Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US black) an affectionate term of address.

1957		C. Himes Imabelle 28: You let the police take care of the law, Bruzz.
1958		G. Lea Somewhere There’s Music 35: Romance? No, bruz, that’s not my groove.
1965		C. Himes Rage in Harlem (1969) 28: [as 1957].
1965–70		in DARE.