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RUKUS - DA WyldKindom
Would you like to introduce yourself?
I’m Rukus from Da Wyldkings, www.kingslounge.net, Producer/Artist & Indie label entrepreneur. I would like to be known as a master student of the art of Hip hop; who through constant changes in the sound of music, stuck to his guns as an innovator of sound as opposed to a follower or copycat who tried to make what everybody else did to succeed.
When did you fall in love with music?
I fell in love with music at 3 years old believe it or not. I still remember the songs I fell in love with that made me choose music as my field. I started making beats, and rhyming in the 7th grade, and had my first indie deal in the 10th grade. From there I worked with The Dust Brothers, Nathan Watts "Stevie Wonders" bass player, The Baka Boys, Coolio, Omarion, (who I named Omarion) he used to be a WyldKing himself. Actor Terrence Howard also used to be a Wyldking, he bought my first pieces of professional music gear. Terrence is one of my oldest, and most appreciated best friends from back in the day he’s the one singing the hook of my first single "Majestik" a song we put together in 1997 under our production company McMasters Inc. I have also worked with several major, and indie labels prior to starting the N-OVATIVE MEDIA GROUP record label, and production company.
Do you think it's just as important as an artist to write as well as perform?
I do believe that an artist who does not produce his or hers own material should play a massive role in the image that they elect to put forth to the people so that they may have an outlet to gain financially beyond doing shows. It is important for every artist to write, and try to produce as much as possible.
Who are your musical influences? Would you limit it to one genre?
My musical influences are broad. With regards to Hip hop I would have to stick with the legends, RUN DMC, KRS-ONE, NAS, RAKIM, ICE CUBE, DR. DRE, TUPAC, NOTORIOUS BIG & SNOOPY "D-O Double Gizzle". As typical as that may seem, you have to admit that these cats have it down to a science. I also love EMINEM'S brilliance, and style, as well as a whole host of indie artists that are too broad to name with one answer. I would have to say the same when it comes to R&B, and ROCK. There’s so many that I love I could never name them all.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I tend to be inspired by older ROCK material mostly. "The Doors," Velvet Underground" as well as groups like "LED ZEPPELIN," and even "BLACK SABBATH" because I’m more into the oddities that can be created musically as opposed to doing it the way most would expect.
How would you describe your sound?
I would describe my sound as "Conceptual Grooves To Get You In The Mood". I’m trying to touch you more than I’m trying to entertain you. I feel like I can do a magic trick to entertain you, but I'd rather touch you with my art and actions.
How has your life experiences contributed to the content of your music?
My life is my music. More than anything I try to give you my life 100%. I feel like I was born to live this life of mostly turmoil just to be able to speak on it to others and give them either a debate or a solution. Sometimes I ask the most high why? At other times I appreciate it. My life can be a rollercoaster ride beyond belief which is why I think I’m able to tell good stories because they are true. I don’t front or BS. I just pray that the legend I am about to create doesn't leave me with a biography that ends with death by the hands of another, or negligence towards myself when it comes to my own health and lifestyle.
What image/message do you want to convey to your audience through your music?
I want people to know that pain is gain, and that mistakes are growth if you grasp hold, and understand yourself internally and at some point that the victory is courage, wisdom, and unselfishness. I want people to know that life is a journey to slow down, and not to speed up. Don’t think that peace, and calm is boredom, or that you may need more excitement in your life to feel whole. Also, not to be deceived by the actions of others, and their so called happiness. Most happy people are very unhappy. The life you live is your story. The very minute you begin to copy somebody else’s tale, you’re no longer alive, so be yourself, respectfully and courageously. You can only give a person the same love that you feel for yourself, but be humble with it or you won’t get the love back.
What do you think you'd be doing if you weren’t an artist?
As a child I also belonged to an inventors club. I still invent things till this day, and I expect to continue. Most of it is for the benefit of mankind, I’m still very creative towards things that bless the needs of humanity.
Why do you think other artists decide to take the independent route?
Simply put? "CREATIVE CONTROL," "OWNERSHIP OF THEIR MASTERS," and the difference between dollars, and cents. $8.40 per album TRUMPS $0.15 "Fifteen cents" any day.
What makes you / your music so 'unique' in an industry that is already saturated?
Because I stay ahead of my time regardless of the saturation. I make what I think is weird because it makes me feel good to feel different. I despise anything that has to do with a so called “in” crowd. I'm Andy Warhol in black skin. I don’t give a fuck what anybody likes. This is the kingdoms sound.
What is the most important advice someone gave you about the music game?
I have had much advice; much of it is opinion -VS- opposed to facts. Through experience the best advice I would give someone is to remain different. Listen, but don’t copy. Instead, go over their heads purposely, and save the money to get a respected entertainment attorney as opposed to management to shop your material to labels. Remember to never take the first offers from a label no matter how the pressure is on to sign, and try to be as independent as possible when
it comes to your musical selections, production, writing, merchandising and associates.
What are your plans for the future?
To be bigger than Dr Dre as a producer/label owner, raise a spiritual family with a queen, and travel the world more than once.
What other directions are you keen to explore?
Several YOGA SUTRA'S, mind, and body harmony techniques, visit beautiful, and peaceful places where I can stand outside, and let my soul absorb them, and harmony with a best friend that I want to walk with until I leave this planet earth physically.
For more on Rukus visit www.kingslounge.net
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