Although he was born in New York and raised in Miami, Billy Blue’s most trying moments occurred during his time in Haiti. Those experiences inspired him to tell his life story through rhyme. As one of the newest members of Konvict Muzik, Billy Blue seeks to represent a new breed of Southern emcees. –a.r.
How did life in Haiti affect your music?
My mom passed away of cancer when I was young, and I ended up doing five years in jail. I came out, went to Haiti and stayed there for five years. Every morning, we would wake up and see dead bodies on the ground. People would be selling clothes, and you would see a stack of dead bodies lying on the ground next to them. This was everyday life in Haiti. I have been through a lot of struggles in life. I was homeless, but I still made it through and still made it happen. So, I’m just happy to be here, and I am truly blessed.
Speaking of Haiti, talk about how the earthquake affected you?
I lost my aunt and one of my cousins. The funny thing is that I was supposed to fly to Haiti that Tuesday, but I had a show Wednesday, so I just postponed my flight. As soon as the earthquake happened, it crushed me because over 100,000 people died, and they just dumped their bodies in massive holes. I have started a foundation, which is called Zonation, and all the proceeds go to Haiti.
What drives and inspires you as a new artist?
I’m inspired by the struggle of not having it, being broke, being on probation and doing what I got to do to survive every other day. I was tired of it. I’ve been rapping for two decades. I see my talent as a way to get my family and fiends out of the struggle they are in. That drives me and motivates me to do this for my family, friends and fans.
