Da Buze Bruvaz, aka Him-Lo and Clever 1, are back with a new album coming soon, the delightfully-named Drinkin’ Beer Wit’ Prostitutez. Today we are premiering the video for the latest single, Golden Brown Sea Bass, which also features Driz Lo. Watch below, then keep scrolling to read an interview with Him-Lo.
You guys are pretty elusive. I know Da Buze Bruvaz is Him-Lo and Clever One, I know you are from Philly, and I know you make good hip-hop. But that’s about all I know. Can you give us more background?
We both grew up participating in all aspects of hip hop; graffiti, breakin, rappin, cuttin n scratchin. Been spittin since da 80’s. Clev was always more polished and had an arsenal of rhymes cuz he wrote regularly. I knew I could spit but didn’t write as much cuz I was hypnotized by cuttin n scratchin…u gotta remember we’re from da city wit da illest DJ’s
Tell us about the new album, Drinkin’ Beer Wit’ Prostitutez. What can we expect?
You just gotta expect da hardbody karate we always provide. Aint no switching up ’round here.
There are hardly any features on the new project. Is that important to you guys – to not have guests there just to piggy-back on their name, keeping the focus on your own skills?
The lack of features wasn’t done purposely, we move pretty fast n jus wasn’t waiting on anybody. We write n record regularly..got at least 500 songz.
You are known for being brash, unapologetic and hardcore. It’s a classic hip-hop sound, but not something you see that much anymore. Why do you think that is?
We spit like dat cuz we a lil older than deez other rappers. We’re from a totally different era and try to preserve that sound without sounding dated.
I’ve noticed you choose not to be active on social media. I can understand why, but at the same time, its an important tool for musicians. How do you feel about social media in general?
I personally despise social media. Social media has given a lotta idiots rope 2 hang themselves. Many people have been caught cheatin, arrested, robbed, fired from jobs, n murdered over things they say and do on social media. People expose themselves as frauds n cornballz who can barely socialize in real life. Of course not everyone but it seems like a large majority. Plus I’m a person dat really doesn’t wanna be bothered. If u can’t reach me then there’s a reason 4 dat. I don’t want people finding me. As far as promoting our music on social media…if you can’t find our music then it isn’t for you.
You were a part of the Lo-Life crew in the early 90s – an era that has always fascinated me. For those that don’t know, describe that whole scene.
Da Lo Life era was bugged out. We got strung out and addicted to rocking new Lo. We got a rush coming up on free pieces. We got a lotta Lo lifes here in Philly dat went on missions daily. My man B-Bill (R.I.P.) iz responsible 4 bringing da Lo Life saga 2 Philly. We would go out n boost a lotta shit…get back 2 da hood sell half of da clothes and keep the other half n show off new pieces on some fly nigga street fashion show shit.
Do you still have any of the gear stashed away?
We definitely got a lotta Lo but not anything from dat era. We outgrown all dat. We had to get rid of shit we can’t fit anymore. Plus I took a few trips in n outta jail. When dat happens your family will gladly rock ur belongings.
Going back to your roots in Philadelphia, I want to talk about one of the most interesting and tragic stories in rap history: Steady B and Cool C. What was it like being in that circle in the aftermath of what happened?
Ah man that was messed up. At the time it happened they were tryna make a comeback as C.E.B. Cool C, Steady B, and Ultimate Ease. They fell on hard times financially n tried 2 get back in da game. It was an unfortunate situation. There’s always a chance 4 some’n 2 go left in a robbery n in this case it did. A lotta Philly m.c.’s were disappointed at the entire situation and how things transpired.
The new record is coming out on Grilchy Party, ran by MarQ Spekt. How did you first connect with him?
We were introduced 2 my man Spekt thru my homeboy Buddy Leezle at a spot called Kung Fu NeckTie here in Philly. We were all there to perform. We been friends ever since.
And what’s up next for you guys after Drinkin’ Beer Wit’ Prostitutez?
I just completed 2 solo Him-Lo projects dropping soon. Clever One is finishing up a solo project n we’re halfway done another Da Buze Bruvaz album. We been workin hard 2 provide music 4 those who enjoy what we do.
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Drinkin’ Beer Wit’ Prostitutez is out December 24 via MarQ Spekt’s Grilchy Party label, and you can pre-order it here. Follow MarQSpekt on Twitter. Interview by Grown Up Rap Editor Ben Pedroche.