Upon asking to define his inspiration, Ragz simply said, “I think as a genre, hip-hop lacks innovation so I tend to listen to more singers than rappers.” But carve away a troubled upbringing that most kids don’t escape and you’re left with a guy that just wants the freedom to create and explore his space. We talked to the eccentric artist about “Anime Black,“ his love for Eva Mendes, and using music as an outlet to express his feelings.

RESPECT.: When did you figure out that Music—with a big “M”—was your chosen path?

Originale: When I was 16 I lost a close friend to the streets, in that same year I nearly lost my own life. After that, I took an oath to make the most of my time here. I’m forever grateful. Music is a form of expression for me, even better, a venting process. I believe everyone in life needs a passion. We all need to be a part of something. Whether I make it big or not, I’ll always be doing music because it’s a part of me.

So, what is the story you’re telling in the video for “Anime Black”?

“Anime Black“ is me narrating a conscious suffering from mental slavery, while exposing stereotypes of ownership. I reference some harsh but true points in the second verse that a majority of people have related to.

The video opens showing several portraits of famous British monarchs including Henry VIII. It also captures you in an interesting way. I’m curious why you decided to do that? 

King Henry and Queen Elizabeth rapping, where else you gonna find that? I needed a dark mood for such a topic. We all know Henry was a sinister character in his time. I believe people will indulge the message more coming through vintage paintings. It’s quite controversial indeed but in life you can’t sugar coat, be brash. You’ll get faster results.

Another thing that’s quite unusual about “Anime Black” is your way of expressing yourself visually. I guess that’s cliché to say, but do you purposely strive to be curious? Is that a theme on which you fashion your creativity on?

I suppose I have a curious approach. I’ve found that timeless music starts with depth. I want no less than timeless. My creative process changed over the years, before it was – make a beat and write the raps. Now I can’t write a damn thing unless I have issues to get off my chest. I used to write freestyle’s at ease, but I haven’t been able to do that in a year now.

The idea of changing the appearance of your face—that’s something I was absorbed by.

Lately, I’ve been listening to Blood Orange, Bat For Lashes and James Blake. A crazy mix, I know, but it keeps me innovative. I think as a genre, hip-hop lacks innovation so I tend to listen to more singers than rappers.

How do you write music? Do you work within a word count?

Nope, no word count. I first clear my mind and then start brainstorming a beat. If all goes well I’ll finish the beat and write the song on the same day. If not it’s scrap business. I usually use my iPhone note pad. I haven’t put pen to pad since secondary school. My hand writing’s not the best anyway.

Do you ever feel restricted in the freedom of what you can make?

Not at all, I make what I want. If you don’t like it, probably wasn’t for you.

Are lyrics a platform for personal expression?

Most definitely. I put my all into it.

Are all the experiences you express your own, or do you also draw from other people?

Yeah, most of the time it’s personal. Other than that, I speak on my environment.

Tell me a story.

When I was in year 6, I had an end of year disco.  I was so upset about parting with my friends I couldn’t even celebrate. Luckily, one of the DJ’s there was a good friend of Dizzee Rascal. He played me an early demo of his debut album Boy In The Corner. For four months I was the only kid in town with Dizzee’s album. Ah, what a feeling.

What do you think you’d be doing professionally if you weren’t doing music?

I don’t know… I’d probably be a car salesman or playing Basketball for a British league.

I really like the song “So Beautiful,” can you tell me a little bit about it.

Yeah. I reference a number of unfortunate events in the verses. As cliché as it sounds, it’s about embracing the pain and staying positive for the future.

Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?

Eva Mendes.

If you could re-write a famous rap song, whose would you choose?

Warren G’s  “Regulate.”

So what do you think the future holds for you?

I’m not the most optimistic person in the world. But as long as I’m happy that’s good enough for me. I will say this though, you see how nearly every single is produced by Pharrell Williams? That’s me in a few years. I want to be known as one of the most innovative to ever do it. Yeah, I like the sound of that. Someone has to say that at my eulogy.

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