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Ransom Rellic from Washington D.C is not only a rapper but now a radio DJ with his own online radio show. We like Ransom Rellic so we sent Tricksta to do this interview...
When did you start making music and realise that you wanted to be a rapper?
My first time ever recording was when I was about 15. For the most part I was battling. My 11th and 12th grade years no one and I mean NO ONE could touch me in battling. I held the title in school. I didn't get serious about it til I was 18 though.
Was there a person or record that inspired you to pick up the pen and start writing songs and hit the studio?
Tupac was my inspiration. It was something about the way he could with one song touch people from church to the streets. Songs like "Brenda's Gotta Baby," "Keep Ya Head Up," and "Dear Mama" showed his human side. You don't hear anyone making songs like that anymore. Everyone is so focused on being a gangsta and most of them are faking.
So how did you get your name? What’s the story behind it?
I wanted something that would stand out and at the same time mean something. When the movie Ransom first came out in '96 that title would not leave my mind. I was already going by Rellic. A relic is something that has survived from the past. My name is Tyrell. So Rellic derived from my name and the past I have survived. Then I decided to pick up Ransom. I'm taking the industry hostage (not literally of course) if you want it back, pay the Ransom!
Where exactly are you from and what’s the Hip-Hop scene like there?
I'm from Washington D.C. There are a handful of artists doing something worth mentioning. Just a handful.
What projects have you released so far and what feedback from the media have you had?
I have released three projects so far. The first one was called "Lights, Camera, Ransom." The second one was a collaboration album with my brother HoodFella and it was called "HoodRellic." The third one which is the one I'm presently pushing is called "Shock Treatment...The 4228 Wisconsin Ave Story." The reaction from the first album was tremendous and the reactions got better with each album.
Let’s talk about your latest project. Where can people get it, who features on it and who dealt with the production?
My lastest project, "Shock Treatment....The 4228 Wisconsin Ave Story" is a very personal album. Every song is emotionally driven. The album is so personal that I decided not to sell it. I didn't want to put a price tag on it, nor did I want to have to come up with some type of marketing strategy. This album is full of my emotions and my emotions aren't for sale. This album also represents what I miss in Hip-Hop. There are no commercial songs on it. Its all substance. I remember a time where you could sell an album because your single had substance. I have one song called "Guilty Pleasure" which features r&b singers Reasons and Harmoneez. Other than that no one is featured on it. I couldn't have any other rappers rapping about their lives when this album was about mine. Its extremely personal. Even down to the title. Google that address. The album features production from A.J. Throwback, Chaos, Knoxx Beats, Ben Rome, and Hanabal.
How are you getting your project out there? Do you have a distributor involved?
I sent this album to all of my friends on Facebook, and gave copies to the people around me...oh and of course I had to send it to Tricksta! I am more than happy to send a copy to anyone who wants one.
Is there a shop or website stocking and supporting your music?
If I remember correctly I think "HoodRellic" is available on DatPiff.com I could be wrong though. I don't really follow Hip-Hop sites....just a couple (like Rago Magazine!!!)
Getting radio play is real gripe for a lot of Hip-Hop artists, but have you had any radio play? If so what DJ’s and stations are supporting you?
We have no support from D.C. radio stations. I just recently got my own online radio show so I will play my music along with any other up and coming artist with hot music. I am featured on a lot of mixtapes but I can't keep up with them. I get a lot of support from Tricksta and D.J. Ophax from France though.
Do you think that radio is still as important as it was in the digital age?
As long as people have cars it will be important. They need something to listen to while driving. As far as being AS important, not as much. The internet has taken over.
Dance/Electro/Club styled Hip-Hop seems to be the only Hip-Hop getting airplay on radio and TV. Do you think that to survive you have to change your music to fit in or do you think its more a case of moving with the times?
Its not as much a matter of changing your music as it is re-inventing yourself. A lyricst can still be a lyrcist without going the Dance/Electo/Club style route. You just have to be more creative.
Do you think the internet helps or hinders independent artists?
I think it helps tremendously. The internet has made the world smaller. A few years ago I had no idea who Tricksta or Rago Magazine were. Now, independent artists like myself can be marketed in different countries without even leaving home.
When it comes to making music what would you credit as your main motivation?
Success and failure motivate me with music and everything else in my life.
Let’s talk image and branding for a minute. Some artists spend lots of money on artwork and other acts aren’t that interested. How important is image, artwork and branding to you?
As far as album covers go, I'm not into a whole lot happening on the cover.I want the cover to reflect the title. Sometimes simple is better. As far as my personal image, I like to dress nicely. Collared shirts with cuff links. Occassionaly a suit. I like to look like I'm headed somewhere. I don't dress for guys to look at me. I dress for the woman's eye.
I think that any artist coming into the game these days needs a music video. I mean You Tube is one the most visited website in the world and its still a great way of promoting a track. Have you got any videos on there and have any of them actually got played on any TV Stations?
I am currently working on two videos.
What was the last album you brought and where do you buy your music? Is there a good record shop in your area or do you buy on-line?
The last album I bought was R.Kelly. I listen to r&b more than I listen to rap. I go to Target to get my music unless I can't find it online.
Interview by Tricksta
www.myspace.com/trickstawolftown
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