.

But if you watch the beautifully tinted video, this is Beejus. Him with the love of his life. Him in West Oakland. Him doing music. It's over a beat produced by his cousin. And the video was directed by his homie. Now you know a bit more about what it means to bee smoove. - 38thnotes.com

Before Beejus dropped Bee Smoove, he described the album as a love letter to music. But the project is a little more than songs about music, it's an experiment. How does an artist combine all of the things they love and leave out all of the things they don't? In a market saturated with MCs how do you market yourself to stand apart? How do you create a fanbase when none of your projects are the same? Is it the lyrics, the music, or the personality that make an album sound cohesive? Is your work about you or the listeners? If an artist is influenced by multiple genres, should their music be defined as one?

And while those questions can be debated without end, there are a few things we know after hearing the album. One: Beejus and his producer Ooops (who is also his cousin) have a great chemistry. Two: Bee Smoove is more about the feeling you get from listening to certain tracks than word play or storytelling. Three: Beejus is at his best over mellow tracks and alternative style instrumentation. Four: Beejus is comfortable being himself and creating his what he desires. Five: We have no clue what the next album will sound like.

Take a listen. You can mellow out or fist pump. But when you're done, let us know what you think. - 38thnotes.com

By his own account, rapper Beejus (Brandon Robinson) never quite felt like he fit in while growing up in West Oakland.

Raised in a middle-class household, he attended a magnet program in elementary school in the Oakland hills. For much of his life, Beejus said he was insulated from the economic turmoil of his deFremery Park neighborhood. He remembered sticking out among his peers because he was more interested in video games and comic books than shoes and girls. After repeatedly getting beat up as a teenager, he adopted a tougher look and attitude to blend in.

"I was 16 years old and 98 pounds — a scrawny little kid walking around by myself. ... I was like, 'I can't keep walking around looking like a target,' which I was for a while," he said. "Then I started to adopt more of the hood mentality because it was really just a plea for me to fit in, and I was sick of standing out."

Now thirty years old with a child of his own, Beejus said he no longer feels the need to play a part. When I met him on a recent afternoon, he spoke with an effusive energy. Sporting multicolored socks, patterned sneakers, cut-off shorts, and thick-rimmed glasses, he said he's finally embracing the slightly nerdy, goofball persona he tried to hide — qualities that permeate his latest release, FreeSpirit: The Album.

Produced by Oops (Tyrone Jenkins), who often raps alongside Beejus, the record features feel-good rhymes and intersperses dreamy, laid-back tracks with bubbly summer anthems. Beejus' sandpaper voice and liquid flow complement Oops' super-fast spitting. Oops, who began collaborating with Beejus when they were both adolescents, is a surprising star on the album.

While mostly staying surface level in his lyrics, Beejus occasionally reveals his inner life with bars that touch on his insecurities about his music or guilt over not being a better parent. But throughout the record, he remains optimistic. "I never had anybody give me real, good positive reinforcement," Beejus explained. "That's the message I want to get out: As long as you're moving forward and trying to be something better, then it's okay to make mistakes."

The album sticks to mostly safe topics – repping West Oakland, supporting family, having fun, working hard, getting laid – making it almost instantly relatable but also leaving it without a clear message or focus. Beejus explained that much of his creative process is about going with his gut and not overthinking the content of his music. "I've always been all over the place. I might make a song like 'Take That' that's super raunchy, but I also might do one where I'm rapping about my family and my daughter and stuff," he said. "But that's what it is. I'm free thinking, free living, and I can say 'free spirit' without having to really get deep down and explain it."

When FreeSpirit dropped in March, Beejus celebrated by throwing a hip-hop showcase, FreeSpirit Fest at the Legionnaire Saloon in Oakland, in which he highlighted several other notable, local MCs, including Erk Tha Jerk and Caleborate. Beejus said he was tired of relying on promoters and wanted to create an event that furthered the FreeSpirit brand while spotlighting other rising Oakland artists. The second fest in September featured Oops, Legendvry, Tia Nomore, and Anthony Dragons.

While up-tempo jams define much of Beejus' sound, the rapper said his forthcoming release, set to drop sometime early next year, will take on a more introspective tone. BeeSmoove 2 features more melodic songs with slower rhythms. Beejus said the record will reflect on a recent dark time in his life when he wasn't feeling like the funny, buoyant guy he often portrays.

"It's really touching on the stages when, a couple years ago, I was really depressed," Beejus said. "But it's not really me talking about my depression... it's more about the times I was in my rut and how I got out of it."

Oops will handle most of the album's production once again. But unlike FreeSpirit — which featured J. Lately, Tyrese Johnson, and Champlu — there will be fewer guest verses, a direction Beejus said resulted from his growing self-confidence.

"If I really look at myself now the way that someone else looks at me, I realize that it's actually good. I'm actually doing something and creating a platform. ... That's what I want from my music," he said. "I want people to feel accepted because I never did." - East Bay Express

“Free spirit” is the motto of rapper Beejus, who embraces being a misfit on his recent album of the same title. The Oakland MC is the curator and headliner of FreeSpirit Fest Two, a showcase of similarly left-field local rappers at Legionnaire Saloon (2272 Telegraph Ave., Oakland) on Thursday, September 24. Performing alongside is Tia Nomore, a fiery, up-and-coming lyricist and #GirlGang ambassador who recently toured with HBK Gang’s Iamsu! Though Nomore’s highly anticipated debut album, Halloween, still doesn’t have an official release date, she has released a string of well-received singles over the past year, including the no-holds-barred ex-boyfriend diss track, “Suck It Easy,” and the infectious boast rap “CakeWalk,” which features HBK Gang affiliate Show Banga. Oakland MCs Anthony Dragons, a member of the collective Them Hellas alongside Duckwrth and Queens D.Light; Beejus’ frequent collaborator Oops, who produced the entirety of FreeSpirit: The Album; and introspective storyteller Legendvry are also performing. - East Bay Express