By: Richie Valentino

New York rapper Richie Valentino returns to the scene with a fire new EP titled Multiple Personality. As he carries that east coast swag like most New York emcee’s do, this release is by far his most impressive body of work to date. He does an excellent job of creating a project that his thriving fanbase can enjoy any day of the week. I had the pleasure of catching up with Richie for a candid interview centered around his new Multiple Personality release. Check it out below.

Richie Valentino Interview

Respect: What city are you from and where are you based now?

Richie: I represent Long Island, New York. I moved out here to attend Stony Brook University and I never left. I felt like I could contribute a lot to the area with my Queens mentality. NYC in general is super competitive. I feel like it made who I am. Super competitive be daring enough to move my own direction and take my own risks.

Respect: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

Richie: I been deejaying since I was 13. I took those talents to college with me then eventually got into club and concert promotion. I was always freestyle rapping as a kid. “Ready To Die” by Biggie is when I can say I really feel in love with rap. But the moment I decided to take music seriously is when Chinx passed. I felt connected to his music, and I took the pain of his loss and took turned into courage.

Respect: Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your
sound today? If so, how?

Richie: Growing up in Queens, New York made me tough. There was no such thing as crying. No such thing as complaining. You dealt with the cards God gave you. You can hear it in my rap voice, its full of determination and power.

Respect: How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with
you?

Richie: I would like to think I’m two artists in one. That’s why I called my first project “Multiple Personality.” I rap and I sing. I’d describe my rap voice as powerful with a lot of vibrato. My singing voice is calm and soulful. If you didn’t know me or you weren’t a fan of me, you would say that I sound like two completely different people. On my track “Blow My High,” for example, I rap the verses and sing the hooks.

Respect: What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?

Richie: Like I mentioned before, I’ve been surrounded by music my whole life. My pops was a DJ. I became a DJ and then a nightclub and concert promoter. I guess you can say it was just a matter of time until I built up the courage to show the world my talent.

Respect: What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

Richie: What I would consider to be good music is hard to find on the radio these days. Often times I find myself listening to old school R&B and Hip Hop. So my goal is to make new- style hip hop infused with real lyrics that make sense with solid metaphors and plenty of soul.

Respect: Who are some of your main musical influences?

Richie: I respect a lot of artists. Kanye, Nas, Jodeci, and Biggie to name a few, but personally I don’t think I sound like anyone. I really tried to build my own sound.

Respect: What are some of your music career goals for the future?

Richie: I would like to win a Grammy and give it to my parents.

Respect: Tell us about the latest project that you’ve released? What is it about?

Richie: My debut album is called “Multiple Personality.” I can best describe it as a collection of
one of voices in my head. It has seven tracks which basically serves as an introduction to my talent.

Respect: What has the response been like to that project?

Richie: The response has been incredible, it has gotten about 30,000 streams in the first month. Over 100 people reposted my album cover on social media. I was actually shocked how many people showed me love on it without me even having to ask.

Respect: What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on
the lookout for?

Richie: Soon as outside opens back up, I plan on throwing a huge album release party. I am
also dropping a Latin project Mid-Summer 2020.

Respect: What message do you hope fans take away from your music?

Richie: I want my fans to know all my music is from the heart and I take it very seriously. I hope
they can feel my love my energy and dedication in every word I say.

Be sure to follow Richie Valentino @kingoflongisland_ to stay up to date on his music journey.

The post New York Rapper Richie Valentino Releases New “Multiple Personality” EP appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.