RESPECT. Interview: Runway Richy Talks New Project, Working With Gucci Mane & Trae The Truth

Photo credit: Big Hussle Media

Runway Richy is an upcoming artist breaking new ground as he gives us his life stories straight out of Atlanta, GA, the go-to place in Hip-Hop right now. More than ever, the sound out of ATL is taking over, from the producers to the rappers — everything coming from there seems to catch fire, and this Decatur emcee is no different.

Runway Richy has already worked alongside some of Atlanta’s hottest producers, from Metro Boomin to Zaytoven to Southside, all having helped this rising artist push forward via his breakout release China Cafeteria. Soon after completing said breakout project, Runway was involved in an almost fatal accident that forced him to learn how to walk again, making his journey even harder to overcome.

As of today, the artist his back on his feet, and he’s back with a new full release China Cafeteria 2.5, containing 18 tracks that tell us about his struggle to get back to 100 percent. The release features appearances from Gucci Mane and Trae The Truth, and is hosted by comedian DC Young Fly. As expected, the top-tier production allows Runway Richy to display his skills in full form.

RESPECT.: What’s Up Runway Richy, how is your day so far?
It’s great to be speaking with you, feeling good man! [The] new project’s out and the reception’s been crazy.

RESPECT.: Congratulations on the new project. For you, what was it like working on China Cafeteria Vol 2.5? Was there any pressure trying to compete with the first China Cafeteria?
Only competition with this project was the competition with myself. The inspiration for all these records came from all the ups and downs I went through from the accident. This project was actually easier to make. I was so determined to walk again and continue my career. It’s like the songs just flowed out.

RESPECT.: In your own words, can you fill us in on the major steps you took to show your growth on this project compared to the last?
I honestly didn’t do that much different, besides physical therapy and taking my daughter to daycare in between studio sessions. [With] this project, I think I sonically found my sound.

RESPECT.: If you had to pick your favorite or most meaningful track, what would it be?
“Made It Happen.” It’s the soundtrack for all I been through after the accident to get where I am now talking to you.

RESPECT.: You have features from legendary artists such as Gucci Mane and Trae Tha Truth while DC Young Fly hosts the project. How did you manage to collaborate with such prolific talent and get them to be part of your music videos?
[The] Gucci Mane relationship came from one of my people knowing Gucci and letting him hear “Switching Sides.” Two hours later he’s on the record. Couple weeks after that we were on set for the video. That record was actually suppose to be on [the first] China Cafeteria but didn’t make the cut. Trae, I’ve known for years. We met on the set of a B.o.B video. I swear, [a] couple days later he jumped on one of my records called “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed” on my first solo project Uh Oh. [With] “Made It Happen,” I just sent him the record, he knocked it out ASAP. He actually set the whole video up [laughs]. DC, man [he’s] been my dog since day one. I was performing years ago at the annual Street Exec Christmas show and DC was the host. Next thing I know he was rocking with me on the stage while I was performing.

RESPECT.: How did you pick the producers and type of production on the project?
Everybody I work with is family. Big C is the only one I never worked with before and we came up with a monster for radio. FKi, BeatMonsters, Lyfe and Evil G, I’ve worked with countless times. The sound I was going for was a balance between old UGK and modern ATL.

RESPECT.: So what can we look forward to see from you in the upcoming months and beyond?
[My] clothing line Fly Goon, more music, movies and world domination…

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