Ras Beats of Queens, New York on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ras Beats. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Ras , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Working on music is one of those things for me, one hundred percent.
It makes things go quiet, when I get into the zone and make music, it’s the only thing on my mind and of importance,
It’s great creatively, and useful for rediscovering one of the things that make me happy, if I never need that reminder.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an independent Hip hop artist and producer from Queens, New York.
With my music, my aim is to put you in that zone for 3-4 minutes where you’re not paying attention to anything else.
Contributing to the hip hop music that I love & aiming to give people the experience that so much great music has given me, that’s the mission for me.
I have albums and ep’s available everywhere you listen to music, you can check my website for anything related to my music. I’m currently working on an instrumental album and a Ras Beats producer project.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Honestly, and it might sound self-centered, but I would say myself. I had plenty of people around me with good work ethic growing up, but once I saw for myself the different results between working somewhat focused and giving 100% effort towards a goal, I realized the impact hard work and dedication has, and learned the importance of it, plus the significance of self-reliance as far as getting things done and not waiting on others.

So I’d say myself, even though it’s good to watch other people have focus, learn from them, and get back on track if you have been taking it easy.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I had a few doubts about continuing making music a few times, but decided I love it too much to ever really step away from its permanently. Most of us have disappointments professionally, and sometimes you need to retool and decide on your next step. I realized I will always have ideas as far as making music, and I look at that as a blessing and go with it. I usually think I’m gonna take a break between projects, but most times I end up starting a new project right away, it just happened. I was gonna take a break after the Maddog McGraw album, but went right into the next project, the ideas show up and you go with it is my thinking at this point, and I appreciate the fact they’re appearing.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
All the artists & producers I listened to before I started making music, and in the early years of being a musician.
There was so much incredible music that helped shape my ears for music and helped inspire my creative expression. The style of hip hop production that Marley Marl, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, DJ Muggs, Large Professor, Showbiz, 45 King and many more pioneered and perfected. Their ideas are most definitely part of the foundation for me of how to create. I put a lot of work into developing my own sound, which I did, in my own opinion, but they are part of my understanding of how to make music, it came from the artists I listened to before I started making my own.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, being an independent artist you do the majority of your work when no-one even knows, much less praise you for it. It’s meaningful when the music you make connect with people of course, but the time when nobody is around and you’re making sure whatever you’re working on is just right is extremely significant. As an independent artist the self-discipline to get things done, as far as the creative part, but also meeting deadlines, is hugely important and part of the deal, so I can definitely do that. My work ethic and self-discipline is fine tuned at this point.

As far as legacy, I don’t think of it as lot, but I do put a lot of thought & effort into making sure my music is the quality I know I’m capable of reaching. Not settling for good enough but always aiming to make the best music I can make. Holding myself accountable with everything important and most definitely music.

I appreciate anyone tuning in and reading this, thank you for paying attention to Ras Beats.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All photos by Amos The Famous

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