Interview with @Rico.TheRula
1. What city are you from/ Where are you based now? Im from New York city. Born and raised. And im currently based here as well 2. What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?
My real name is Jose but i go by Rico or (Rico Tha Rula). The name Rico is actually one of the nick names my friends called me growing up and i just stuck with it. 3. At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
Ive been around music my entire life. But i didn’t start taking it seriously until after college when i had my daughter. She gave me that extra drive i was missing to actually take it to another level. At that point in my life i also started my clothing line which is called Rebelz co. 4. Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
Yes my upbringing has definitely shaped who i am today in a major way. Growing up in New York can be a blessing and a curse, and with that being said everything i saw and grew up around are things I put into my music and clothing line. I love to tell stories through my art weather thats my music or clothing line. 5. How would you describe your style to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My clothing is mainly street wear geared towards comfort. My clothing line is a street wear brand called Rebelz. I have always thought outside the box/status quo so I made a brand geared to other individuals like myself. 6. What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to your career?
Everything especially on social media fits into a single, boring box. I didn’t like a lot of the clothes being sold/worn because everyone looks the same. That inspired me to make my own. I’ve always been an entrepreneur going off of my own rules, so my clothing line represents exactly that. 7. What’s one reason you are passionate about what inspires you?
I am inspired by the things that are around me. I am a true product of my environment of which is why I chose to highlight creativity and individuality. Don’t believe in living a cookie cutter life and following trends, so I make my own rules to this whole “life thing. 8. Do you have any hobbies outside of your focus? What do you do to stay creative?
Basketball has always been apart of my life. I still stay active and use it as a way of cardio and just play it for my love of the game. I am creating a youth program for kids to play this summer. Drawing is another passion of mine. I draw to stay creative and refocus. It is honestly therapeutic. And traveling is one of my favorite hobbies, but the pandemic clearly put a hold on that lol. 9. Who are some of your main musical influences? Biggie, JayZ, 2pac, 10. What are some of your career goals for the future?
I want see everyone who takes pride being an individual, entrepreneur, or just a free spirit in my clothing. It’s important to wear pieces that speak true to who you really are. 11. Tell us about the project that you are promoting. What is it about? Also, what is the name of the last project you released?
Rebelz has dropped a new ‘SHADOW BANNED’ hoodie. Like I said I am a product of my environment. Everyone is getting shadow banned left and right from social media platforms and it is trying mute our voices. I dropped this hoodie to encourage people to push through and still deliver their message. People need to hear what you have to say. We see that especially from influencers like myself getting suspended on Clubhouse AND shadow banned on Instagram. 12. What has the response been like to that project?
People love the movement and are coming together to continue to build our community. We together shed light on those voices that are trying to be muted. Shadow banned or not, our message will be heard. 14. What’s next for you?
I have new merch dropping every other week so look out for that. The clothing line is rolling really fast, so that’s lit. And also March 26, I’ll be doing the first Clubhouse showcase event in Atlanta where influencers, artists, and business owners will be able to network in person and highlight their businesses. 15. What message do you hope fans take away from you?
Do what you want. You make your make your own rules to this life shit. Just stay thorough and valid in the process. Be yourself. Be genuine. And have fun. 16. Where can we follow you on social media? On instagram @Rico.Tharula
instagram.com/Rico.ThaRula
17. Any links?
Clothing line website www.rebelzco.life