Tell us about yourself and your music
My artist’s name is Rice formally J.rice. I am a 25-year-old graduate student, artist, promoter and entrepreneur. I am the co-founder with my brother M-Ezy of Hustle Work Grind Records (H.W.G) I currently have released two hip hop singles Bet on It and Big Dreams. Bet on it was an inspiration for anyone who is out there in life, the message is don’t allow anyone to decide your limitations. I also released the videos for Bet on it and Big Dreams October of 2019 Canon gives me many suggestions, so I know my videos will get better. My first EP I plan to release is called “Riding No Blindfolds” Which is the opposite of how I felt about the first year of doing this music and almost feeling like wandering by year two I was finding direction and working with people and learning more about myself as a person which helped determine the artist I wanted to be. I have not released a lot of music, because I want a certain sound and quality. My motto is Quality over Quantity. The songs on the EP are motivation and inspiration which just says do not give up. I put those songs together because of Bet On it, Big Dreams and Round it Up(Blue Face) and another song I did with AA Grand which you can find on my ReverbNation page together tells a story. I have collaborations with my brother such as Zoot, and songs which have come down such as Errbody Put Your Hands Up, and Stay Smokin. I but Bet On it is the first single released. I released singles to get a response from the market, would not want to release a whole EP that no one is feeling. I am also releasing Round it UP (Blue Face) on April 15th.
Talk to us more about your latest release
My latest release Round it Up (Blue Face) is off my EP “Riding No Blindfolds” I released the first master on Soundcloud to gage the market, however, the final mastered released is April 15th and I can say the cover by Kid Flash truly complements the song. I wanna say everyone had their interpretation of socio-economic stress which were depicted in the song. If what you’re doing is not generating the ROI that you want then you have to Round it Up. This song is a motivation for anyone. A pack is whatever you choose, whether its CD’s out of your trunk, freelancing 9-5, it’s whatever you’re doing that is not working. It was fun making this song, however collaborating with different people brings different elements and energy to the song and we all liked the final product that Paparazzi, put another spin and we now have the final master.
http://www.reverbnation.com/open_graph/song/31461362
What inspired you to write this release?
I wanted to make a song that anyone can identify with, however, it had to be a collaboration, and a female’s perspective also had to be a part of the struggle. Majesty did her thing, and it is a song that appeals to a wide demographic of people both male and female. Young and old.
Describe the writing and recording process
The writing and recording process I used for this song, is not the process I used for future collaborations. Studio time is money, so I would have made sure we were all ready to work when we came to the studio. It was a real collaboration bouncing ideas off one another, also seeing the exact sound we wanted. The release on sound cloud everyone liked, however, I thought it could be just a little cleaner, and Paparazzi did his thing. After every song, I always feel like I could have executed my part better, and I hope I never stop critiquing my work as an artist. What I can say about the writing and recording process that it was months of hard work, and it has not ended. Video next. The release is April 15th however I think everyone would enjoy our performance of Round it Up at the Starlite in Southbridge Ma.
Any plans to release a video?
Any plans to hit the road?
I have just been working on my music, and we have been also planning whats next. We have done local shows such as Famous Fridays, Twisted Thursdays, Night In Hollywood, Big Tymer’s successful showcase. We have opened for Style P in Beats and Barbeque in Worcester Ma. so what’s next is in the plans. our end of year Dear Santa Extravaganza, however, has been affected by the Corona Virus, because this would be the third annual “Dear Santa Christmas Extravaganza” and this is something for families, it’s about community, so we play games, eat and provides gifts for adults and children. This is an event sponsored by H.W.G, Ladii Girl, and Fam. and we were looking forward to doing coat drives and partnering with venues to make it even more meaningful for families. More than anything shows have been canceled but we are focused on making sure we are prepared for our end of year community celebration.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
There is so much talent, so as an artist, my brand is my name, and our label H.W.G with means Hustle Work Grind, its something that stands out because its a certain work ethic I have, and I haven’t released a lot of music, but I think the quality and content of my music gets stronger, it’s about always being creative, and working behind the scenes. I want to always be my authentic self, and not get complacent, and always be able to take constructive feedback. Hard work, promotion, marketing, and timing of releases is also important as an artist. I don’t think that anything is original, it’s just how we as an individual artist decides to tell the story. My brother and I say H.W, G is not just a label but a way of life. So as an artist, I am talking about my perception of the “BS” it may be dramatized but it’s my experience, and my road, my terms, and my lane. I am not trying to be like everyone because I can only be me,
Who have you been listening to lately?
Listening to an artist is great, but I am looking at Artist move because one thing this pandemic has taught us is that we need to have more than one stream of income besides performances and music. I look at Steve Jobs, and how he moved, then we have Snoop Dog, Dr.Dre, Ice Cube, and how they move, its more than about the music and video, its a business, and success is contingent with the hard work and sacrifice we put into this.
Who are your biggest influences?
I am influenced by many people’s creativity and how they execute their work. I love J. Cole Drake Started From the Bottom was my graduation from the high school theme song. I like them because they also take their time putting out music, and people wait because they know it’s going to be good.
Tell us about your passions
Business, Music, people, and finding ways to generate income is truly my passion. When I am not creating I’m thinking about creating. I want to make a difference whether its music, or the charity drives we do, or a part of, people are my passion. However, to wind down I enjoy video games, playing basketball. I call myself somewhat of a foodie because I love trying new restaurants and foods. However now I a new vegan, it is a healthier lifestyle, however very disciplined which is how I am trying to move,
What else is happening next in your world?
I am a graduate student, so I will continue with my education, I am working on a new project, however, it is a different sound it’s not hip/hop or rap and I’m not a singer so I would say the EP will be more of a vibe. I am not sure if I’ll release any of the singles off of my new project since the project will not come out until the end of this year or next year. My brother M-Ezy and I have some collaborations which we will be finishing up and releasing this year.
Thanks for an awesome interview, Rice
Connect with Rice
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PheonixRice/Instagram: https://instagram.com/thereal_arroz?igshid=1imruttzv6bazYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa-jgAIJFQWbX8FXv_UhbPASoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jerard-r-riceReverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/rice5
