Alumni Profiles is an ongoing series highlighting successful graduates who, with a SUNY education, achieved interesting and influential careers.

Brendan Martin grew up in Colonie, New York. He went on to attend the University at Albany to study business and graduated with high honors. While in high school and college, Martin wrote and performed hip-hop and rap music, writing from his own experiences and what he went through growing up as a child.

Brendan, or B. Martin, has gained a substantial following after winning UAlbany’s Battle of the Bands, T. Pain’s Motivated competition, Hot 97’s Who’s Next competition to open for J. Cole, and recently won the Battle for the Best competition at SXSW 2012.

Martin has performed alongside Mac Miller, Lupe Fiasco, Big Sean, Young Jeezy, and Snoop Dog. He also was invited to Summer Jam 2012, where Martin shared the stage with ASAP Rocky, Big K.R.I.T, Azealia Banks, Pusha T, Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar.

For the last 7 months, Martin has been living in Los Angeles, working with Warner Music. In February 2013, Martin released his SUNY Anthem, which tells the story of his college experience.

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