You moved from being the most sought after producer to being a rapper. Why the change within the industry?

I’ve always been an artist. It’s nothing new. It’s all the same to me whether I’m producing and when I’m an artist. Essentially it’s all up to the people and it’s all dependent. I just do what I do whether I’m rapping or producing.

 

Are you still producing or are you focusing strictly on being a rapper?

I’m still producing. I produce music for other artists including myself and I still make music.

 

How has your experience been thus far in the Eastern Cape?

It’s always crazy and I always have fun. The Eastern Cape and its people are unlike any other place I’ve been to.

 

Your album is coming, are you excited for the release?

The album is dope! Anyone who has followed me from 4 years back will know my journey. My album tells my personal story. Some of the sounds are even 4 years old. It’s important that for people to know what I’m all about and they’ll do that by listening to my album.

 

We’re still on your album, what should listeners expect on the much anticipated album?

Listeners should expect me. Who they’ve seen and heard. Like I said it’s a personal album that highlights my journey.

 

The competition in the South African rap game is tough; there are various rappers in the industry that have remained relevant. How do you plan on remaining relevant and sustaining your popularity?

I’ve only been here, as a rapper, for a year. I plan on working and doing what I do. I plan on staying true to my identity and my style. I don’t try to fit in and I advise anyone not to even try to fit in or they’ll fall out.

 

What made you choose music instead of any other industry?

We are all musically conscious. Everyone makes up melodies and sings. It is something people do all the time. People are always performing in one way or another. I got lucky. When the opportunity allows for you to be great, you seize the moment. Only a few get lucky and at times its not even based on talent.

 

Haters are common within the industry, how do you deal with such individuals?

What I’m learning now is just to be a nice guy. I try to be as nice as possible. You get people that try to get a reaction from you and others are chilled. I’m not used to having haters. I’ve realized that people care about you. The bigger you are the more you care and that affects your learning and how to respond. I’ve never dealt with negativity and I don’t know how to deal with such.

 

The Eastern Cape is one of the few chosen locations to perform. Will Riky Rick be coming to Port Elizabeth?

I want to do an album launch in Port Elizabeth. As soon as the album drops in April I’ll be sure to sort out the logistics of the album launch.

 

Any last words for your fan base in Port Elizabeth?

Everyone and anyone is capable of achieving what they want to. It is all about working hard and being conscious of your work. Have no doubts and position yourself as to where you want to be and where you’re headed when you get there.