There’s a ton of great hip-hop music coming out right now, and B-Sides spoke with one of the most exciting New York lyricists – Rah-C. He started making music at a very young age, and Rah has evolved into a powerful artist with a message. He spoke with us about his inspirations, the state of hip-hop and what we can expect from him next.
Where are you from and when did you start making music?
I was born in Queens, NY and lived with my mom and dad for a few years. After my father was going through some substance abuse issues my parents split up right before my little brother was born. My mom was noticing some things she didn’t like and wanted to raise us outside of the city so we moved 2 hours upstate and that’s really where I spent my formative years. I started making music when I was crazy young, like 6 or 7, because my dad was a guitar player and I’d be around him all the time.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
I really get inspiration from everything whether it’s the biggest names in music or small indie artists. I’ve always been obsessed with the “Superstars” though – the artists that transcend above just A list. Artists like Elvis, Michael Jackson, Especially The Beatles. I spent basically ages 6-12 pretending like I was John Lennon and Paul McCartney in my bedroom mirror haha. A lot of hip-hop artists inspire me because they all have their own distinct qualities that I can take something from. 3 Stacks, Ye, Nas, Jay, and Kendrick and Big L are artists for me that just give me the most overwhelming excitement.
How do you feel about the state of hip-hop right now?
Hip-Hop is in it’s most evolved state right now and I think it’s really awesome. There’s something for everyone and there’s always a new artist trying to push the boundaries of each sub genre. There’s so many talented lyricists that don’t get the shine but it’s just like how Kool G Rap didn’t maybe get the full recognition he deserved during his time. Artists are wearing multiple hats now more than ever and are growing into themselves and I think it’s truly special. There’s always going to be the lowest common denominator but with as much music there is today you just have to do a little deeper digging and know what you’re looking for.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
There’s so many artists I’d want to collaborate with for different reasons that I could go on forever. I’d love to just create records in a room with Kanye, I feel like my end product would be something so special and unique to my soul. There’s some new school guys I’d love to work with and have on a hook like Trippie Redd or someone who really hits those heart strings haha. I’d love to work with anyone who brings the right energy in the studio or on one of my tracks. It’s hard to judge who would be the perfect fit until the energy is there.
What can we expect from you musically in the next year?
I’m constantly evolving my sound daily. I’ve recently realized a lot about who I am as an artist and the direction the universe has been pointing me in is undeniable now. I was creating multiple different styles of hip-hop and pop and not really taking the time to hone in on what makes me who I am. I realized that I was serving up a new style constantly instead of just stopping to think “who am I trying to impress? I need to just create what feels right.” Now that I figured that out it’s really over for this game hahaha but in all seriousness I’ve gotten to a space mentally where people can expect just overall great music and the right energy.