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Shogun Wiz

Written by Gabrielle McCann on August 19, 2024

Shout out to Buffalo for all of the up and coming artists. I am always thrilled to see Buffalo on the map for musical artists. Looks like we’ll be known for more than Snow and Buffalo Wings. Recently, I conducted a blog interview with a Buffalo native artist. His bars and word play are insane. His GTA reels are funny. His style is authentic. Read on more to learn about Shogun Wiz. You will not be disappointed.

“Who is Shogun Wiz?

Shogun Wiz is a rapper, engineer, and label owner hailing from Buffalo, New York. What was one a hobby that Wiz enjoyed because he had extra money, has turned into a passion. Wiz loves everything about creating music and has been serious about doing so for the last three years. His latest video, which is fire-by the way, ‘N.F.W.M’ features his 10-year-old daughter. Shogun has opened up for Styles P, Ghostface, Sheek Louch, Maino, Jim Jones, Conway, Method Man, Red Man , and Ron Suno. WOW! That is amazing!!! Kudos to you Shogun.

Musical Influences

Wiz has several musical influences that impact his music career. These individuals include the people around him that he does music with, Conway, Westside Gunn, and Method Man. When asked why these individuals have influenced him Wiz responded, “Cause they opened doors for everyone else in Buffalo and I just love the music they produce.” If Wiz could collaborate with anyone it would be anyone from Wu-Tang, West Side Gunn, and Stove God because “the way they curate music is amazing and I wanna learn the marketing that they know.” WOW I love this!

Every artist has a certain swag about them. This is my favorite part of blogging- learning how each artist sets him/herself apart from others. Wiz has a unique perspective on what sets him apart from other artists. Wiz explains that Japanese culture is tied to his craft and image “by way appearance or music beats I tap on to the cover art etc.”

Advice/Challenges

As artists, I would assume individuals engage in a bit of self-reflection. I know as a writer, I self-reflect. I asked Wiz what advice he would give to his younger self that would prepare him to become an artist. His response was epic, “Don’t spend to much money when you first start off until you have a decent following (fan base).” I like this perspective. Social media is an excellent source that that an individual can use while gaining a fan base.

There are certainly challenges to being an artist. Staying relevant, keeping a fan base, and setting boundaries are challenges that I would assume an artist faces. Wiz explains that staying abreast with content and costs related to being an artist (sessions, clothing, music videos) are challenges that an artist faces. The challenges faced by an artist can definitely influence his or her thoughts of future endeavors. Wiz speaks very positively about his future. I asked Wiz where he sees himself in five years. Wiz sees himself as “being one of the dopest, and most different artists [out of Buffalo New York] to touch the mic.”