Blaze Ya Dead Homie
Blaze Ya Dead Homie | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Chris Rouleau |
Also known as | Cell Block Psycho C |
Born | April 27, 1976 |
Origin | Romeo, Michigan, United States |
Genres | Hip hop |
Occupation | Emcee |
Years active | 1996–present |
Labels | Psychopathic |
Website | TheDeadManBlaze.com |
Chris Rouleau, also known as Blaze Ya Dead Homie, is an American rapper from Romeo, Michigan. His stage persona is that of a reincarnated gang member killed in the late 1980s, and his lyrics derive from the hip hop styles of gangsta rap and horrorcore.
Biography
Rouleau began rapping at the age of 17, while in Romeo High School, and performed at local clubs on the east side of Detroit.[1] Rouleau performed as a member of 2 Krazy Devils (with Skrapz) under the stage name Psycho C.[2] Rouleau's first big performance was at the Ritz in Roseville, where he and James Lowery opened for House of Krazees.[1] House of Krazees member The R.O.C. later produced 2 Krazy Devils' only album, Flipped Insanity, before the group disbanded in 1996.[2]
Rouleau joined several groups, but no material was released. When Rouleau was about to give up rapping, he was encouraged to join Psychopathic Records, where he initially started out as a member of Insane Clown Posse's road crew.[1][3] He appeared on Twiztid's Mostasteless album, and occasionally acted as a hype man in live concerts.[4] Rouleau joined Dark Lotus and Psychopathic Rydas, performing in the latter under the stage name "Cell Block."[4] In 2000, Rouleau released a solo EP, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, establishing his character as a gang member killed in the late 1980s.[2] Rouleau toured major cities across the country to support the release, including a debut at the Gathering of the Juggalos.[4][5]
The LP 1 Less G N Da Hood was recorded and released in 2001, followed by continued touring and appearances on several Psychopathic releases.[5] On October 19, 2004, Rouleau released his second studio album, Colton Grundy: The Undying. It peaked at #9 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart, #16 on the Top Independent Albums chart, #57 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, #167 on the Top Internet Albums chart, and #167 on the Billboard 200.[6] Rouleau formed the group Drive-By with Lowery, releasing the album Pony Down (Prelude) in 2005. The following year, Rouleau contributed two tracks to the video game 25 To Life, which also featured music by Tupac Shakur, Public Enemy, DMX, Geto Boys and Tech N9ne.[7] On August 21, 2007, Rouleau released his third studio album, Clockwork Gray. It peaked at #14 on the Top Independent Albums chart and at #34 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[6]
Rouleau's fourth studio album, Gang Rags, was released on June 22, 2010 and debuted number 52 on the Billboard 200.[8][9] While on the 2011 Drive-By Tour, he released Gang Rags Extended Version (Uncut + Uncensored).[10]
Style and influences
Rouleau's lyrical style derives from gangsta rap and horrorcore.[2][11] Rouleau's music strongly derives from late 1980s/early 1990s West Coast hip hop,[11] and sometimes incorporates elements of rock music.[2][11] Rouleau's influences include Insane Clown Posse.[12] Rouleau also enjoys the music of Kiss, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Journey, Twiztid, Slick Rick, LL Cool J, Run DMC, N.W.A and Ice-T.[1]
Discography
- 1 Less G N Da Hood (2001)
- Colton Grundy: The Undying (2004)
- Clockwork Gray (2007)
- Gang Rags (2010)
Filmography
- A Family Underground (2008)
- Big Money Rustlas (2010)
- Over/Under [TV Movie, "Pilot" episode] (2013)
References
- ^ a b c d "Back to his Roots". Psychopathic Records. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
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(help) [dead link ] - ^ a b c d e Cordor, Cyril. "Blaze Ya Dead Homie > Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
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(help) - ^ Bruce, Joseph (2003). "Buried Alive". In Nathan Fostey (ed.). ICP: Behind the Paint (second ed.). Royal Oak, Michigan: Psychopathic Records. p. 444. ISBN 0-9741846-0-8.
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ignored (help) - ^ a b c "Thug Back from the Dead". Psychopathic Records. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
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(help) [dead link ] - ^ a b "One Less G". Psychopathic Records. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
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(help) [dead link ] - ^ a b "Charts and awards for Blaze Ya Dead Homie". Allmusic. Retrieved August 27, 2008.
- ^ "Back Again: Colton Grundy". Psychopathic Records. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
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(help) [dead link ] - ^ "Name Droppin". Psychopathic Records. December 1, 2009. Retrieved December 1, 2009.
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(help) - ^ "Week of July 10, 2010". Billboard 200. Billboard. July 3, 2010. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
- ^ "Exclusive Blaze Tour CD!". blaze.psychopathicrecords.com. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
- ^ a b c James Zahn (June 24, 2010). "Blaze - Gang Rags (review)". Reviews. Kik Axe Music. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
- ^ "Blaze Ya Dead Homie > Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved June 1, 2008.
External links