Art and Social Justice: Examines Prez ft. GeeO-"KICKS"
"Art is Business" BIOGRAPHY-PREZ Renard Preston
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| Renard Preston |
The Chicago native has been paying dues since the late 1990’s with heavy involvement in the local hip-hop scene during his early days as a freestyle battle rapper. Possessing a variety of fast-paced hard-hitting flows, while still being able to deliver a smooth swagger infused cadence, Prez has the ability to adapt to many different styles of hip-hop. His versatility alone separates him from your average “rapper.”
Originally signed to local hip-hop label 773 Records with then group “Fallin Angels” at the tender age of 18 under the guidance of legendary producer and former Ill-State member Riot One, Prez has been groomed to dominate the industry. After relocating to Atlanta in the summer of 2000, Prez was exposed to the Southern hip-hop domination during the height of its popularity. Being able to see that transformation before his very own eyes, it made Prez broaden his style and take his music to an even higher level.
While in Atlanta, Prez was a key member of the hip-hop group “Chill Factor,” a collective of Chicago natives who were receiving label considerations from Disturbing The Peace and Def Jam South at the time. Opening up for artists like Mystical, Lil John and the Eastside Boyz and Ludacris, Chill-Factor was on the cusp of penetrating the game. However, the group disbanded after 2005 and Prez moved back to Chicago in the summer of 2008 to pursue his solo career.
“I had to learn how to be a solo artist…being a part of two groups in my day, I learned how to play my position and compliment the group members.
When you are a solo artist your entire thought process changes and I accepted the challenge and sharpened my skill set.” Now older, wiser and even better than before Prez is set to take off and take the industry by storm. After being featured at Hustle Simmons’ Hustlepalooza in 2010, appearing on Trailblazer’s MPC Smoker’s Club Vol. 1 mixtape and performing at numerous venues throughout Chicago, Prez is gaining much love and respect from local and national recording artists. “At the end of the day, I do this for my family and I represent my city to the fullest…Chicago MC’s have been overlooked for years, now they have to honor us.” With an “I can’t lose” attitude and tremendous grind, the question is not “if” Prez will be a star…but “when” will this star breakthrough.
PREZ (born Renard Preston) has a unique brand of lyricism, mixed with an undeniable energy and the work ethic that is unmatched.
