Ramel Shakur has been keeping himself busy with recent releases like his duo singles “What It Do” & “I.D.T.T.R.”. The multi-talented rapper transpires positivity and hope through his commanding verses and powerful presence in each line of his songs. We’ve had the chance to interview him about his newest releases, career launch and much more!
Was becoming an artist a childhood dream or did the desire appear later in your life?
Becoming an artist was definitely a childhood aspiration. I hear so many new artists say “Oh I just started rapping a year ago” and I CAN’T relate.
I’ve been born into this music thing. I remember being at family reunions and my uncles had a group and would sing, that left a long lasting impression on me.
Tell us more about your new track “I.D.T.T.R”, what does it mean to you?
“I.D.T.T.R” is a what I like to call a “Vibey” record. The High energy of it gives it a bit of an edge but overall it’s a pretty chill. Kinda like the best of both worlds.
We’ve noticed that you enjoy mixing up several moods and styles in your music, how would you define your genre?
Honestly it’s kind of hard to describe my Genre. I believe I’m one of those artists that can get in any lane and “catch a groove”. Kind of like a Hip-Hop Soul if I had to put a name on it. Overall I want my music to reach people in a positive way.
Is there a mentor that helped you develop your music? If yes, what was the main lesson passed on to you that you would like to share with aspiring artists?
Throughout my Years I’ve always had the advice of my OG’s and other Artists before me. Before I got signed I worked with Legendary Producer and Radio Personality ShowDown Beatz. I Learned a lot through that situation. Mainly that you don’t need a HUGE label to have support.
As long as you have a dope product and a solid campaign you can get the ball rolling, but it’s up to you to keep it moving. That definitely helped me mentally once I finally got a deal with my Current label (Multi Mogul Media / OffThaCurb)
What are the first 3 aspects you notice when hearing a new song?
I immediately listen to the beat, it’s super important to have that “BOP”. Next, what type of Melodies are going to be used, and how well does it compliment the Instrumental. Lastly, but most important, CONTENT. What are you trying to convey and is it clever? That’s basically my checklist when going into the lab so It’s always my go to when hearing new music.
What is your favorite song of the moment?
My favorite song right now is “WHAT IT DO” by me. I often sit back and listen to it like “Wow, I’ve definitely evolved over time, in a great way”. That’s the record I always Tell people to listen to first when they tap in with our movement.
What artists have influenced you the most?
Im really inspired by the legends, The Elites. Lil Wayne, Drake, Jay-Z but I also love groups like Goodie Mob and Tribe Called Quest. I’m really big on Subject matter and those guys always took pride in what I feel like. So If you want to be great, you gotta think and move like one.
What’s next for Ramel Shakur this year?
Right now we are dropping singles preparing for an EP before the end of the year, this is going to be an official introduction to the world of what we can do on a full project. My Singles are doing incredible right now, but I feel like a solid body of work is going to solidify my spot in the industry and from there it’s all uphill, Pay attention! NC WE GOT NOW! TRIPLE M!
Ramel Shakur: Instagram – Spotify – YouTube – Twitter – Soundcloud