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Published on January 11th, 2015 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

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Rittz: Not All Glitz And Glamour

Let’s hop right into this brand new sophomore solo collection, Next to Nothing — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

To me, the title “Next to Nothing” represents how far I’ve come in the music business, but also how little I have, even though I’ve seen success. It’s like I’ve developed a name and a fan-base that I’ve worked years to achieve, but I’m still financially unstable and question if what I’ve created is enough to make a lifelong career out of. For me, optimistically thinking, this album will turn having next to nothing into something I can live off of forever.

How does Next to Nothing either differ and/or compare to previous Rittz works?

As the time passes, in between projects the more I experience. Rather it be business related or personal issues, the content changes. I’m in a different space from my first album and my previous mix-tapes, so my experiences alone make some of the topics different. As a whole, I think the sound of this album is bigger. It’s more honest and bold, even though that’s something I’ve been known for on previous releases. I feel like it’s my duty to be 100% honest about my journey in the music business, because a lot of my fans are aspiring rappers that deserve to hear the reality of the rap game; that it’s not all glitz and glamour and large amounts of money. On the other side of that coin, I also expressed a bit of happiness and optimism of where my career is at. This album definitely shows growth personally and musically. I also wanted to play with some different rhyme schemes and slow it down a tad for people to grasp the lyrics better this time ’round.

Also, for Next to Nothing you went out on the road headlining your very own OD Tour, alongside Tuki Carter and Raz Simone — Overall, was that whole experience like for you?

That experience was amazing! It was the first time having my own tour bus, so it really gave me a sense of achieving success. The crowds were bigger than the last two tours I headlined, so it definitely gave me a more positive outlook on my upcoming album and the support of the fan-base I built. I did some of the same venues I’ve done in the past with double the amount of people. There were a lot of nights walking out on the stage like, “WOW, they really came out for me!” Tuki and Raz and their crews were really cool as well, and we got along great. Once you share a moment in time with other artists on a tour, there is a bond established that in my opinion is lifelong.

For someone who has yet to witness you performing “live,” what would you tell that person can be expected from a Rittz show?

A lot of Crown Royal! Hahahaha! I just want the crowd to walk away saying, “DAMN, he rapped his ass off! ” Like, “I can’t believe this chubby, long haired guy rocked the stage that long, rapped that hard and barely took a breath and KILLED It!” That’s the goal.

Do you have any crazy/funny stories and/or anecdotes that you can share from being out there on the road?

There has been so many…Most involving me being hammered and people having to put me in my bunk, which I’m not extremely proud of. I know on this last tour I got a little wild. I bought a machete from a truck stop and said I was gonna cut the biggest dude on the bus’ head off — joking of course! I know I bought a lot of random sarcastic ass gifts; like My Little Ponys and girl’s toys, and put them in some of the dude’s bunks. The reality is most of the craziest things that happen on tour are a giant blur.

At least thus far, has there been any one specific city or town that you actually favor? And if so, why are you choosing that particular one?

There are so many, but to name a few, and I’ll probably leave some out, but…Denver, Boise, Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, Omaha, Tuscon,Cleveland, Sacramento and more, are some of my favorites. Too many to name. Certain cities stand out because of the energy, and I don’t mean mosh pits either. I love crowds that are hype to see me, but while I’m on stage I can look out and tell I have their full attention and they’re dialed into the music.

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to? And, what then do you feel will continue to sustain you in this grueling business of music?

At the end of the day, I think the key to longevity is paying close attention to the quality and consistency of the music. All the promotion and celebrity features can’t save your project if the songs aren’t done to the best of your ability. To me, beat selection is extremely important to set the tone. I just don’t write to everything that makes my head nod.

Do you have any other additional/outside aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I would love to one day get into the food industry. I’m a food nerd and I love to cook. Cooking is very therapeutic to me and my favorite thing to do in my free time. Hopefully, a cookbook is in the near future.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip-Hop?

I am. I think there is a ton of talented rappers out there now. I also think more artists are being creative and staying true to the music they make, instead of making music for the radio or club deejays. Also, some of the artists on the radio now are more lyrical and respected for there talent and not just a catchy chant hook.

To date, what has been your biggest Hip-Hop moment, so far anyway?

The BET Cypher on the Hip Hop Awards by far! That opened me up to so many people who have never seen or heard of me.

What’s next for you, Rittz?

I’m touring with Yelawolf on The Slumerican Made Tour October 23rd – December 22nd. I’m very excited for this, considering that’s who gave me my start, and it’s perfect timing to rep for the Slumerican crew with my album out and his coming in the near future.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention? 

I have a single called “Bounce,” featuring Twista, and a single, “In My Zone,” featuring Mike Posner and B.o.B., to be released in the fall.

Any “parting” words for our readers?

I’m just extremely appreciative of all the fans who support me. I’ve wanted to rap for a living for so long, (so) I never take them for granted…I’m Blessed!

@therealRITTZ

 



About the Author

Publisher and CEO of The Hype Magazine. Follow me on Twitter @HypeJustJay


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