Chapped Lips and Chiclets

(Photo via www.myspace.com/blloydraps)

Brandon Lloyd is a NFL wide receiver, aspiring hip-hop artist, and a family man. Last year he played with the Chicago Bears and also recorded a track featuring Bobby Valentino called, “She All Mine”.

What have you been up to during the NFL off-season? Will you be returning to the Bears for the 2009/2010 season?

No! I will not be returning to the Bears they have decided to go in a different direction with their offense next season. I’ve been training here in Chicago and spending a lot of time with the family units. I’ve been working on continuing to learn the “in’s and out’s” of this music business we love so much!

You had a good start this past season, but then got injured, returning strong towards the end.  How frustrating was it not being able to play?

Thanks, I haven’t had to stir up these emotions in a while, but as a player, the most difficult part of not playing is just plain not being available to make the plays that I know I could have made and plays the team really needed.

What was your relationship like with quarterback Kyle Orton?

Kyle and I had a good relationship, the best of any QB I played with in my 6 years. We connected on a personal level (no homo) outside of football.

Do you participate in a Fantasy Football League? If so, who was your first pick this previous season?

I hate fantasy football. My issue with it is; football is a team game, it takes all 11 guys working cohesively to win. I feel fantasy football takes that whole concept out of the football fan’s brain and they root for 1 person’s success. And if that person does good and the team loses then they are fine. I think that attitude is more for the casual fans. But that is the general feeling I get when I’m forced to engage in conversations about fantasy football.

What has been your biggest struggle in the NFL? Any regrets?

My biggest struggle in the NFL has been just maximizing my opportunities. Of course I have some regrets with maybe how I handled the whole Redskins situation. But in reality, that deal was a no brainer for me at the time being a 3rd year player. But it was a “lose-lose” as far as my personal interactions with the individuals involved. There wasn’t enough catches to go around and I’m passionate about football and how I play it, so I felt I had to speak my piece. I know I sleep better at night when I know people know where I stand.

What is it like to be a husband, father and also an NFL player?

It’s pretty easy! My wife does all the real work during the football season! Cooking, cleaning, diaper changing, etc. I’ve wanted to be a father ever since I was old enough to know what a father was. So I really enjoy the off seasons and being able to make the boys breakfast, or drive them to school, or play in a tent in the backyard. Really simple silly things.

Chapped Lips and Chiclets is based out of Michigan. That being said, the Detroit Lions are such a huge disappointment. Doesn’t it seem like it should be impossible to go defeated in an NFL season?

YES! That shouldn’t happen….It was really sad to see that.

Tell us about your music career. Do you have an album out?

I didn’t release the album yet! I decided to re-record several songs on the album. Because I didn’t feel like the subject matter was compatible with the current economic climate or the state of the hip hop industry. My first release I want to be on point, so I’ll hold off and release the songs when the time is right and continue to work on my craft and put out a project I feel the people will embrace.

Have you toured?

No not yet. I opened up for Ludacris in December of ‘08 which was really dope. I’ll put together a touring situation for early 2010. I have to start immediately when the season ends and rock till the spring.

What has been your favorite moment as a recording artist?

My favorite moment as a recording artist was recording my project. I dedicated 3 months straight for the project that produced “She All Mine” which peaked at #50 on radio and “Heavy” which was picked up by Activision and placed on “NPPL Paintball 2009” video game. I would wake up early and do my off season training and come home and rest and spend time with the “fam” and go record in the evenings. I loved that process.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

My favorite artists range from Kanye West to Elvis Presley to Van Zant to Kings of Convenience and Taking Back Sunday! Crazy huh! Oh and in my ride I listen to NPR (National Public Radio).

What is the best part about being Brandon Lloyd?

The best part of being me is my kids. I get the greatest greeting from them when I come home. They chant “daddy, daddy, daddy!” It’s a riot!

Have you kept a close relationship with anyone from high school? Friends, teachers, coaches?

Yes, My high school coach is doing great things in the Louisville Kentucky (Trinity), and I have a couple friends from Blue Springs High School that are doing well for themselves on practicing law at a firm in Kansas City Mo and the other in his residency to become a Doctor in Arizona. My 10 year reunion is coming up so I’ll be catching up with a lot more folks like it or not!

What is the best way your fans can support you?

The best way my fans can support me, is to buy “She All Mine” and “NPPL Championship Paintball 2009” and continue to bump my songs and keep hitting me up on myspace.

Thank you very much for your time! We look forward to what your future has in store. Anything else you would like to share with Chapped Lips and Chiclets readers?

Thank you for having me on your blog and I will continue doing my thing on the field and perfecting my craft as an artist and I will deliver a hot product that my fans can stand behind and support.

You can check out Brandon’s myspage page here.

Or his official website here.