From modeling alongside Kate McKinnon in GQ, to a global Nike campaign, and a feature in Rolling Stone, rapper and fashion model, Cezur III, is making waves in the music industry. Cezur III dropped his most recent single, “Drinks On Me”, featuring vocals by Jessica Universe. The rapper, who has worked closely with Platinum-selling producers such as Bijan Amir, brings a melting pot of sounds such as House, Punk, and Hip-Hop, which is a tribute to his hometown of Brooklyn, New York.
BTS: Introduce yourself to the readers.
Cezur III: Yo yo! My name is Cezur III (pronounced “Cezur The Third”); I am the BK Baby.
BTS: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never listened to you before?
Cezur III: My music is something that will always make you feel something. I’m not always sure what box to put it in regards to genres, but I dabble in Hip-Hop, House, Electronic music, and more.
BTS: What are/who are some inspirations for your music?
Cezur III: I’m literally inspired by everything. To be honest, my experiences inspire my music more than anything. Of course, I’ll sit down and absorb different artists and study the craft through them, but my music is fueled by a culmination of my own experiences. I spent two months straight listening to nothing but Afrobeats, but I don’t make that kind of music. I just love the bounce.
BTS: Tell me about your single, “Drinks On Me”. What is the inspiration behind this track?
Cezur III: “Drinks On Me” is a record that calls for people to let loose and have a good time, especially amidst the pandemic shutdowns. I felt like I wanted to make a record where I didn’t take myself as seriously. We snatched some chords from an old record that never came out, dragged them into a new project, and whipped up a fresh joint with a hook I’d had in my head all day. Once we sent it to Jessica Universe, it was already a body bag.
BTS: You’re also anticipating an upcoming EP — What has that journey been like as an artist?
Cezur III: I feel like putting out a project is one of the most difficult things to do as an artist. It’s hard enough putting out a single, wondering how it’ll be received. I’m a perfectionist, but life doesn’t reward perfection it rewards fearlessness. I think there was a lot learned about not being so precious with my art, or for lack of better words, selfish. I was making a bunch of records and not giving them to the world because I wanted to perfect everything. It’s a double-edged sword because I want the music to be right, but as Andre 3000 said,
“When you think too much, you remove what’s moving.”
Realizing this, I had to take a step back, like, “Woah bro, this is only the first EP. We can give them more in the next one.” Now I trust myself, I trust my art; it’s ready for the world.
BTS: You are also a fashion model — What brought you from modeling to a career in music?
Cezur III: I was actually a musician first, but I took some time off to really develop my sound. I was doing shows all around NYC, but then decided I needed a reevaluation. I was introduced to my first agent, Greg Chan, a few years ago as an artist. He understood my artistry came first and always kept that in mind when pitching me. In that way, the fashion and music intertwined because I would get in these rooms and everyone already knew my songs, and if they didn’t I would make the connection. People were always interested in the fact that I wasn’t just a face– there’s more to the story here.
BTS: How do you connect with your listeners?
Cezur III: I’m working on some content that will give everyone a clearer picture of who I am and all that I do, in addition to giving people more access to me beyond the echo chambers of Instagram and Twitter. I’m guilty of not really being on social media like that because it’s easy to get lost in the sauce, but I try to keep a solid rapport with everyone who shows interest in what I do.
BTS: What’s something readers should know about you?
Cezur III: BK BABY 2021! If you don’t know the name, you will, and if you do, get used to it.
BTS: What does the rest of 2020 and beyond look like for you?
Cezur III: I’m working on a few fashion projects in addition to the EP. You can find the bag our company 58th & FAIR made on zero58.com. We’re going to be innovating across fashion, film, music, hospitality, and beyond. Keep watch! Love.
Follow Cezur III on Instagram to stay up-to-date on all of his upcoming EP release and more. Be sure to listen to his recent single, “Drinks On Me” with Jessica Universe, here.
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