Get Your Buzz Up #1 Site for Unsigned/Indie/Underground Hip Hop
Tell us about you and your movement
If you just listen to Rip Rath rap then you’ll know what I’m about; witty lyrics, off-the-cuff content, entertainment and a brash attitude, that’s that RipRathRap. You also might hear me shout NY Royalty, that’s not a phrase reserved for New York centric demeanor, it’s actually a statement about how I am embraced when I arrive in other areas. The support I get makes me feel like New York Royalty. It’s a circle, people show me love and support and I give it right back every chance I get. What simpler movement is there?
When did you start to develop your artistry?
I started in a group called ‘Queenz Official’ we did an album called “Back to Basic”. I learned a lot from working with other artists through the whole process of writing, producing and recording but that was around the time I became a father and I wasn’t able to focus on music. It wasn’t until my cousin was killed that I realized that his voice would never be heard again and his memory would fade into a shadow of what he used to be. I needed to leave something for my daughter, family, friends and the world to remember me by and to hear my voice thoughts and emotions when I’m gone, not to be forgotten. That’s how “Born Ready” came into existence, not being afraid to say whatever came to my mind, relaying the life experiences I was going through and not caring what others would think; and I embrace that more comfortably today.
Who are some of your musical influences?
My earliest inspiration came from Bone Thugs N Harmony. I was captured by their style, the melodies, delivery and musical arrangements of their bridges and choruses. They embraced the rebellious mentality of their mentor (Easy E) and still came off as relatable. Oddly enough I remember buying “Life After Death” (Notorious B.I.G) because I heard he did a song with Bone. From there I remember writing down Biggie’s verses, just so I could sing along to the songs, but I guess I inadvertently began to pick up rhyme schemes and how to put together punch lines and metaphors. Additionally, I like to think my biggest influences come from directly working with other artists and producers. Whether I’m learning showmanship, attention to detail, or just enunciation of a word, it makes me a better artist.
What current projects are you working on?
The Born Ready LP (aka Born Ready – A 2 Part Opus) is out and available now on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and Coast2Coast Mixtapes. There’s an alternate version to the album depending on the site. The next step is pushing “Star Struck” as a single. It has a good warm weather feeling, so Spring and Summer are perfect for it to spin and get the video out there. “Alil2thalef” is a 100% free mixtape for download to display pure lyrics and punch-lines to hold everyone over until the “NY Royalty” project drops. That’s what I’m calling the PPLs (People’s) album. “Born Ready” was for me, “NY Royalty” is for the people, the people who have supported me and the people who just deserve good music that they can connect with. You can expect an epic, timeless sound and content that you can relate to.
How are you planning to ‘Get Your Buzz Up’?
I plan on killing you with the digital, I call it cyber bullying. Expect to see and hear RIP Rath on blog sites and online radio, that way I can reach an international audience. Stateside, I want to make my impression on the college circuit. Getting spins and interviews on college radio and performing on college and university campuses. I want to find the people that feel that good creative music is at a low, deliver the music they’ve been missing in a fun and entertaining way. All I would ask for in return is for them to enjoy and tell a friend, maybe join a mailing list so I can give them more good music and live performances in their area.
Where can we find you online?
Twitter.com/@RipRathRap
