Music Nation is a Music Video Competition for Independent Artists

Billy Roadz is here! The seasoned hip hop artist, born William Rhodes, raised in Newark, N.J., conveys a distinctive approach best described by the tentative title of his new album “Mind of a City Slicker, Heart of a Country Nigga”. This album truly embraces the struggle of inner city life and country warmth through his lucid lyrics. At the inspiring age of thirteen, Billy Roadz showed his stage presence in the company of NYC’s radio personality, Dr. Bob Lee of WBLS. Continuing his love of music with classic R&B and hip hop through the 80’s and 90’s, he started rapping while dealing on the streets. Discomforting on the subject, Roadz explains his drug dealing, teenage years as life altering upon witnessing his father purchasing [drugs] from an associate. Results of this transaction triggered boiling issues within his family causing Roadz to move out and into a friend’s basement. Here is where he struggled with his next moves: leaving the streets and tracking a future in music. After being lyrically engrossed by Nas’ “Represent” song on the Illmatic album, Billy Roadz decided to seriously pursue his rap career in hope of helping his family escape their living situations. Roadz initially started his rap career within various groups from New Jersey including Skilled Assassin and STR. Upon finally realizing, his character to be too strong for group surroundings, Roadz sought his solo career fulltime. Opening on promotional college tours for artists such as Loose (former Universal artist), and further working with industry associates ranging from Derrick D-dot , Kool and the Gang, R.O.C. (formerly of So-So-Def), Charlemagne ( Dipset producer) , Faith Evans, Rah-Digga, and Treachs’ Garden State Greats Project, just to name a few, commenced the foundation of his hard work. Having full appreciation of the parallels associated with hip hop and the entertainment industries, Roadz ventured into optional media opportunities. Fans can view footage of this artist on You Tube, Myspace, and numerous hip hop DVDs including PIFF DVD’s. Determined Roadz debuted in his first independent film titled “Rap War I”, as a key character villain- Duke Don. The film is currently running on national cable station, STARZ!, and is also available for purchase at Blockbuster, West Coast Video, and Amazon.com it has been viewed and purchased by millions. Catch Billy Roadz on the new XM Radio release “Shine Vol 2”, and “The Buzz Vol 2” a compilation from Warner Bros. Records released in October 2006. Now label partner/artist, Billy Roadz is bringing his enduring presence and songs to the masses via internet with his new hit single “Damn Shorty” available to purchase as a ringtone and a single through itunes. Already having a wave of fans via mixtapes, shows, DVDs, and now movies, Roadz is set out to make a difference in hip hop…….the simple act of self preservation is the plateau from which a true artist builds his craft…….