Bizzey isn't exactly the first person you'd picture trying to disappear into the background. The man practically turned party music into a competitive sport. But a few years ago, things weren't going nearly as well away from the spotlight. Speaking to LINDA., he recalls how life became increasingly difficult between 2018 and late 2019. Even being recognised in public started bothering him, despite his songs playing everywhere. He withdrew from people and tried smoking weed to push away feelings he didn't want to face. The trouble was, those feelings always came back. A massive hit can hide plenty of things, apparently. Yourself? Not so easily.
Around Christmas 2019, he decided something had to change. Bizzey entered a treatment clinic and began dealing with the things he'd been carrying around for years. He also remembers his first studio session afterwards. Someone sitting opposite him casually rolled a joint. In the old days, that would hardly have raised an eyebrow. This time, he realised he didn't need to join in. For him, that was a victory. Not because he suddenly had a problem with other rappers smoking weed, but because he could finally make that decision for himself.
The biggest change might not even be about cannabis. Bizzey says he used to keep a considerable distance between Leo Roelandschap and his famous alter ego. The rapper had to be tough, provocative and careful not to reveal too much of the real person underneath. These days, he's more comfortable showing a vulnerable side on stage. Don't worry, though. That doesn't mean the next Bizzey show will involve everyone sitting in a circle listening to an acoustic guitar. He still enjoys pushing buttons, making party records and bringing that ridiculous energy to a crowd. He just doesn't need to hide behind it anymore. Same artist, less of a performance when the music stops.
