INTERVIEWS - Raw Resse

 

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Raw Resse - 24's

Raw Resse - Live Performance

 

Raw Resse is representing Rap-A-Lot Records in the East side of the Saint Louis rap game. Raw Resse's fan basis is growing at an amazing rate; it is only a matter of time before he brings Rap-A-Lot back to the spot light in the rap game. Underground Rap Scene caught up with Raw Resse to talk about his rise in the underground rap game:

 

Underground Rap Scene:

First of all I want to thank you for doing the interview and let you know that your track “My City” is one of my favorite tracks from any artist in the rap game.

 

Raw Resse:

I appreciate it fam.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

How did you get started in the rap game, and what inspires you to make music?

 

Raw Resse:

I started in this rap game when I was about 14.  I had always been rapping and creating music, but that when it really started popping off. What inspires me…. My daughter and my momma.  They are the soul purpose for why I am in this game.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

What is it like coming up in East Saint Louis and trying to make it in the Rap game? Could you touch on the advantages and disadvantages of trying to make it in the Saint Louis rap scene, one of the hottest rap scenes in the country?  Also, what’s your favorite part about being from East St. Louis ?

 

Raw Resse:

Like trying to get out of hell.  There are no real advantages, you just get in where you fit in.  You just trudge and plot to get to the top.  Nobody wants to help anyone in this scene, everyone is out for themselves.  We have tried to help others, but they don’t return it the same way.  But I ain’t mad at them because everyone is like that in this market. I am a true representer from the eastside, so I don’t have a favorite part.  I like it all.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Could you explain your journey in the rap game to this point, and how you got involved with Rap-A-Lot Records?

 

Raw Resse:

Rap-A-Lot was a pretty simple situation.  Brian (my producer) had been working with them since the late 1990’s on various things.  He brought my stuff to the table one day and they felt it was worthy.  So they worked out a deal for me.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Could you share some of your experiences working with other artists such as Trillville’s Don P?

 

Raw Resse:

Those artists work very hard to get where they got.  I drives me to be more successful.  It also helps me to see different attitudes and styles in the booth.  I learn from all that and it makes me a stronger soldier in this music shit…

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Did the single you recorded with Don P, 24’s, open any major doors for you in your journey to get major national attention?

 

Raw Resse:

Well it didn’t really open any doors, but it did set the credibility at a higher point. Most these people don’t wanna do business with us because it seemed like we just were talking, but Don jumping on the track gave us the power we needed to prove it wasn’t all talk.  He’s real cool people.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Could you name a DJ or artist who helped you out on your way to the top of the rap game, if any, and explain how they helped you?

 

Raw Resse:

Not really, but the ones that are helping at this point, I appreciate it.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

What are you currently working on, and when you aren’t busy in the studio how are you spending your time?

 

Raw Resse:

ALL I DO IS WRITE AND RECORD.  I actually live in the studio we produce out of.  But sometimes I break and hang out with my daughter.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

I know there are a lot of clubs in East St. Louis and St. Louis ----which one is your favorite spot to perform or just enjoy yourself?

 

Raw Resse:

I like Blackmons Plaza, The Traphouse, Club Casino and Onyx.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Also, how do you feel about Darius Miles, one of the best athletes to ever come out of East Saint Louis , and what he has done to represent your city?

 

Raw Resse:

He’s pretty on point to me…But I don’t feel I can answer that truthfully.  He will represent our city how he feels he needs to, I will do my reppin’ for what I feel.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

When is your next mix tape or album coming out? And up to this point what is your favorite track that you’ve recorded?

 

Raw Resse:

We just released “Street Credit” back in December.  That is my most current mixtape.  The next release should be the album through Rap-A-Lot.  If anybody wants a copy of the mixtape, they can hit me up in a message at: www.myspace.com/rawresse.  As far as the track, they are all good. See for yourself.

 

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Who would you say is your biggest influence?

 

Raw Resse:

Real artists.  Not lying as rappers that talk about shit that don’t matter.  Guys that don’t have no morals.  They just do it for the money…I just do it to help  me, my family, and those around me.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Who are you listening to when you aren’t playing your own tracks?

 

Raw Resse:

Not really, I have no problem with other rappers.  But if you listen too much to others, you start to rap like them and lose your style.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Could you touch on what you’ve learned from going on tour to promote your music and performing with other up and coming as well as established artists?

 

Raw Resse:

There is a lot of good people and bad people in this world.  If they charge you to help you (upfront I’m talking about), then they really ain’t trying to help you.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Finally, no one that hears your music can deny that you have the talent to make it in the rap game.  With regards to making it big on the national level, what do you think is your biggest obstacle right now?

 

Raw Resse:

Getting the St. Louis markets and others to play my music in rotation.  It’s obviously good, but many of them have excuses for not playing it.  But it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day, me and my team will be on top regardless.  Take that to the bank.

 

Underground Rap Scene:

Thank you for your time.

 

Raw Resse:

No problem fam and call your local radio stations and request Raw Resse.  Don’t let them dictate how your music should sound.