Marques “Ezzy” Ezzard is a veteran guitarist who has collaborated with many artists and acts throughout the course of his career. He his most known for pioneering the rock-rap genre, introducing original guitar riffs to hip hop tracks as opposed to the more standard drum machines or samplers. Although not always listed among the best guitar players on a technical level, Ezzard is nonetheless considered to be one of the most influential guitarists of his time, as well as one of the first rat artists to find mainstream success in the industry. Ezzard has been featured on numorous rock-rap mixes, and has undertaken solo projects of his own.
Partnered with drummer Moxley Trevin, Ezzard contributed much of the signature sound of the band's first two albums, lead by the vocals of Jamie "jKill" Killings and Maurice "Lutha" Luther Ray. However, by the third album, Killings had begun to push for more sampling and traditional beats, effectively decreasing the musical contributions from Ezzard and Trevin. This combined with Killings perceived, growing ego led Ezzard to leave the group before the release of their fourth album. Trevin would announce his departure soon after and the two would occasionally pair up as contributors for other hip hop acts seeking the legitimacy of their involvment.
Upon his departure, Ezzard briefly undertook a new project with a hard rock/metal act simply known as Ezzy. Only two albums were produced from this endeavor, with music critics citing that the band's sound was simply outdated by the time of their release.
“The fact is that Ezzy never planned to get involved with a rap group. Honestly he's a realist and probably never planned to get involved with anything. But once he had that name recognition, and had those doors open to him, you know, he was going to produce the album that he'd been writing in his head all along, the kind of stuff he was listening to all along. A lot people think of him as a rap guy and I think he appreciated that kind of music as well but the fact is, despite where he came from, he was always more of a rock and roll guy.” -Quote from an Associate of Ezzard
Although the band's dated sound led to mixed reviews at the time of their debut, the albums have since gained something of a cult following as a unique time in Ezzard's career, especially in light of the few tracks on which Ezzard himself provides vocals, a stark contrast to the musician's famously soft-spoken demeanor. Ezzard's band still occasionally reunites for infrequent performances while Ezzard himself has led an extensive career known for collaborations with growing and popular acts in music, often tapped by new and upcoming hip hop groups to add his signature sound, considered by many to be the godfather of rock-rap. Ezzard has not expressed interest in reuniting with Killings, citing the passing of Luther Ray and Trevin, saying “it wouldn't really be us.”
Like many rats, Ezzard is left-pawed. Upon acquiring his first guitar, he would play it upside down to compensate, playing that way all the way up until his band acquired their record deal. Ezzard recalls struggling to adjust to an actual, left-pawed guitar which he cites as the cause for the more simplistic riffs on the group's first album. Ezzard's use of the Jameson Staradio electric guitar led to the skyrocketing popularity of the model, originally created as an affordable instrument of mid-range quality. This eventually led to an endorsement deal with Jameson to create an official, signature Staradio model known colloquially as an EzzyStar. A classic EzzyStar model includes a deep red finish on the body with a black pick guard, and a brass colored whammy bar, along with a headstock of similar color scheme and a dark neck. Ezzard's signature is also printed along the headstock of the guitar along with the typical Jameson “Big J” logo. The guitar's sound is tailored toward bass-heavy sound, especially for riffs that would be consistent with a rock-rap act.
Ezzard is known for his signature appearance which often includes a somewhat ragged tank top and torn jeans, along with various accessories. His look is perhaps most characterized by the several bracelets and armbands worn along the entire length of his strumming arm. Longtime followers of his career will note that the number of accessories on his arm tends to increase throughout the duration of his career, notably wearing only a single, studded bracelet on either wrist during his appearance in the video for Slumlord Jam. The ragged look of his clothing is considered to be a holdover from his early career, as Ezzard, Trevin, Killings, and Luther Ray were known for wearing street clothes during their performances and are often credited with popularizing the practice in music.
Many consider Ezzard and his original band to be a role model for underprivileged species. Consisting of a stoat in Killings, an opossum in Trevin, and two rats in Ezzard and Luther Ray, they are often considered to be the first group made up entirely of marginalized species to find mainstream success in music. Ezzard has said that he doesn't mind being considered a role model for rat youths but doesn't want it to be presented as a novelty or rarity, saying there would be 'nothing special' about him if other rats were given the same opportunities to break through.
Been sitting on this for months for reasons. Decided it was time to finally put it up.
Partnered with drummer Moxley Trevin, Ezzard contributed much of the signature sound of the band's first two albums, lead by the vocals of Jamie "jKill" Killings and Maurice "Lutha" Luther Ray. However, by the third album, Killings had begun to push for more sampling and traditional beats, effectively decreasing the musical contributions from Ezzard and Trevin. This combined with Killings perceived, growing ego led Ezzard to leave the group before the release of their fourth album. Trevin would announce his departure soon after and the two would occasionally pair up as contributors for other hip hop acts seeking the legitimacy of their involvment.
Upon his departure, Ezzard briefly undertook a new project with a hard rock/metal act simply known as Ezzy. Only two albums were produced from this endeavor, with music critics citing that the band's sound was simply outdated by the time of their release.
“The fact is that Ezzy never planned to get involved with a rap group. Honestly he's a realist and probably never planned to get involved with anything. But once he had that name recognition, and had those doors open to him, you know, he was going to produce the album that he'd been writing in his head all along, the kind of stuff he was listening to all along. A lot people think of him as a rap guy and I think he appreciated that kind of music as well but the fact is, despite where he came from, he was always more of a rock and roll guy.” -Quote from an Associate of Ezzard
Although the band's dated sound led to mixed reviews at the time of their debut, the albums have since gained something of a cult following as a unique time in Ezzard's career, especially in light of the few tracks on which Ezzard himself provides vocals, a stark contrast to the musician's famously soft-spoken demeanor. Ezzard's band still occasionally reunites for infrequent performances while Ezzard himself has led an extensive career known for collaborations with growing and popular acts in music, often tapped by new and upcoming hip hop groups to add his signature sound, considered by many to be the godfather of rock-rap. Ezzard has not expressed interest in reuniting with Killings, citing the passing of Luther Ray and Trevin, saying “it wouldn't really be us.”
Like many rats, Ezzard is left-pawed. Upon acquiring his first guitar, he would play it upside down to compensate, playing that way all the way up until his band acquired their record deal. Ezzard recalls struggling to adjust to an actual, left-pawed guitar which he cites as the cause for the more simplistic riffs on the group's first album. Ezzard's use of the Jameson Staradio electric guitar led to the skyrocketing popularity of the model, originally created as an affordable instrument of mid-range quality. This eventually led to an endorsement deal with Jameson to create an official, signature Staradio model known colloquially as an EzzyStar. A classic EzzyStar model includes a deep red finish on the body with a black pick guard, and a brass colored whammy bar, along with a headstock of similar color scheme and a dark neck. Ezzard's signature is also printed along the headstock of the guitar along with the typical Jameson “Big J” logo. The guitar's sound is tailored toward bass-heavy sound, especially for riffs that would be consistent with a rock-rap act.
Ezzard is known for his signature appearance which often includes a somewhat ragged tank top and torn jeans, along with various accessories. His look is perhaps most characterized by the several bracelets and armbands worn along the entire length of his strumming arm. Longtime followers of his career will note that the number of accessories on his arm tends to increase throughout the duration of his career, notably wearing only a single, studded bracelet on either wrist during his appearance in the video for Slumlord Jam. The ragged look of his clothing is considered to be a holdover from his early career, as Ezzard, Trevin, Killings, and Luther Ray were known for wearing street clothes during their performances and are often credited with popularizing the practice in music.
Many consider Ezzard and his original band to be a role model for underprivileged species. Consisting of a stoat in Killings, an opossum in Trevin, and two rats in Ezzard and Luther Ray, they are often considered to be the first group made up entirely of marginalized species to find mainstream success in music. Ezzard has said that he doesn't mind being considered a role model for rat youths but doesn't want it to be presented as a novelty or rarity, saying there would be 'nothing special' about him if other rats were given the same opportunities to break through.
Been sitting on this for months for reasons. Decided it was time to finally put it up.
Category All / General Furry Art
Species Rat
Gender Male
Size 900 x 1149px
Thanks. He does seem a bit more saturated than the others.
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