Hailing from Hawthorne, California, Edward Cobbins Jr., better known by his stage name BrAnDeD Mu$iq, is carving out a unique space in the hip-hop and R&B scene. Inspired by legends like 2Pac, Biggie, E-40, and Michael Jackson, BrAnDeD Mu$iq blends a multitude of influences into a style he calls “RaW & BrAnDeD,” a fusion of genres from the 70s to the present.
Creating music for BrAnDeD Mu$iq is an organic process. He freestyles his R&B songs, integrating them with hip-hop beats and sounds from the 70s onwards. As an innovator, he prides himself on pioneering the blend of singing over rap beats and rapping over R&B beats, a style he now dubs as “rap-singing” or “sing-rapping.”
His music is a reflection of his surroundings and emotions, with themes that vary based on his perspective and experiences. His single “Wut Cha Say,” set to the beat of Notorious B.I.G.’s “Get Money,” is inspired by the often-overlooked value of women and the importance of showing them love and respect.
Collaborations have been an essential part of his journey, featuring friends and fellow artists like Yung Tune and his Hustlaxmac family. Despite lacking a promotional team, BrAnDeD Mu$iq diligently engages with fans and promotes his music across social media platforms, appreciating the direct connection and support he receives from his audience.
Staying authentic is paramount for BrAnDeD Mu$iq. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, believing that everyone is special and unique as created by God. This authenticity resonates through his music, reflecting his personal experiences, like in his song “Switched Up” featuring Yung Tune, which narrates the pain of being betrayed by friends and loved ones.
Balancing his personal life and music career comes naturally to him. He understands the necessity of taking breaks to recharge and find inspiration from life itself, which he considers a form of music.
Looking ahead, BrAnDeD Mu$iq aspires to be an icon in the industry and dreams of building his own empire to support and uplift future talents, possibly the next 2Pac or Biggie. His ultimate goal is for listeners to have fun, love one another, and pursue their goals positively while helping others along the way.
Edward Cobbins Jr., or BrAnDeD Mu$iq, is not just an artist but a visionary, blending past and present to create a sound that is uniquely his own. His journey is one of authenticity, perseverance, and a deep love for music that transcends the ordinary.
