Rap, hip hop, go getter Chad Rico, has got a recently released EP titled "Myth", that has some buzz going around about it. Whilst that may be the case for the EP, Chad Rico himself, goes into further details about just how he got involved with music, the EP, and just so much more content in-store there is a lot of talking to disclose!
1. When and why did you start playing?
I start playing the alto saxophone when I was 11 years old. I was in the 7th grade.
2. Which instruments do you play?
I played baritone and soprano saxophone as well. I taught my brother how to play the guitar when I got him started on it.
3. What was the first tune(s) you learned?
The first song I learned was Mary had a little lamb. I literally practiced at home for hours learning that song. I have always had a competitive spirit, so I was fortunate that one of my friends shared the same energy. So our competition within class pushed me to get good at it. I would say I was better but I’m sure he would say the same but I’m okay with that.
4. Is your family musical?/5. Describe your family member's musical interests and abilities.
My family is musical, my brother records music and spent some time learning the guitar. My first cousin, who is more like my sister, played the flute, clarinet and played the piano She also sings very well. We grew up in a household where music was always played and the type of music spanned many genres.
6. Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
When I was young MC hammer was I believe my first favorite rapper. I was very young. I use to think his name was “EC Hammer” let my parents tell it. I then liked Snoop and Ice Cube and to be honest it wasn’t just about their lyrics to me, I liked how their voices sounded. I got older and then I would like Nas and Cameron as far as hip-hop. I like Nas for his story telling and I like Cameron for his style.
7. Which famous musicians have you learned from?
I think I learned a lot from Jay-z and even Dr. Dre. I came in this game with a business first mindset. Although I thoroughly enjoy making music from the outside I have seen consequences for knowing your business and not knowing your business within this game. So even like Diddy and Rick Ross watching people find different ways to generate income outside of music but still allowing music to be priority.
8. Did you have any type of teachers, to teach you how to play and or sing that music style that you do, or did you self teach yourself?
Honestly I can say I developed my sounds on my own. I did have teacher for the saxophone I got lessons from and that was the same place that Green Day’s drummer got lessons from. I have taken one singing class in my life thus far and that was with Raz Kennedy. I like to think I made the best of those experiences. If anyone outside of the music I listened to it was my friends who would freestyle with me and compete that kept me on my toes and made me strive to develop a style I was confidence in.
9. Can you describe your first instrument or other instruments you may have picked up learning over the years?
The first instrument was the alto saxophone, after that I played baritone and soprano as well. I taught my brother how to play the guitar well I go him started on it.
10. What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?
The P Funk album, my dad played that album on all family road trips. Whitney Houston “I’m Your Baby Tonight” I remember being young in LA and my mom would play that song a lot. Also the “Pina Colada” song, she would play a lot too and “Benny and the Jets.” Half of my family is from the Caribbean so hearing Bob Marley. Also the old school like WAR “Don’t Let Nobody Get You Down.” I had so many wonderful memories. I remember wanting a “Around The Way Girl” because LL Cool J said it, but not understanding what it meant.
11. Were you influenced by old records & tapes?, CDs, etc. Which ones?
When I got my first car it only had a cassette player and my friend had Nas “Illmatic,” it was the only cassette I could play and I loved it. I currently have a record player full of oldies and new songs. I listen to a lot of music. I have always listened to music more then I watched TV. Like I just love listen to music
12. When it comes to the actual genres, hip hop, rap, etc. do you need to know how to rhythm your words and lyrics for it to work, or do you just come up with the words and let it piece itself together?
I can do both from very structured songs to free form songs. I still feel the same as I did when I was young. I can make a song to any beat and any genre. My experiences with different cultures and backgrounds has afforded me to ability to chime in on different experiences.
13. Give the in-depth details behind your EP "Myth", is this your debut release?
“The Myth” is seven tracks full of different experiences within my life. The first song “Jet” is talking about me traveling the world with my friends leading you into second song “Night in Barcelona.” I spent a summer in Barcelona so in that song I talk about what an experience would be like traveling to Barcelona with me. Then onto “Big Numbers” which details how I have operated from buying properties to diversifying my portfolio all while enjoying time with friends and family. Then its “New Level” which attests to the continual progress in my life including the good and bad that comes with it. Then goes on to “Options” which I feel like comes as you progress. The next song is “Click Click” detailing the drama that you might incur after all these options. Then I finished with “Workin” which is what you got to get back to in order to keep your progress in tact.
14. Why go with that title "Myth"?
I’m an African American male who is a math professor. Got in UC Berkeley at the age of 16 with a full academic scholarship. I received a bachelors and masters in Math. Went on to be a college professor in math and managed to travel 35 countries. Remaining myself and functioning with people of all different backgrounds. A lot of time people find it hard to believe all I have done. They have looked at my story as a myth, and in this EP I embraced that.
15. How does the EP's artwork style look like for "Myth"?
It includes my artist logo along with the “Myth” in Roman like lettering along with the smoky background to give you the mystical feel.
16. You a part of social media like many others, what would find upon yours and why would we connect with you?
You would think it’s a travel page. You would get to see scenes from me all over world and I interact with people on my social media. I can give you travel tips. I’m also very fashionable. I have my own clothing brand Gold and Gems and I don’t mind giving tips on what other brands are hot and you can see that all on my page and of course the new music updates are well as some motivational quotes. So I feel like looking at my page is very much an experience
17. What does the remaining 2018 year have planned from Chad Rico?
We have the video for “New Level” and “Workin” dropping soon. We also have a first film which I’m executive producing, “Partybus,” coming out soon. You should see the clothing brand available in stores across America and also available online right now at goldandgemsstore.com we also have the artist Kam Krzy releasing his project “Krzy’s Modern Life” under my Gold and Gems Records imprint. So expect to see a lot more of. I like to base my content on real life so with more trips expect more content and thank you for your time
18. Would you like to add on anything else?
I would also say look for CRC’s “Summer in the Winter” project which is available on SoundCloud now. This is my brother and some of his good friends who form this collective with some good music. Thank you for the opportunity.
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