BlazeYL - The Cost Of Being (Mixtape) + 10 Questions

Today, 16th of May, South London's lyrical mastermind, BlazeYL, unveils his highly anticipated 12-track mixtape, ‘The Cost Of Being’. This musical masterpiece features noteworthy collaborations with Blanco, Arz, AntsLive, NSJ Mali, Kairo Keyz, and Joe Unknown. Blaze's latest singles, ‘Easy Access’, ‘Toxic Minds’, and most recently ‘Inconsiderate’, have sparked a growing anticipation for his debut mixtape, earning him acclaim and nods of approval from influential figures such as Tiffany Calver, Manga Saint Hilare, Jammer, Semtex, and Rebecca Judd. This project is a testament to his exceptional penmanship and dynamic flow, solidifying his standing as one of the most capable lyricists in the UK scene. ‘The Cost Of Being’ sees Blaze enter into a new phase as he successfully experiments with sounds and styles, collaborating with some of the scene's most sought-after lyricists and producers, including El Londo, Kare, Samotypebeat, Alex Goughh, NJMADEIT, itskovani, Jamo Beatz and Leobeatz.  Blaze's sound, which he describes as ‘New Wave’, is an eclectic blend of Rap, Trap, Grime, and Drill, successfully showcasing his versatility and boundary-pushing approach to music. Throughout the mixtape - which spans just under 30 minutes - Blaze delves into themes of friendship, infatuation, and living for the moment, inviting listeners on a journey of self-discovery and musical exploration.

Hailing from Kennington, Blaze entered the world of music at a young age, attending the acclaimed Brit School. At 14, he joined forces with Sam Wise, igniting a partnership propelling them forward as part of the Rap collective House Of Pharaohs. BlazeYL quickly garnered attention for his distinctive flow and captivating cadence, carving out a niche for himself in the underground scene. His Soundcloud releases amassed a dedicated following, establishing him as a rising star. The momentum continued to build when Blaze showcased his skills in a memorable freestyle performance for Kenny AllStar on Mad About Bars. His magnetic presence and lyrical prowess solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the Alternative Rap landscape. Alongside his fellow House Of Pharaohs members, Blaze is a prominent figurehead celebrated for his storytelling ability, undeniable swagger, and charisma. Throughout his musical journey, Blaze has collaborated with a growing list of lyricists, including Sam Wise, JME, Blanco, Arz, Kairo Keyz and AntsLive, who are unique and celebrated in their respective scenes. Blaze continues demonstrating his versatility, merging scenes and music genres whilst cementing his position as a vital contributor to the ever-evolving Rap space.

Blaze finds himself at the forefront of a burgeoning collective of visionary artists poised to redefine the essence of Rap in 2024. With an electrifying start to the year, he set the stage with 'Only The House VOL:1', a collaborative masterpiece with the revered House Of Pharaohs collective. The project garnered universal praise from critics and influential voices like DJ Target, Kenny AllStar, JME, and Complex, further solidifying Blaze's position as a rising star. As he embarks on his solo journey, his trajectory only intensifies. ‘The Cost Of Being’ mixtape offers a glimpse into his distinctive sound and style, serving as a bold proclamation that 2024 belongs to him. Continuously pushing artistic boundaries, Blaze is currently crafting some of the most compelling music of his career. His dedication has not gone unnoticed, with esteemed publications such as Clash, Notion, and Wonderland continuing to champion his work. With each release, Blaze reaffirms his status as one to watch, a rising talent that is sure to make waves in the music industry.

BlazeYL sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

It started hearing certain sounds in the household, I grew up on RnB, Jazz and Reggae. It has defo played a part in the type of music I make now. Music videos and films inspired me and made me want to be a performer and be a creative.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I was born in 99 so I was listening to Lil Wayne and 50 Cent, Drake, Pharrell, Playboy Carti, Adele as well I would love to work with Adele. Lot’s more in RnB like Ashanti who I have always enjoyed, too many to list to be honest.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

So my first ever mixtape, ‘Cost Of Being’ mixtape is dropping 16th May. This is my debut mixtape, 12 tracks and the name came from cost of living crisis and the world we live in. The cost of being I refer to struggles and no matter what your profession there is a struggle and a cost of being. You have lows and highs and you need to pick yourself up. Throughout the mixtape there is a journey. The tape is about being free and expressing yourself.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I don’t have a set genre.. I call it the New Wave, it’s not one sound. I am dabbling and having fun with it.. Lots of jazz samples within my music.. Lots of influences from my music journey.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

This mixtape I would say is my proudest moment, creating this and putting this body of work together with my team. I would also say a sold out headline show at Electric Ballroom with House of Pharoahs..my mum came and was in the VIP so it was nice to see her proud.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Be authentic.. Be yourself and try not to get lost in social media. Real fans can tell when its original. Anyone coming up stay focused and forget about bullshit.. Work hard and don’t be shy to test things out and do things differently. Keep grinding! I have had low moments and you need to stay at it and appreciate the small wins and the journey.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

House of Pharoahs, Sam Wise, Danny Stern, Kevin Taylor, Bandana. Everyone is working right now!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Veeze - ‘Ganger’.

Future Metro boomin - ‘We Still Don’t trust you’.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Spending time with family and friends.. Enjoying life.. I like to work out, I like to run.. I enjoy cooking and I actually keep thinking I would be a chef if I wasn’t into music. I need to start my own cooking show soon!! Beside that anything creative.. I like art and museums.. But music is the main thing and exercise helps clear my head.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

My phone.. At least 1 Magnum.. comfy tracksuit for writing and recording. Also food is essential for those long sessions.. Need some food to keep you going in the booth.