Up-n-coming rapper RoRo has done it all from rapping, producing to songwriting and he’s ready to take center stage now. This young gunner currently resides in Japan where he is growing his R2 Records imprint by producing for artists worldwide, performing nightly, and opening for artists like The New Boyz, Soulja Boy, and Chingy. Born on October 4, 1988 in Orlando, Florida, RoRo was destined to be a superstar. Not only was his family defined by music but his father, rapper/producer Little Ko-chees was internationally recognized for his hit song “Booty Swang” in 1993. Under his father’s guidance, RoRo started rapping and producing at an early age hoping to follow his footsteps. RoRo thrives to bring originality and quality music to today’s oversaturated market and he is here to show why they say he’s “Hip-Hops Best Kept Secret.”
For any of our readers who may not be familiar with RoRo yet, please introduce yourself.
For those who may not be familiar with me, my name is RoRo. I’m an American recording artist, record producer and songwriter based in Japan.
How and when did you decide that you wanted to rap?
Since a child I’ve always loved music. I would watch my father (Hip-Hop artist/producer named Lil Ko-chees) practice with his crew and I would try and imitate him and remember all his lyrics. It wasn’t until the age of 7 that I decided I wanted to get into music. I told my father I wanted to rap and that was the beginning of everything.
Who are your main influences within music and why?
My influences are my father, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Charlie Chaplin, Ray Charles, Dr. Dre, Bob Marley, James Brown, Tupac and many more. If I named them all I’ll be writing for days [laughs]. They all had an influence on me because they all have done great things and changed the world through music. Whether it be from a trend, a dance, a movement or any accomplishment, music and entertainment helped them changed the world so I strive to some day have a impact like them and hopefully my music change the world as well.
For those who haven’t heard your mixtapes or your music, describe your style and sound.
I feel like my style is a lot of different things put in one. For example, my EP, “Road To Success”… I made all the beats and the project is entirely written and produced by me. I also produce for artists in different genres such as Jazz, R&B, Pop, Reggae, EDM, Club and Hip-Hop so that gave me the versatility to do all types of things. Since I had a chance to work with different artists it influenced me to incorporate that into my style. So you never know what you are going to get from me.
Explain your rap moniker RoRo.
The name RoRo is actually a childhood name. My first name is Rolandis so my uncle used to call me RoRo for short. It kinda just stuck with me through out the years.
You are about to release your new EP, “Road To Success “. Can you tell us about the project?
This EP is kinda like a short bio about the journey it took to make this project possible. This EP has skits that show my childhood, things discussing my transitions from being born and raised in America to my life as a musician living in Japan and just stuff that all come together to represent my story, my journey and my road to success.
Your single, “Doesn’t Mean I’m Lost”, is a remix of Coldplay’s smash hit, “Lost”. Why did you pick this song as your lead single?
Sometimes timing dictates everything and that’s just what happen with this record. I had a couple other choices to choose from but my remake for “Lost” end up making it mainly because I felt it would be the best fit for my EP’s title, “Road To Success”. With all the things going on in the world today like hate, natural disasters, racism and just negativity I feel this record is needed. I feel that we all at some point have come to a road block where we wanted to give up so hopefully this song helps and inspire others to keep going like the original song did for me
When will the EP be released and where can people buy it?
The EP will be released in January 2014 and it will be in music stores throughout Japan and available worldwide via iTunes and RoRoMusic.com.
Is the goal to get signed or are you comfortable being independent?
It depends. I’ll choose whatever gets my music heard the best. If not, I’m pretty comfortable how I am now.
What would a label have to offer you in order for you to sign?
Creative control and long as it’s not a 360 deal I’m willing to partner up with anyone who believes in my music and can help me get out my vision.
Do you feel majors still understand how to push artists?
Yes, I believe that some majors know how to push artists today but at the same time it’s still some big labels that are kind of slow when it comes to changing with the times and don’t understand the importance of social media. I feel some try to do it the old way so they don’t really succeed and it ends up hurting the artist in the long run.
When you’re done with rap, what do you want to be remembered for most?
I would like to be remembered first by my friends, family and wife as an honest and loyal person. I would also like to be remembered as someone who through his music tried to inspire people and make the world a better place.
With Christmas coming up soon, what would have been your ideal Christmas present and why?
I’ve been working really hard in Japan so I would either like bring some of my friends and family to Japan to show them around and to meet my family and friends here or vice versa. Either way, it would be a great Christmas present.
Where can people connect more with you?
RoRoMusic.com is where you’ll find anything you want to know about me.
Source: Yo-Raps
