Today we are sitting here with one of the hottest young underground artist that is emerging from Houston. You may have checked out his radio SWAG anthem “Swagged Up I Be Killin” that sent the Texas market going crazy! You can call him Rai P aka “Mr. Montel Williams” [Laughs]
What’s going on man? How are you?
I’m Good, working on a few mixtapes, about to head to a local Dj meeting. Just getting out the Studio.
You have really been doing your thing and I have to commend you because I see the consistency. I want you to tell everyone WHO IS RAI P?
Rai P is an up and coming underground artist. I started obtaining my buzz when I first started going to UH (University of Houston) 2007. From there I established myself in the city of Houston and the state of Texas by Mc’ing, hosting, organizing, and throwing weekly and monthly collegiate events (Detox Events).
Now you did the song “Swagged Up I Be Killin” with another underground artist by the name of GO MC Beezy. Did you guys expect for the song to get so much love and hit the radio?
To be honest not when we first created it because it was freestyle. Everything started to flow together and come into place. The first time I knew it was going to be a hit was when I gave Go Dj Havoc the rough version at the end of May, at Link Lounge Club in Houston. It was 2am and when he dropped it the remainder of the Club staff started going bananas when they heard it.
Social Media has made many artists. Do you feel as if it was the social media push that got you guys to really be noticed?
Um, partially, because with social networks its easy to buffer the stats. What really solidifies that is when you go out in the streets is when and pass out flyers and promotional materials with my face for the people to get acquainted to.
What exactly is “Swagged Up I Be Killin”? [Laugh] Can you give us an example of what it is?
Swagged up I be killin, is a Feeling, it’s a state of confidence and it’s all positive. Swagged up I be killin means; no matter what you are doing or how u are feeling u are killing it. (Swagged up)
I know that you are getting a lot of love and support from the Houston market. I also know that you are from Cali, so how is the support system back home?
I get some love out in California, umm but to be honest my dad was in the air force soo uhh, I moved around the world very frequently in my childhood years, all the way till my 11th and 12th grade so my support system varies. So back in Cali I get some love but at the same time I get love in Chicago, Virginia, Florida; even Saudi Arabia and Europe because of being an air force brat. I’m slowly but surely covering a lot of ground.
I see that you have already been getting the collabo’s going on. I see where you have worked with Texas artist such as Fat Pimp, Beat King, GO MC Beezy, and GT Mayne. Who are some other artists and/or producers that you would like to collab with?
Um, I opened up for Fabolous, last year so I would like to go to New York and collab with him. I want to take it down south and work with Gucci Mane and Yo Gotti. On the west I would work with anyone that was involved in the NWA chronic movement, but for now I want to get with Schoolboy Q or Nipsey Hussle, my all time dream collab would be with Soulja Boy, Lil B, or Wiz Khalifa.
Right now you GT Mayne, and a artist name Quinn has a song called “You So Independent”. What is that song about and how did that collab come together?
Ummmm, me and Quinn were supposed to do another song with GT Mayne, but our schedules weren’t connecting, so one day he was finally able to come thru the studio but I was running late, so Quinn already had the first half of the hook and when I walked in they asked me to deliver the second half. The song is basically about all the women out there that take care of themselves and handle their business on a daily bases. Raise your glass, SWAG [Laugh].
Now being that you are from Cali and you are doing your thing in Houston; how are the cultures different as it relates to music?
Ummm, Houston is a lil bit more relaxed I would say “slow” but that’s cliché, and im not talking about syrup [Laugh]. In California, Los Angeles is the main place as far as the music central, because a lot of the big deals go down in California.
Do you feel that you have a combined style or are you leaning towards one more than the other?
Ummm you know what I actually do have a combined style. I mix based music with club and hip hop, that pretty much is my style. When people hear my delivery they would probably tell you that I have some skills. I make music for ladies to twerk to, and I make music for everybody to get “elevated”, laugh, and cook to. SWAG!
Ok I want to let you pick between a pair of celebrity women and you tell me which one you would be seen with if paparazzi spotted you.
Kim Kardashian or Beyonce – Kim Kardashian, and because I don’t want those 99 problems.
Taylor Swift or Katy Perry – This is a tough one but Katy Perry because she has a more wild side.
Kelly Rowland or Gabrielle Union – Kelly Rowland motivates me with her legs and besides Gabrielle Union is already taken.
LaLa Anthony or Meagan Good – Um I would’ve taken Meagan Good when cousin Skeeter was on braces and all [Laugh].
Tiffany Evans or KeKe Palmer – Tiffany Evans has a promise ring so I pick Keke Palmer. I could teach her the birds and the bees [Laugh].
Michelle Obama or Oprah – OPRRRAAAAHHHHH (in my Dave Chapelle voice) –[Laugh] . Stedman (pauses) I’m gonna take your b!%c# [Laugh].
Rihanna or Elle Varner – I’ll have to say Elle Varner because I would get unlimited refills, plus my brother wants Rihanna.
Shakira or Selma Hyek – Shakira got the hip moves but Selma is badder, so Selma.
Now recently Frank Ocean came out about his sexuality and gained a lot of support as well as lost some support. How do you feel about that?
I feel like more power to him, for opening up. The more honest you are with yourself, the easier it is it work with the world.
What is it that you want your fans to get from your music? Is there a “feel good” message that people can expect?
Um, listening to my music you should take from it that it is ok to have fun, but at the same time; hard work, dedication, and persistence will reap your own rewards. If you work hard, be smart and do good business. You can do any thing you want in the world. I just want have fun.
Are there any projects that we can be looking forward to?
Fresh Prince in 3rd Ward will be out any day now, look out for me and Quinn Players Club 2, I have a special feature on Club God 2 by BeatKing, so look out for that. 2Kush12 with Beezy should be out by thanksgiving.
Before we wrap this up go ahead and let everyone know how he or she can connect with you.
Follow me on twitter @RaiP, we have a clothing site www.tosslife.com so you can catch new updates and clothes there. Currently www.5starprotainment.com is under construction. For booking and shows hit up @FindingFemo or hit www.LiveAndDirectEnt.com
Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. We wish you the best on your career and we hope to have you back again soon! SWAG!!!!!
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