Life & Work with Tez Love

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tez Love.

Hi Tez, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started rapping when I was 19. I’ve always been musically inclined as a child, whether it was singing in the choir or on a dance team, but it was until I heard rappers like me that I wanted to be able to convey my emotions through lyricism. I released my first project (The No H8 Mixtape) in 2012 and appeared on VH1’s Gossip Game. I’ve also been indulging in battle rap since 2013 which led me to being the first openly gay battle rapper to perform internationally on major platforms (King of the Dot). I’ve traveled around the country and also performed on the #1 all-female battle rap league in the world (Queen of the Ring). I have taken a break from battle rapping so I can focus on my music as I have recently released my newest project, “Please Leave A Message”.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It could’ve been smooth to be honest. It took me a while to recognize my gift. I lacked confidence and perseverance. I was too worried about fickle things like “what if someone doesn’t like my music?” or “What if they make fun of me?” My consistency diminished, and I was contemplating about just giving up. There were definitely a few roadblocks: I dropped out of college, I joined the navy, and I was trying to battle rap at the same time that it took away any thought left I had for music.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I rap. When I say I rap, I’m not just talking RAP, I’m talking HIP HOP. My lyricism, my flow, my cadence make me one of one. I am most proud of getting my latest project out and receiving not one bad review! It’s not gloating (well, it may be), but it makes me proud that I never gave up and I produced something that turned out to be phenomenal! The thing that sets me apart from others: I am HIM. I am that guy! A lot try to compete but they know as well as I know they cannot do what I do or rap how I rap. A lot of these other rappers within the LGBT community idolize their favorite female rapper, and it becomes harder to distinguish between imitation and influence. That’s why I am Him. Can’t no one say that they ever wrote for me or that I sound like ANYONE.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
To be honest, two of my favorite podcasts are the Don’t Call me White Girl podcast and The Read. I listen to them every day. They keep me up on what’s happening and current events. Also, they make me laugh every episode!

Contact Info:

• Website: solo.to/tezlove
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstezlove/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044910617355
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TezLove4Real
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/montezlove

Image Credits
photographer: Andrew Hylton company: DrewHyl Designs instagram: @ndru_h @drewhyldesigns