The Philosophical Rapper in the Mask: An Interview with B of Briz

W: Mandy Morgan

New Single: ‘A Spark In Your Heart’ Is Out Now

With a PhD in Philosophy, a boundary-setting mask, and a penchant for Vimto ice lollies, Bristol’s B of Briz is carving out a space that is entirely her own. As she releases her pragmatically romantic new single, ‘A Spark in Your Heart,’ we sit down with the feminist rapper and producer to discuss "wonk-hop," vulnerability, and the art of the perfect flapjack.

B of Briz isn’t interested in the traditional tropes of mystery. While she famously wears a mask, she is quick to clarify her intentions: "It’s a boundary, not a mystery!"

Based in Bristol, UK, she describes herself as a feminist rapper and producer whose academic background informs every bar. "I have a PhD in Philosophy, I’m passionate about social justice, and I really, really love Buffy the Vampire Slayer," she laughs. This mix of high-brow intellect and pop-culture relatability defines her "wonk-hop" sound—a term she embraces alongside "sincerity rap."

"I’d describe it as bass-led alt hip-hop with organic beats and a philosophical sensibility," she says. "I love the focus involved in writing lyrics—thinking deeply and laterally enough to be poetic and playful, yet honest and real."

For those trying to pin down her sound, B of Briz suggests a sonic map that hovers between the storytelling of The Streets and the raw intensity of Kae Tempest, or perhaps the middle ground between Stacy NKR and Ren.

Unlike many artists chasing the tour bus lifestyle, B is a self-defined digital artist. "I don’t perform live," she admits. Instead, her work lives and breathes online. "I’m really glad the internet means I can make this art and share it quite directly with people who might wanna listen. It’s amazing."

When she does venture into the recording booth, her "diva demands" are delightfully modest: "I have to have a massive flask of fruit tea and an amazing flapjack from the place round the corner. It’s the perfect fuel for keeping me on point."

"My greatest strength is my weirdness... to have lived an interesting life and to be able to bring that into my music."

Her latest single, ‘A Spark in Your Heart,’ serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the "floaty" tropes of modern pop. Inspired by the pragmatism of the 90s classic "All I Need" by Method Man and Mary J Blige, B wanted to explore what love looks like in the real world.

"Love is such a floaty concept a lot of the time in songs," she explains. "I wanted to really nail down what it means to me to love someone. Fans can expect everything from harmonica to classic hip-hop piano, a little hint of folk, and my trademark earnestness."

Despite her academic prowess, B is candid about the hurdles of the music industry. She identifies the "business end" of the arts as a "f*cking nightmare" and admits that sharing her work is an exercise in courage.

"My most difficult obstacle has been how vulnerable it makes me feel to share music. Self-expression carries the possibility of rejection. I’m ‘braving’ that rejection to get this to the people it will mean something to."

Her process remains tactile and traditional. "I wrote my whole PhD in a notebook; I’m quite old and paper-oriented," she says. She collects "kernels" of ideas in her phone before sitting down to read, think, and eventually write—an iterative, repetitive process that she finds deeply meditative.

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