Name: Darius McKray, goes by “Barz”
Hometown: Newport News, Virginia
Classification: Freshman
Career Goals: Music Artist
1) What do you aspire to be?
“My main thing is music, but over the years, I’ve gained a passion for all the arts. So, basically, being successful at any art I love. Photography, videography…..Just to not be mediocre, and to be successful at things.”
2) Where can people listen to your music?
“It’s on all main platforms, soundcloud, itunes, google play, Spotify…”
3) How did you get you start?
“I went to a magnet high school that was concentrated in the arts. Music is my pride. In 9th grade, I just started to throw out singles. Around 10th grade, I actually started having performances, and that’s what made me really want to do music because I got the reaction from the crowd. And then I started to really develop my style.
4) How would you describe your style? Have you carried that same style with you into college?
“A chill, laid back style. ‘Yeah, a little, but I think it’s even more developed now
5) Is college what you expected it to be?
“It’s actually not. But, in a better sense, I expected it to be harder. If you’re focused, it’s really not that hard. I’ve also had way more opportunities than I thought I would have”
6) Why did you choose to come to A&T
“I loved the environment and the whole energy when I came to visit. I definitely wanted to get accepted.”
7) What inspires you?
“Chance the Rapper, J. Cole, Joey Badass, as far as music, but over the years now I look to normal people, who are in my life. Like my mom, that drive she has. Or just my friends, certain things they do, looking at what they’re passionate about, it could be two completely different passions, but maybe they’ll have the same drive for what I do.
8) Are you signed?
“I chose for myself to be an independent artist because I felt there’s more opportunity and more freedom.”
9) In the future do you still want to be independent?
“There’s a lot of opportunities coming right now, a lot that I’m working on. And so now I’m deciding whether or not to cosign with certain people, or stay independent. I think I’ll stay independent, and just work with them.”
10) Tell us a fun fact
“You probably would never know this, but I am actually double jointed”