Today, we have the privilege of delving deeper into the world of Rizzy Rackz, the rising star from Richmond, Virginia. We’ll explore the inspirations and the creative process behind his latest releases, “Loving Me Baby,” and Risky Business. From his experiences navigating the streets to his unwavering commitment to authenticity in his music, there’s much to uncover in our conversation with Rizzy Rackz. Join us as we dive into the mind of this talented artist!
Q: Risky Business, is your debut album, and you’ve described it as the soundtrack to the movie of your life. What inspired the title and concept of the album, and how does it reflect your personal journey as an artist?
A: You have to take risks to seek reward. I learned first hand even before music that the bigger the risk the bigger the reward but you got to make it through to receive the reward. Every business I can think of is risky in the beginning. Until you actually find success in it you’re most likely operating in risk. Risk can be calculated though and more knowledge equals less risk. The streets, my culture are accustomed to risk. Yeah, you can lose your money, but you can also lose your life or freedom. Your loved ones. This music business is one of ultimate risk too with potentially very high rewards. You can try to figure it out in your head all you want but until you act on your thoughts and take risks you will never know what it could be or who you could become. The music business costs a lot of money from the beginning without any promises or guarantees. As an artist, you risk your money, your pride, self esteem, and as you gain fame you risk your well-being in public. Especially in hip-hop/rap.
Q: “Loving Me Baby” has been described as a track that encapsulates your personality and demeanor. What was the creative process like for this song?
A: One of my secrets is I’m a big fan of ’70s soul music, lol. So the beat instantly grabbed me cause it felt soulful and super appealing. I could just zone out to the vibe of the beat. I played it one time then started it over and the intro & chorus came straight out. I almost didn’t record it because I thought it might be too easy and elementary, but it was so on point and smooth that I had to record it. They say those are the best songs anyway. When it comes easy without any forcing almost like a conversation. A lot of hits have been made this way. After I had the chorus I knew where I had to go with the verse. Which came almost as easy as the chorus and ended up coming off like a story. A hood love story. I really amazed myself with this song. It probably came out so good because it’s so real and true to my life, my reality. Like almost every word. I just reached into my memories and experiences for the lyrics.
Q: Growing up in Richmond, VA, a city with challenges, how has your environment influenced your music and the messages you aim to convey through your sound?
A: Richmond is gritty. Richmond is grimy. The streets and these projects have been a part of my family since the 60s. My granddaddy was a legend out here. He ran 2nd Street in the old days. My aunts & uncles were entrenched in it. My mom was too to a certain degree in her younger years. So what was instilled in me was learning from all of their shortcomings and mistakes. I was bred to be aware and cautious. First from my elders then from my own experiences starting as a teenager. You gotta be alert, and head on a swivel cause somebody is trying to get you even if you don’t know it yet. Could be an unknown enemy, a friend, or the police. I learned to stay out of the way and keep a low profile. This became one of my biggest challenges in music because that way of thinking is totally the opposite of a rapper lol. I realized I needed to save as much money as possible by basically only buying my needs and starving my wants because if you don’t you will most likely wish you had one day. I viewed the money as my tool to make it out. So in my music, I aim to share my experiences and spread the “street-conscious” mindset. Let folks know you don’t have to blow your money on bullshit to impress others and you shouldn’t. Tell them to save money and invest it in their goals. Let them know awareness is key to survival in whatever you do.
Q: After a life-changing event involving your daughter, you became more focused on your music career. How did this experience impact your artistic direction?
A: The incident with my daughter made me feel like I gotta make this work. Partly because I was in the studio recording when it happened and I wasn’t there with her or she wasn’t with me somewhere safe. So it was like now I gotta make this count. I couldn’t let myself be in the studio while my daughter was getting shot for nothing. I gotta make it mean more. And at the time I didn’t know any other way to get us out of the environment of Richmond. So I gotta go harder and develop my sound to appeal making the music translate and actually generate fans. I always had good lyrics or could put a good story together, but now I needed to actually make it appealing and marketable.
Q: Do you have a motto that you live by?
A: I gotta few mottos. “Every action doesn’t deserve a reaction”. My grandma drilled that in me. She was a real one too. “Save your money it can save you one day”. “More knowledge equals less risk”. “Passion+purpose+action=prosperity” “Take advantage of your runs” “Showing love gets you killed they say.. and Rizzy showed it anyway”.
Q: How do songs come to you? Do you need to hear the beat or are you always brainstorming lyrics?
A: I do brainstorm random lyrics at random times. But I definitely need to hear the beat when creating whether it’s just in my head or out loud. The beat usually tells me everything. How to approach it, how to deliver, different patterns, my tone, what to talk about, and how to structure the song. Sometimes words will come first and I make them fit the scheme. Other times a melody or cadence comes first and I find the words to make it work. Some songs I can create quickly and some might take longer. Some songs I made were based on whatever the producer named the beat. I love it when the lyrics just come out without too much thinking though. That feels spiritual. A lot of times I actually ask god to aid me in my creations.
Q: What message or emotion do you hope listeners take away from Risky Business and “Loving Me Baby”?
A: I want people to know that nothing worth having comes without hardship. At some point, you’re going to have to take some risks to reach your goals. Stay alert, take advantage of your runs, save your money, and invest the success. You gotta be aware out here. Be you be authentic be creative. Spread some love out here in this cold world. Showing love doesn’t mean you’re “soft” or “weak”. It’s actually a sign of strength when people know you stand on business and mean what you say but still show love and have a heart. Lets succeed. Let’s live. We can make it if we really try and apply.
As our conversation with Rizzy Rackz comes to a close, one thing becomes abundantly clear: his music is more than just beats and rhymes—it’s a testament to the human spirit. With each lyric and melody, he invites listeners into his world, a world defined by struggle, triumph, and an unyielding passion for expression.
