From Anne Arundel to the Whole DMV — Bandzz Drops a Statement Tape

If you’re from Anne Arundel County, you’ve definitely heard the name Bandzz — or 8WayBandzz, depending on how long you’ve been tapped in. He’s been building up quietly for years, long before the rest of the region started paying attention, and now he’s finally dropped the project that shows just how far he’s come: BandArundel County.

I’ve known Bandzz for a minute. I remember the early drops — those first records that were bubbling locally and getting passed around between schools, parties, and the county internet circles. The difference now? The polish. The confidence. The delivery. He’s way more locked-in than he used to be, and this project makes it obvious.

A lot of people who aren’t familiar with him try to throw the “Nino Paid flow” comparison around. But let’s be real — Bandzz had this cadence way before Nino popped off. It’s the same pocket, sure, but the roots are different. Bandzz is taking that DC-inspired bounce and giving it Anne Arundel flavor. Not an imitation — just a county take on a lane he’s already been in.

BandArundel County is full of different energies. You get the melodic pain records, the late-night introspective tracks… and then you get the crash-out anthems that make you want to run up a bag immediately. There’s no filler. No skips. It sounds like someone who finally knows exactly what he’s trying to say and how he wants to say it.

Coming out of the county, he’s always had to fight the stigma. Baltimore and the DMV don’t exactly roll out the red carpet for Anne Arundel artists — too many people label the whole county as bluffing. But Bandzz isn’t one of those. He raps what he lives, and the stories match the lifestyle. That’s why this project stands out: it’s authentic, and you can’t fake that.

Honestly, this album deserves way more light than it’s getting. Bar for bar and track for track, BandArundel County is easily one of the strongest releases to come out of the DMV/Baltimore area this year. All Bandzz needs now is the spotlight — once people actually listen, it’s over.

My personal standouts: “Collide,” “Adventure Time,” and “Working the Wheel.” All three show different sides of him — the pain, the bounce, the hunger.

We’ve got some visuals on the way with Bandzz too. VA SHIFT might just be the first platform to really push him outside the county and give him the shine he’s been long overdue for.

If you’re into Gizwop, Nino Paid, or No Savage, you’re about to become a new fan of Anne Arundel County’s own Bandzz.

Long Live PeeGotti.