Edward Blair II
“Sportscasting is in my blood…I have coached Football, Basketball, Baseball and also played these sports which is why I love staying connected to each sport. For the past 14+ years, I have been at the forefront of entertainment as a Recording Artist/Songwriter/Music Producer/Sound Engineer/Podcaster. I've transformed as a Video Director/Camera Operator, Graphic Designer. I am a leader, and highly functional, and am called on to develop solutions and create projects that have enabled strong engagement, retention, and loyalty.”
Biography
Edward Miguel Blair II (born November 9, 1992), known professionally as Ed Blair, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, member of the NSCS who’s from the West side neighborhood of Kalamazoo , Michigan. In 2017, he began to gain recognition following the release of his first album, The Understudy. Blair grew up in a middle-class neighborhood on Kalamazoo's West Side. In his Junior year at Kalamazoo Central High School, Ed formed the hip-hop group Da Heartthrob with friends. He is also 1 half of the Hip-Hop duo "The Blair Affair" formed with his wife Sierra Shanelle Blair. Many of Ed's earliest performances took place at The Strutt in Kalamazoo. At Maple Street Magnet School, some of his teachers ridiculed his aspirations to become a musician but a teacher by the name of Rasaan Hawkins encouraged Ed to make music his focus in a class he taught called hip-hop hits in which Blair learned how to write his own music. After taking a break from college, Ed recorded his first full-length project, an album titled The Understudy. In 2017 he released two singles "What We Do" and "Come My Way" and publicly announced the album. In 2017, Blair made his television debut performing and interviewing on The Lori Moore Show on the CW7. Blair says he spent "about eight months recording, writing and making connections off of the hunger to put out something. Blair released the mixtape on April 6, 2017 and it has since been featured all over social media. The album was well received locally and helped Blair make connections with producers such as Jay Jackson, Brandon Mccall. Ed Blair has continued to work on music and podcasting over time and has charted on 20 plus music charts such as iTunes, Shazam, Amazon Music and has over 4 million streams for his music with over 2000 radio plays on over 700 FM radio stations and is a Grammy U member. He has also graduated with a Recording Arts certificate in 2023 from Full Sail University and was inducted into the National Society Of Collegiate Scholars in 2022 while enrolled in the program and is currently enrolled in the Dan Patrick School Of Sportscasting bachelors program at Full Sail University. Ed Blair has done an internship as a Video Director/Camera Operator for the Battle Creek Battle Jacks and has had games featured on ESPN+. Blair also has coach Football for the Jr. Bearcats, Comstock High School, Parchment High School, and Lakeview High School and coach Basketball for the Jr. Pistons league, Springfield Middle School 8th grade boys teams, Lakeview Middle School 7th Grade Boys teams and coached baseball for Battle Creek Central High School and Lakeview High School and serves as a Special Education Paraeducator in the Lakeview School District.
Testimonials
"I listened to the first season of the Ed Blair Podcast and I was very impressed with how engaging Ed Blair the host and creator of the show was with each guest! Each episode was very interesting and I love how Ed Blair uses his podcast as a resource and platform to uplift his community for entrepreneurs, artist and activist from all walks of life! The shows quality is amazing and I look forward to season two!"
Sierra Shanelle Blair
Secondary Education Major, Grand Valley State University
"Ed Blair is an ethical blend between hustler and family man. While he is an excellent communicater, polite and well spoken but he is not going to let anyone come on and just body him on the issues. The atmosphere is chill and that makes the guest feel comfortable to open up and keeps the vybe light hearted yet professional. His dedication to professionalism is his biggest asset and I wouldn't be surprised if he was the next Joe Budden. but What do I Know lol. One love and keep bringing those dope interviews."
Capzilla
Recording Artist/Songwriter
"Love this podcast! Topics are fresh and relevant. I enjoyed being a guest. Ed is super inviting and passionate about what he does, and it shows through his work."
Tirrea Billings
Senior Communications Manager
"As a guest and a listener; The Ed Blair Podcast is a smooth listen, informative, and musically diverse. I love how Ed can connect with all types of artist from trap music to conscious music. You’ll definitely learn a lot about the music scene in Michigan, especially Kzoo: we have a lot of history and still much more to offer...and this podcast is a great place to learn that. Keep going Ed, I’m listening bro"
Trellion Trell
Recording Artist/Songwriter/Actor
"I am very much obliged that I’ve featured on the “Ed Blair Podcast.” The Real Deal: He speaks for the struggling artist in a small town and uses his platform to shed light on such. Tune In ASAP"
Sherdizzle
Recording Artist/Songwriter/Music Producer/Performer