We recently connected with RAA and have shared our conversation below.

RAA, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I wouldn’t trade being an artist/creative for anything else in this world,
Although, I don’t dismay artists working a regular job especially one that supports their overall passion or they put time in their craft coincidingly. All of my 20s were spent learning trade skills, life skills, & business skills between Woodbridge and San Diego while elevating myself rapping, producing, and now engineering skills. I told myself in March 2023 when I quit my Amazon delivery job that now, the real work begins. The success I envisioned wasn’t just going to come overnight, but through believe in myself and the decision to be unapologetic honest has brought about blessings in ways I never visualized beforehand. Consistency and perspective is the greatest form of self-empowerment.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Yes of course. For those unfamiliar my name is RAA, an independent Hip-Hop artist, producer and engineer from Woodbridge, VA (the acronym standing for “Raw Application of Art.” Over 7 years my catalog consists have 5 EP’s, one beat tape, & my most mixtape and unnatural series “California Honey Vol. 1.” Overall my style is heavily composed of soulful hip hop elements drawing inspiration from legends like Kendrick, Tupac, Nas, Pete Rock, Outkast and more. I’ve been blessed thus far with many milestones most notably collaborating with Las Vegas artist Dizzy Wright on a self produced single “Crossroads” to open 2022, joined the San Francisco label Underground Universal January of 2023 & performed at Atlanta’s MossFest December the same year, and opened up for the late-Bronx legend Chino XL 2024 in San Diego. There is no ceiling to what I believe can be accomplished next as continue to hold gratitude for every step made and to come. One thing I continue encapsulating within my journey is being unaplogetically authentic, whether it’s thru my lyrics, recording process, marketing, constructive critiscm, stage presence, or moments receiving/giving praise. I rather promote honesty and inclusiveness within the hip hop community and culture, especially in a current landscape where artists rather subject to trends. There are still some like myself curating their own lanes and elevating each release.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most-rewarding aspect for me is the freedom to merely create daily. It’s the gratitude in achieving more than what I initially envisioned that pushes my creativity beyond to greater heights. That’s not to say creativity some days isn’t more puzzling than others to unlock because it happens. That’s the beauty of lessons and learning what fits best for my respective path or not. I’ll never know what will be a hit or miss until I practice my craft and show up consistently.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Keeping the essence of the culture I grew up on alive and gratitude are what have pushed me for the last 7 years. My introduction to Hip-Hop was at 3 listening to “I Get Around” by Tupac with my family on drives to see other family in DC. The passion for music was always bred within me long before I picked up a pen. To this day numerous people compared to my style of artistry to message to Kendrick Lamar and Tupac, both of whom are my greatest inspirations. I humbly but confidently strive to be one of the greatest hip-hop artist, producers of my generation and to see the impact of my music globally. I believe wholeheartedly where my artisty is headed and the blessings soon to pour thru gratitude and staying focused. As Bay-Area artist LaRussell said recently, “The greatest power is to empower.” I want my legacy to be one that inspires the next generation of artists to better the course hip-hop is headed & to able to give back to my family/every listener that has supported this journey since it’s inception.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raaemcee
• Facebook: https://www..facebook.com/RAAemcee
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/raaemcee
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@raaemcee?si=dWNxLh-V9GjaHhy4

Image Credits

@aishaspixels