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Bizzle

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Not to be confused with Lethal Bizzle.

Bizzle
Birth nameMark Julian Felder
Also known asLavyss
Born (1983-07-21) July 21, 1983 (age 41)
Los Angeles, California
OriginHouston, Texas, U.S.
GenresHip hop, R&B, Christian hip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, singer, record producer, entrepreneur
Years active2004–present
LabelsGod Over Money
Websitewww.godovermoney.com

Mark Julian Felder[1] (born July 21, 1983), more commonly known as Bizzle, is an American Christian hip hop recording artist and entrepreneur.

In January 2010, Bizzle released "You Got Some Explaining to Do". The song criticizes rapper Jay-Z for negative references towards Jesus and Christianity in his music. Bizzle released his first mixtape, The Messenger, in March 2010. Shortly after the release, he founded God Over Money Records in Houston, Texas. Bizzle released his debut album, Tough Love & Parables, on June 21, 2011. It debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. The Good Fight was released on May 7, 2013 and debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Gospel Albums chart, No. 7 on Christian Albums, and No. 11 on Top Rap Albums. In 2013, Bizzle won Kingdom Choice Awards for Rap Single of The Year, Hip Hop Album of The Year, and Music Video of The Year.

Bizzle received media attention in 2014 when he released "Same Love (A Response)" in reaction to the pro-gay rights single "Same Love" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. The song was controversial because it expressed opposition to homosexuality.

Life and career

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Early life

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Mark Felder was raised mostly by his mother in Los Angeles, California. His father stayed in Compton, California. His family was poor and lived in Section 8 housing.[2] Felder was approximately 13 years of age the first time he stepped in a music studio. Listening to Tupac, he began to establish a talent for writing rhymes.[2]

Felder put out five mixtapes and began circulating them in malls, clubs, radio stations and anywhere else he could. He opened for Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana during their I Can't Feel My Face tour.[2][3][4] He also opened for Lil Boosie.[5][better source needed]

Felder has stated that his "financial situation got so bad he was sleeping on a friend's floor and his car was a closet for his clothes".[6] Felder began selling drugs and became a pimp to fund his music career.[7][better source needed]

2004–08 L.A.V. Mixtapes

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Between 2004 and 2008, Bizzle released L.A.V. Mixtapes Volumes 1–5 in Southern California. He then released Dirty West Mixtapes 1 and 2 with J. Sin and 360 Records in Houston, Texas, and returned to California to release Certified Mixtape.[5][better source needed]

In 2005, he was offered a deal by 360 Records out of Houston and declined.[5] Two years later, Bizzle had been offered a deal by Barry Hankerson to sign with Blackground/Universal, but he also declined that offer.[5][better source needed]

Bizzle spent three years preparing his debut album Grind Pays.[5][better source needed]

2008–11 The Jay-Z diss, The Messenger trilogy & Tough Love & Parables

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The influence of Christianity prompted Bizzle's questioning of the imagery promoted through the music of rappers like Kanye West, Rick Ross, and Jay-Z.[8] On January 17, 2010 he released the track "You Got Some Explaining to Do". The song was directed towards Jay-Z, criticizing him for negative references towards Jesus in his lyrics.[9] The result of the diss song led Bizzle to being called the "Christian Rapper that dissed Jay Z".[5][better source needed] Overwhelmed by the positive response and media attention he received, Bizzle decided to make music that proclaimed a Christian message and exposed influences within the music industry that he believed to be negative.[5][better source needed]

Bizzle released his first Christian mixtape, The Messenger, on March 30, 2010 on DatPiff.[10] The Messenger 2: Delivered & The Messenger 3: Truth Music followed in 2010 & 2011 respectively.[citation needed]

Shortly after the release of "The Messenger", Bizzle founded God Over Money Records in Houston, Texas. Since its creation, the label has released eight mixtapes,[11] a collaborative album with artist Willie 'P-Dub' Moore Jr.,[12] and three full-length studio albums;[13] it has also signed two artists.[14][15][16]

Bizzle released his debut album, Tough Love & Parables, on June 21, 2011. It debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.[17] It appeared on the iTunes Store swoosh banner.[18]

2012–14 BoBW, The Good Fight and working with Boi-1da

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On February 7, 2012, Felder and Willie Moore, Jr. released Best of Both Worlds: The Album.[19] The album reached No. 5 on the iTunes Hip Hop/Rap Chart.[20]

On May 7, 2013, Bizzle released his second studio album, The Good Fight.[21] The album features production-works from Grammy-winning producer Boi-1da.[22][23] Its first single, "Soldier" was released January 26, 2013[24] and features No Malice and included a music video. Later singles were "Dear Hip-Hop"[25] and "My Confession" (featuring Sevin).[26] The Good Fight debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Gospel Albums chart, No. 7 on Christian Albums, No. 11 on Top Rap Albums,[27] and sold a total of 3,962 copies in its first week.[28][29] His previous works with Boi-1da include "Forgive Me" released on March 16, 2011[30] which features rapper MC Jin and "Lost and Found" on his collaborative mixtape Martyrs in the Making with Bumps INF.[citation needed] Bizzle stated that Boi-1da worked free of charge on the project.[7] The collaborative work between the two was highlighted in the 2012 September edition of XXL.[31]

Bizzle received nominations for Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of The Year at both the 2012[32][33] and 2014 Stellar Awards,[34][35] sharing the category with artists Derek Minor, Lecrae, and Thi'sl. He also received three nominations at the 2012[36][37] and 2013 Kingdom Choice Awards. Although he did not win any Kingdom Choice Awards in 2012, he won in 2013 for Rap Single of The Year, Hip Hop Album of The Year, and Music Video of The Year.[38]

"Same Love" controversy

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On January 28, 2014, Bizzle released a single entitled "Same Love (A Response)"[39] in reaction to the pro-gay rights single "Same Love" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. It opens with the rapper reciting a quotation from the Book of Timothy, then leads into the same instrumental track as Macklemore's original. [40] The song is critical of the media in its promotion of homosexuality, stating that it is hypocritical to call for tolerance for same-sex relationships while at the same time branding opponents of homosexual behavior as "hateful".[41] The single takes issue with the analogy of gay rights with the African-American civil rights movement.[42][43][44] It also encourages Christians who struggle with homosexual attractions to "fight the good fight".[45]

Three days after its release, the song garnered over 30,000 views on YouTube.[46] The Huffington Post called the track "very disturbing".[47] The Advocate, a newspaper that represents the LGBTQ+ community, said Bizzle's single "uses the instrumental hook from Macklemore's 'Same Love' to say that LGBT people are sinful, violent, and just like pedophiles."[48] Bizzle has reported that he has received death threats because of the song. He also created a website that chronicles the backlash against him[49] and maintained that he was not homophobic but simply stating an opposing argument to that in popular media.[50]

Personal life

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Bizzle became a Christian in 2008.[51]

After 18 years of recording in Los Angeles,[5] Bizzle relocated to Houston, Texas. As of 2014, he resided with his wife and two children in Houston.[49]

Discography

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Albums

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Mixtapes

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  • 2010: The Messenger
  • 2010: The Messenger 2: Delivered
  • 2010: Best of Both Worlds: The Mixtape
  • 2011: The Messenger 3: Truth Music
  • 2012: Martyrs In the Making (Bizzle and Bumps INF)
  • 2013: Martyrs In the Making 2 (Bizzle, Bumps INF, Flo and Selah the Corner)

Additional label releases

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  • 2010: Who is Mark James? (Bumps INF mixtape project)
  • 2011: Who is Mark James 2? (Bumps INF re-release)
  • 2012: Pain in Paragraphs (Bumps INF debut album)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Mark Julian Felder". www.californiabirthindex.org.
  2. ^ a b c Felder, Mark. "Truth or Dare". My Step. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  3. ^ Reid, Shaheem (July 5, 2006). "Lil Wayne, Juelz Santana May Turn Upcoming Mixtape into Full LP". MTV News. Archived from the original on July 18, 2006. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  4. ^ Reid, Shaheem (June 11, 2007). "Lil Wayne Plans His Own Leak; Cassidy's Live-From-Jail Rhymes". Mixtape Monday. MTV News. Archived from the original on April 12, 2008. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Felder, Mark. "Biography". Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  6. ^ Thomasos, Christine. Rapper Bizzle Talks Finding Christ, Challenging Jay-Z, Kanye West for 'Glorifying Sin'. August 10, 2012. http://global.christianpost.com/news/rapper-bizzle-talks-finding-christ-challenging-jay-z-kanye-west-for-glorifying-sin-79845/#BDEl85EWaPTZtghU.99 Archived February 1, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ a b "Thomasos, Christine. February 27, 2013. Bizzle, Christian Rapper: God Provided After I Quit Chasing Money". The Christian Post. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  8. ^ "Bizzle 'The Good Fight' Album Cover + Release Date". Ihiphopmusic.com. March 19, 2013. Archived from the original on October 24, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  9. ^ Thomasos, Christine. Rapper Bizzle Talks Finding Christ, Challenging Jay-Z, Kanye West for 'Glorifying Sin'. August 10, 2012. The Christian Post http://global.christianpost.com/news/rapper-bizzle-talks-finding-christ-challenging-jay-z-kanye-west-for-glorifying-sin-79845/ Archived February 1, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ "The Messenger Mixtape". March 30, 2010. Archived from the original on February 25, 2014. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
  11. ^ GOMRecords. "Mixtape Releases". GOMRecords. Archived from the original on December 22, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  12. ^ GOMRecords. "Best of Both Worlds: The Album". GOMRecords. Archived from the original on February 24, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  13. ^ GOMRecords. "Album Releases". GOMRecords. Archived from the original on December 23, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  14. ^ Rood, Philip (April 6, 2011). "Bizzle's God Over Money Records Signs Bumps INF". Rapzilla. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  15. ^ Sketch the Journalist. "No Joke: Bizzle's God Over Money Records Signs Bumps INF". The Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on February 25, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  16. ^ Sketch. "God Over Money signs Selah aka The Corner, announces GOM group album". Wade-O Radio. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  17. ^ "Bizzle – Chart history". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  18. ^ Rood, Philip (July 6, 2011). "Bizzle's Debut Album Featured on iTunes "Swoosh" Spot". Rapzilla. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  19. ^ "Best Of Both Worlds: The Album". Amazon. Archived from the original on May 27, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  20. ^ Rapzilla (February 7, 2012). "Bizzle & Willie 'P-Dub' Moore Jr. 'BoBW:The Album' Tops 5 iTunes Hip Hop/Rap". Rapzilla. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  21. ^ "Bizzle 'The Good Fight' Tracklisting & Production Credits Revealed". Rapzilla. May 7, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  22. ^ "Bizzle teams with Boi-1da for upcoming second studio album 'The Good Fight'". Rapzilla. February 20, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  23. ^ 'Bizzle Reveals The Good Fight Tracklist And Production Credits'. Wade-O Radio. 2013. http://wadeoradio.com/bizzle-reveals-the-good-fight-track-list-and-production-credits/ Archived August 10, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  24. ^ 'Bizzle – Soldier (Feat. No Malice)'. iTunes Store. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/soldier-feat.-no-malice-single/id597929475
  25. ^ "Bizzle – Dear Hip Hop (Prod. by Boi-1da)". Rapzilla. March 26, 2013. Archived from the original on July 5, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  26. ^ "Bizzle – My Confession Ft. Sevin (Prod. by Boi-1da)". Rapzilla. April 30, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  27. ^ Artists: Bizzle. Billboard
  28. ^ Patrick, Kris (May 20, 2013). "This Week's Billboard Top Gospel CDs: Tamela Mann #1, Bizzle Debuts at #2". Path Magazine.
  29. ^ Arbet, DeVante (May 15, 2013). "Bizzle's 'The Good Fight' Debuts at No. 2 On Billboard Gospel Chart". TheGospelGuru.com.
  30. ^ BIZZLE "FORGIVE ME" FT. JIN (PROD. BY BOI1DA). March 16, 2011. Rapzilla. http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/music/2979-bizzle-qforgive-meq-ft-jin-prod-by-boi1da
  31. ^ Sketch the Journalist. Houston Christian rapper Bizzle teams with Grammy-winning super producer Boi-1da (Drake/Eminem) for upcoming album. February 23, 2013. http://www.dasouth.com/news/24-news/10907-bizzle-teams-with-grammy-winning-super-producer-boi-1da-drakeeminem-for-upcoming-album
  32. ^ Remy, Logan (September 20, 2012). "2012 Stellar Awards Ballot Includes 116 Clique, Trip Lee, Flame, DA' T.R.U.T.H., Shai Linne and More". Rapzilla. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  33. ^ Kingdom Broadcast Network. "The List of Nominees for 28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards". KBN Live. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  34. ^ Stellar Awards. "29th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees (2013–2014)". Stellar Awards. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  35. ^ Rapzilla (October 28, 2013). "Lecrae, Bizzle, WLAK and More in Stellar Awards 2014". Rapzilla. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  36. ^ DJ Wade-O. "Swoope, Andy Mineo & Bizzle Headline 2012 Kingdom Choice Award Nominees". Wade-O Radio. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  37. ^ Z180 Radio. "Chris Williams disses Corey Red? Nominees List". Z180 Radio. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  38. ^ Kingdom Time Entertainment. "The 2013 Kingdom Choice Award Nominees". Kingdom Time Entertainment. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  39. ^ "Singles ~ God Over Money Records". Archived from the original on March 10, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  40. ^ Schroeder, Audra. "This Christian rapper has his own 'Same Love,' and it's not exactly LGBT-friendly". The Daily Dot.
  41. ^ "Bizzle – Same Love ( a Response) Lyrics". Genius.com.
  42. ^ Kyles, Yohance (January 30, 2014). "Christian Rapper Bizzle Releases Response Track To Macklemore's "Same Love"". AllHipHop. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  43. ^ Cooper, Roman. "Christian Rapper Bizzle Responds To Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Same Love": Bizzle takes issue with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis comparing the LGBT struggle to the Black struggle". HipHopDX.
  44. ^ Broderick, Ryan (January 31, 2014). "BuzzFeed A Christian Rapper Recorded An Anti-Gay Version Of Macklemore's "Same Love"". BuzzFeed LGBT.
  45. ^ Kyles, Yohance (January 30, 2014). "LISTEN: Christian Rapper Bizzle Releases Response to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Same Love"". Black Christian News.
  46. ^ "Listen: Christian rapper Bizzle records homophobic rap response to 'Same Love'". Pink News.
  47. ^ "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's 'Same Love' Gets Anti-Gay Makeover By Christian Rapper Bizzle". HuffPost. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
  48. ^ Brydum, Sunnivie (January 31, 2014). "WATCH: Christian Rapper's Antigay Response to 'Same Love'". The Advocate.
  49. ^ a b Galvan, Kristine. "Christian rapper receives death threats over a song". MyFoxHouston.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  50. ^ Kyles, Yohance (February 13, 2014). "Christian Rapper Bizzle Addresses His Macklemore Response, Jay Z Pushing The Gay Agenda, & Media Manipulation". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
  51. ^ Funaro, Vincent (March 24, 2014). "Bizzle- I Was Saved After Pimping Pastor's Daughter; Christian Rapper Shares Testimony". The Christian Post.
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