Local rapper takes on national scene

FAIRFIELD, Ohio - Friends, family, and fans of a local rap artist, Brandon "Blayze" Lakes, 28, got together Friday night to watch him rap live on BET's 106 and Park . Lakes is part of the show's "Freestyle Fryday," where he and a challenger participate in an off-the-cuff ad-lib rap.  The winner moves on to the next week and the loser is done.

"He carried around a guitar at the age of three," said Lakes' mom Connie. "He loved playing Bon Jovi."

Connie mentioned that she does not particularly care for some of the language that is used in her son's music, but is proud of the way her son had persevered.

"He worked really hard to be where he's at," said Connie. "He started writing music at 14. I don't care too much for the language, but they say that's what the public wants to hear."

Lakes is also part of a duo called "Blayze and Harmony " with a rapper he met in 2006, Jason "Harmony" Thompson.

"First and foremost he's a hard worker," said Thompson. "He's a legit hard working man: father of a young daughter, and just an all out quick witted, fun, energetic, short, ball of energy."

Thompson was not concerned if Lakes' activities on BET could let half of their act down a single act to stardom.

"Right now it's still 'Blayze and Harmony,' but I'm rooting for him 100 percent," said Thompson. "We started as solo artist and if it ever went that route it would never be anything but 100 percent support."

Jim Coffman owns Scotty's Pub, where the viewing party gathered. He's excited about "Blayze" setting the cable network on fire.

"He's always supported us, and we'll always support him," said Coffman. "That's how we do it around here."