Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raa. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
RAA, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
It comes from that innate confidence and believe in the value I present regardless of the room I encompass. Some moments bring about taking the leadership role and delegate to achieve utmost success. Other times will be where I have to absorb the widsom and from peers who hold more knowledge than myself. There’s only one of me so I never look at it as looking down or envying another artist or person. I approach as jt “what are the ultimate goals in front of us and how driven are we individually to accomplish success as a whole?”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
For those fresh to my journey, I’m RAA a hip hop artist, producer, engineer & songwriter from Woodbridge, VA (relocated to San Diego 2018). A few artists such as Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, Big L and Nas are heavily influences amongst my overall soundscape and lyrical content. My name acronym stands for “Raw Application Art” showcasing the honest focus of my artistry throught the music and visuals while being relatable to the listener. Over my 7 year career, I’ve been blessed with many accomplishments and moments that continue to shape a bright future. Most notably: releasing a self-produced single with Dizzy Wright in 2022, signing a non-exlusive deal with Bay Area independent label Underground Universal in 2023. opening for the east legend Chino XL in 2024, and recently my first show at the famed San Diego venue SOMA in Jan 2025. So far 2025 I’ve released two singles “FINAL TOAST” and “NEED MO” and the return of my beat tape series with “Raastrumentals 2”, all released mid February. Beyond music I’m excited for contunued growth & new ventures by starting a LLC T-shirt printing business with my mentor and big brother Drew (aka hip hop artist/A&R Eletist).
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I always tell people who strive to embark on their own creative journey is to know “why” you’re doing it. It’s easy becoming jaded thru moments of quick gratification or comparing where you are with others being where you want to be. There is no overnight success. There is no shame in having a 9 to 5 supporting your passion when finances have to fund the ultimate goal. Shoot your 10,000 shots whether you know what will go in the basket or not; you merely try. When it comes to growing, that happens from stepping out of your comfort zone both as the artist and human. Your experiences ought to be a direct correlation with the message in hour music because that’s what people connect with. Authenticity is scarce in a world enamored by fear of being different. In the words of our my main influences from Carson, CA, hip-hop artist Ab-Soul, “know your roots and who you’re rooting.”
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
There’s been quite an elevation personally within ove the last year and it’s all come from truly being present in the moment. Having being diagnosed with Major Depression Disorder in 2021, the biggest conflcition has long been one residing in the mind. Now, my perspective and actions are that what doesn’t serve as as support or acceleration in progression now lives in the past. I can’t please everybody nor anybody throughout my life more than I need to show love unto myself daily. If you aren’t smiling for or rooting for yourself the most, find the source of the discourse. Stagnation or excuses won’t lead to success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raaemcee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RAAemcee
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/raaemcee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raaemcee
Image Credits
Prime Life Productions
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