In a city inundated with rappers, promoters, DJ’s, models, and anything else pertaining to entertainment; it is easy to be dismissed as yet another voice in the crowd; screaming loudly for acknowledgement but getting drowned out in the fray.

Yet there are some with a talent so recognizable, that even the most boisterous of critics are silenced by it, as proven by rising spitter Doughbeezy.

Though born in Cleveland, by the age of 13 Beezy would be calling Houston home; and eventually Houston would have something to call him as well: “The Southeast Beast.” A moniker that he would go on to prove himself worthy of carrying.

This would become the recurring theme of his career: proving himself.

Following a scathing diss record against a fellow classmate in 2003, it would become evident that a talent lay beyond simply dropping bars for the amusement of his peers. What began as a fun hobby, free styling within the walls of his high school would quickly turn into a passion.

Says Beezy, “I tried to fight him, and it never happened so I made the track.” He adds with a chuckle, “and I liked the way my voice sounded on it.”

After aligning with close friend and artist Lil Yung, they would go on to link up with Albert Hughes, a classmate who was creating a social network within the confines of their high school. Linked together both as friends and creative partners, they would later be called the Headwreckas crew; with Beezy at the helm.

Originally called “Doughboy” like Ice Cube’s character in “Boyz in the Hood,” he too engaged in street activities and was, as he will agree “a little bit chubby in his youth.” After taking his talent from the classroom to the streets, he would eventually forgo street hustling in favor of pursuing his musical ambitions full-time. Not wanting to be faulted for transgressions of his past, his name would make a transition as well; and “Doughboy” would become “Doughbeezy,” A moniker already thrown around by his classmates.

As he will attest,

“I grinded to get my own buzz. I put in footwork. I felt like I had to build a buzz around myself in order to make them want me.”

Multiple features upon the tracks of others, combined with memorable show appearances quickly sent the name Doughbeezy floating throughout the proper musical channels.

Eventually he would land at Houston’s hub for fashion, music, and conversation; SF2, where recurring cyphers were being held showcasing some of the city’s top lyricists.

It was time for Beezy to prove himself once more.

With a lyrical method that he describes as, “I have my own style: aggressive and witty,” he quickly gained a following and it would become evident that it was a method that worked.

His succession of both first and second place wins made waves in Houston’s pool of musical talent; culminating in a now legendary performance in which Houston phenom Killa Kyleon was the guest judge.

In a living testament to his dedication and drive Beezy recalls, “I was sick as a dog that day.”

After lyrically bodying his opponent, Beezy would hone his flows directly at Killa, forcing his way through the crowd with a dogged determination before landing squarely in front of Killa, Beezy’s flowed freely and aggressively, no disrespect meant for Killa, simply an audacious performance.

He had proven himself yet again.

Additional coincidental encounters between the two would make it apparent that both Beezy’s talent, and the guiding hand of fate were at work. Eventually he would fall under the tutelage of Killa Kyleon himself.

The “Southeast Beast” had indeed earned his name.

Not bad for someone who had yet to even release his own album or mixtape.

As Beezy will affirm, “I never wanted to be that person to drop a mixtape just to say I made mixtape. You have to create the demand before you can offer the product.”

But in a city of thirst, the demand for a well a talent is great. Thus it wasn’t long before his first offering, “Reggie Bush & Kool Aid,” hit the streets of Houston, spurred by beguiling “Pass The Swishier.”

With a plethora of shows lined up and more music on the way, Beezy is positioning himself as one of the go-to lyricists in Houston, and has somehow managed to circumnavigate around the crab-in-a-barrel trappings that have become notorious within the city.

States Beezy, “I don’t get involved in unnecessary beef.  I don’t address it or entertain it because that’s how you get sucked into it. I just want to see the city do well.” He adds with a smile, “But if it’s too disrespectful we gone handle it like men.”

With a winning combination of grind and talent, for Beezy, it’s all about the music, though money is also a factor.

Says Beezy, “I’ve been offered deals, but when it comes down to the paperwork, to the money. It just wasn’t there.”

For now, he continues to grind heavily within the streets of Houston.  For him there is no alternative, this is his dream. Though with his talent, one finds it hard to believe that it will not come to fruition, and he prides himself on being able to say that any success he has attained is solely the result of hard work.

 “I’ve never had to pay to be in a show,” says Beezy emphatically

With a slew of appearances lined up, including a concert series with Dom Kennedy and the influential DJ Mr. Rogers it’s evident that he doesn’t need to; hard work really doesn’t go unnoticed.

As Beezy continues to climb the musical ranks one thing remains certain, don’t test him. He’ll prove himself every time.

 

Click HERE to Download Doughbeezy’s “Reggie Bush And Kool-Aid”

 

Coming this fall: “Blue Magic”

♥Written by: Cecilia Smith of  HoustonTREND

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