Music, Pop Culture

Exclusive Interview with Elz Bentley

How would you classify your music?

I would say it’s very story driven Rap…heavy on the vibes. You never know what you’re going to get. You just know I’m going to bring you into my world. It will be personal and fun experience.

Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?

Biggie, Kanye, Dom Kennedy, Curren$y & Webbie.

What do you want fans to take from your music?

I just want them to know it’s ‘cool’ to be yourself. Maybe I’ve said something that they can relate to. Or, a related situation they may be going through. Hopefully, my music can give my fan base the courage to live their truth.

How is the music scene in your locale?

I would say it’s definitely growing. More eyes are on Kentucky now than ever before. Lexington, specifically, is very small…. so artists have to travel a lot in order to gain new fans/supporters.. but that’s never a bad thing right?

What is the best concert you have been to?

Honestly, a Dom Kennedy show at SXSW that we stumbled in on. That man rapped every word to his songs and gave his all, that’s an energy I will forever try to replicate. That was authenticity at it’s highest to me. You can tell he really gives a f*** about his fans & his music. Even though it wasn’t an arena concert ..he sure made if feel like one. A bigger than life experience.

What do you like most about performing live?

The connection I make with my audience. The energy my fans give off…I feed off of it. It’s an adrenaline rush… kind of like a game 7 final.

Is there a song on your latest CD release that stands out as your personal favorite & why?  

I have 2 stand outs and here’s why: “Bury me a G” is so raw and personal… it’s completely authentic, so it’s a personal favorite but “Too Eazy” because it’s just a super fun record. It’s simple but it’s almost as if I’m speaking my own language. The entire song is almost a double entendre cause it was dumbed down to an “easy” form.

How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?

My music has just become more of my own, I’ve settled into my style and become more comfortable with expressing myself. I’m creating my own sound.. I don’t sound like anyone.

If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?   

Drake because he’s the goat. He’s so calculated you can probably learn a lot on how to move from that man. Him and Jay Z. Those guys are wizards with the pen and behind the scenes.

What’s next for you? 

More videos, music, & growth. Building the Bentley brand. Continuing to move forward and #TakeNoElz.

End of Interview

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