You can’t pigeonhole Premo Rice. The rapper from PG County, Maryland creates the perfect blend of funk and Hip Hop, making his music an easy listen for any occasion calling for good vibes. Projects like Mac Sagas and Gorilla Pimpin set the standard for what Mr. Rice has to offer music, and he’s just getting started.
If his name rings a bell, it is likely that you’ve come across one of his hilarious comedy clips on Twitter or Vine but, don’t get it twisted. Premo holds his own behind a mic and you’re more likely to see him rock a show than “doing it for the gram”, setting him a part from many rappers emerging from the digital era.
With samples from some of your parent’s favorite soul singers, Premo does nostalgia right. 1970s Blaxploitation and the attitudes of that time are all present in Premo’s music and brand, creating a wave in the digital scene that hasn’t been tapped.
“Geechi Dapper Don Dada,” “Vice Mackin,” “Gorilla Pimpin,” and “I Can’t Chill,” are some of the unique identifiers for songs the rapper says reflects “times and not the moment.” Check out what Premo Rice had to say about his journey through music so far and what’s in store in the future.
How did you get started?
I started out just making beats for a few local and internet cats, but I wasn’t really feeling the way they would flow on my stuff so I took matters into my own hands.
When did you realize it was more than just a hobby or a passion?
Music has always been my passion, I’m a student of it. Played a few instruments growing up so I always had a gut feeling I would end up continuing it as a career.
How do you describe your sound / what you do to people you haven’t heard before?
Feel good, pep in your step music. I make music for the times not the moment. The pimps ‘n playas. It’s a certain talk, lingo not all will understand, but that’s the beauty in my music. It’s that “ism” the game needs in a time where simps rule.
Who are your influences? What is some advice that has stuck with you?
My grandma once told me, “Be the best at whatever.. even if you grow up to be a bum, be THAT bum.” That right there really got me into the mindset of just being THAT guy because I didn’t know where my life was going to take me growing up but I knew I would be THAT guy in something. My mom of course she’s my #1. Musically Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield and my high school music teacher too, if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have this ear for music or be able to create like I do. He’s truly the reason for Rice season.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
I just want folks to soak game.. Right now it’s a female being played miserably or vice versa cause she/he lacks game. I’m here to provide that.
How long have you been doing what you do?
I been into music since a pup, from playing the drums for my church to being one of the top trumpet players in the state in high school. Rapping didn’t come along til about two years ago. My voice is an instrument as well so I just taught myself how to use it and got busy on ’em.
Is there an early memory you’d like to share about getting into your craft?
Hawaii 2011 – 2013. Those two years taught me everything I need to know about this some aspects of life. I would see the plays being made on the Waikiki strip on a nightly basis. That’s why I use terms like “fly hunny” so much cause these were the ladies that held it down for a me out there. But living there and just experiencing a whole new life surely was the icing on the cake for my craft.
How has social media influenced your music and reach?
It hasn’t really influenced my music more so helped. Folks see that this ain’t your usual trap music on this side so they dig me. It’s definitely been my biggest outlet though, no question.
