Bricks and Burnz
Biography: Now a days with so many of the same stories and images being portrayed in the music industry it feels like nobody is original, new, or even half way decent....
Enter Steve Bricks and Ray Burnz!
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Rap duo Bricks and Burnz, formally known as Cashmir Velour, consist of Steve Bricks(Steven Francis) and Ray Burnz(Raymond Duarte Jr).
The two met thru acquaintances while attending New Bedford High in Massachusetts. Steve and Ray used to battle each other by writing lyrics and mixing them wit beats for laughs and applause among peers. Little did the two know what the future had in store for them. After pursuing personal endeavors, the two linked up in 1998. Bricks returned home after fulfilling a 4yr active duty contract with the Marines, leaving as a sergeant.
Burnz worked at a local barbershop and at a Calvin Klein distribution factory. Soon after, the two began developing and perfecting their writing as a rap duo. Steve and Ray have managed to work with a few local producers before encountering financial setbacks. This was a blessing in disguise. On the Christmas of 1999, Steve Bricks received a Triton(Korg) keyboard.
Soon after, Steve quit his full time job working in the Fiber optic field to pursue his life long dream and passion, music with Ray on his side for support and encouragement.
Meanwhile, Ray was also building relationships by networking and grinding within the community with business owners, hustlers, and women for financial gains and hopes of keeping their dream alive. Over the next year, Steve Bricks worked early mornings and late nights developing his production skills and sound, which eventually would become that of what it is currently. Steve's production is heartfelt, contagious, and comparable to the industries top producers and the world alike. Together, Bricks and Burnz have a sound that is sure to catch the listeners attention and have ya'll wanting more.
The group produced their first single, (Pretty Boy), which caught the streets attention in 2001. Local response gave the group incentive to move forward and learn more about the business from the books to the boards. Bricks and Burnz' work ethics in the studio is remarkable for that of independent artists. Having written and produced all of their works entirely on their own, Bricks and Burnz have what it takes to compete with the best and are talented and blessed.
In mid 2006 Bricks and Burnz were financially backed with a studio and time to assemble their first LP. Over the next 6 months they recorded 3 albums worth of material. There after, they sold most of the musical equipment on Ebay to recoup and reimburse their investor, who backed them on their project. They managed to get another investor for final mixing, mastering and manufacturing of their album.
Bricks and Burnz are real examples of hustle and flo, and it has been said that their life is like a movie.
Assembling their album, the group played the role of being A&Rs', fine tuning their works and scouting area talent of which they would feature on their album. The artists include Champagne Durden, Timothy Whyte, Devin Lima of (LFO) and most recently the (Cadbury Diesel), Sean Tyler, Abel, Nadi, Kenyshia Andrews, Erika Charles, and Bova.
In March 2007, Bricks and Burnz released their album, self titled (Other Peoplez Money) in thanks to all that have supported them and backed them on their entire project.
Bricks and Burnz wasted no time founding their own music label (MakeMoneyMusic) in which they are pushing their album under.
With an attitude like that, Mr. Bricks and Mr. Burnz plan to steadily provide their fans with what they want - That Feel Good Music.
*The Past, Bricks and Burnz have opened up for acts, Memphis Bleek. 2001, Ludacris. 2002, Performed for amateur night at the Apollo, did countless shows in the Mass circuit, to most recently up for Neyo. "Are you looking for the next sound? The next movement ? Well look no further, this is it, anything u need Bricks & Burnz got that. *Current, The album (Other Peoples Money) out now.
Bricks and Burnz have recently signed a international publishing deal in 2008.
They had music placed on Mtv's G's to Gents reality show, and America's Best Dance Crew.
Bricks and Burnz are currently recording material for their second coming album (Believe). This is independent music at its finest. Bricks and Burnz believes success is never an individual effort. "In the right hands Bricks and Burnz could compete with the best.. DO YOU BELIEVE ?
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