Mixing Hip Hop and Funk/Rock with Punk attitude, the BNVz™ (formerly known as the Beats N Verbz) have spawned a whole new sound of Steel City soul through rhythm and rhymes. Harnessing the spirit of Pittsburgh, the group has built a distinct sound from influences of a unique blue-collar, Midwestern culture. With melodic bass lines, captivating rhythm, funky beats, and intelligent song structures, the music speaks for itself. The lyrical prowess and wit, reminiscent to old school MCs of Hip Hop’s golden era, gives the band an identity all its own. However, it’s the band’s highly energetic performances that separate them from the standard. Evolving from the basement and house party scene of the Oakland college district, the BNVz™ are quickly gaining respect as Pittsburgh’s premier Hip Hop fusion band.
Founded in late 2004, by Marcus “MH†Harris (vocals) and Paul “Kinase†Eppes (bass/vocals), the BNVz™ began building a name for themselves when they won the University of Pittsburgh Battle of the Bands and a spot at Pitt’s spring festival, Bigelow Bash. The BNVz™ put on an electrifying hour-long performance in the rain and got rave reviews from newspapers and magazines after opening up for The Starting Line, M.A.E, and Pittsburgh’s Kiss FM 96.1, DJ Bonics. With a growing fan base, the BNVz™ released their debut CD titled, “We Blowin’ Up†in 2005 and sold over 100 copies in its first weekend. The band ended 2005 with a strong resume of performances with such diverse musicians as Lifehouse, the Heiruspecs, the Blend, Illogic, the Ides, and Ken Oak Band.
After being voted “the Best Band in Pittsburgh†by readers of the Pitt News, the BNVz™ started off 2006 with significant radio play on WPTS 92.1 and The X 105.9. However, they decided to take a hiatus from performing to focus on writing new material and expanding their sound. Feeling satisfied with their progress, the BNVz™ are back with a new found sense of focus and determination to succeed. Armed with a repertoire of talented musicians and artists, a strong management team, and a musical catalogue unlike any other band in Pittsburgh, the BNVz™ are ready to stake their claim as the best the ‘Burgh has to offer.
CLICK HERE: Exclusive Interview with BNVz frontman, Marcus Harris
RIP