Barritz

Barritz — The Man Behind The Music.

Original Magazine Pages

ABM: What's your rap name, how did you get it?

Barritz: I love Cadillacs. My first car was a Lac. I was romanced by the sophistication, elegance and luxury of it, I called myself the Cadillac Man. Then I thought of my favorite cars... my drop Biarritz, Too $hort "Born To Mack" cover car, my '78 Biarritz triple-white... they were phenomenal so I thought I'm Barritz... a special model... a Ritzy Ritz package!

ABM: Tell us where you're from, what kind of music you listen to, favorite artists, etc.

Barritz: I was born on the Southside of Chicago in Cook County and moved out here to The Bay in the early 80's as a youngster to The M-Town Kronfield in Milpitas. I listen to all kinds of music and truly enjoy the older genres and sounds like funk, Motown, jazz, blues and reggae. Most of the new music these days traces its roots to one of these genres, and if you listen to enough of it you'd be surprised how many songs you like out there that are really just redone, replayed or remixed in some sort of fashion. Favorite artists... that's a tough question! I can say there are many to name and I don't think you've got enough room for me to list them all!

ABM: What made you pursue a career in music?

Barritz: It was a natural progression. I've always been creative and always have written... stories, scripts, but poetry mainly. At times free form but usually with rhythm, a rhythm I would rather read to you than have you read yourself... it's my delivery. Adding the sounds of music and recording it bring it to life without me having to be there so I'm always presenting it to you the way I hear it... in my rhythm. I remember back in the day I'd be sleeping and hear my brother and his boys rapping on his Aiwa stereo with a RadioShack mic waking me up... they used to piss me off! I was trying to sleep! I started recording in '97, dropped some tracks that I still got on a couple tapes at the pad... yup tapes... the clear ones... wrote a lot of songs and then life happened. I was young in life experience and was swept away, but riding that wave gave me the material for this revival that started again in 2005. I've been moving every since, still having setbacks here and there but c'est la vie! I'm never gonna stop now! Instruments are next starting with the bass! Why not get into music? Everybody should... especially the youth.

ABM: What you been working on lately? Albums? Mixtapes?

Barritz: I've got my debut album "The Cadillac Man" coming out 4/20 on Brainz Blown Recordz. It's a drive past some of the things I've done and encountered... an upbeat, fun joyride of experiences and stories of my ventures... the best way to tell you is through the album... through the music... join me in these moments in time and I hope you enjoy the cruise!

ABM: Any hot songs or features that you feel the public should know about?

Barritz: We're starting with the first single off the album "Rock, Roll, Rap or Stroll" produced by Chino. It's a guitar-inspired club style track with an upbeat mood and rhythm. It describes a typical night out on the town in the club you know... haters, ladies and the party... cop it on iTunes!

ABM: Who are some of the artists/producers you worked with on the album?

Barritz: Off the bat I'd like to remember my good friend EMPera. He passed away in '08 and had a big influence on the project. EMP we all miss u! Caddy Luv always fam! EMP produced 4 tracks on the album and is featured on "Just Skip." Another musical genius who contributed to production was Gyre, he's part of the Trademark Krew and produced 6 tracks. I have production from ProHoeZak on a couple tracks... he's OG from EPA, got the single produced by Chino... plus a remix of the single by Rico. With writing and vocals, Skooob, a master of hooks and well-versed music maniac, he's on 3 tracks and came with that catchy hook to "Watch Out!" My Kronfielders MysterE, Caleo and Swizzle bless a few... some of my San Jo Sharks DaMost, Deez Dinero & Attilary... Soul Purpose Leone came classic on "I'm A Mack" and ProHoeZak ripped it on "Birfday!" Can't forget L-One on the skit... thanks pops... Rest in Peace L.

ABM: What you got coming up next?

Barritz: The strategy is set but the tactics are still up in the air. What I can say is that we're gonna bring back that live sound... the band... breaking airwaves with instruments, hands, feet and voice... Barritz & The Cadillacz. Maybe that will be the next progression or I might follow up with another solo album... there is much more to share... the music takes us and that's what some forget... don't go where you think... go where it leads! Be ready either way cuz it's coming but the presentation is a surprise! I'm not going anywhere... you're just gonna have to wait and see what Cadillac I pull out of the garage next... (Laughs) Caddy Luv!

ABM: What is Caddy Luv all about? That's the second time you've said that.

Barritz: It started with the plates on my drop ElDog. I got 'em customized to say CADYLUV and every time we'd see a Lac someone would just say Caddy Luv! It stuck with me and I still say it. It's like my peace, sending best wishes and my departure greeting all in one.

ABM: Anything you'd like to say to your fans/supporters?

Barritz: I am you, you are me. You are appreciated and the more I have the more you have... what's mine is yours... we can blaze together, hang together... as long as you act right I'm down for whatever... I am nothing without you... you make me who I am! I was raised a giver and never to be a taker... life's latest deal to me I'm playing with the utmost care and I hope it pays off for us all! I can say definitely that if y'all weren't here... I wouldn't be... thanks.

ABM: Any last words?

Barritz: Thank you for your ear... your eyes in this instance. I wish I could just beam my songs to everybody's cell or email for FREE! Music should be free... I hope you like it... rewards come if deserved... it's really about telling things to people... listen to me as much you like, if you don't like it fine... I can't please 'em all, but I'll have a song for everybody eventually! I speak to all... I have no lines or borders... I'm out of the box... Just press play!

ABM: Where can people find you?

Barritz: www.Twitter.com/Barritz · www.Facebook.com/Barritz · www.ReverbNation.com/Barritz · www.YouTube.com/Barritz · www.MySpace.com/Barritz · http://community.ascap.com/Barritz

All Bay Music Magazine, Issue One (Volume One, Collectors Edition). Web edition transcribed from the print issue for allbaymusic.com. Text appears as printed, including original spelling and punctuation.