Every week, 101D.com will highlight a new artist in the exclusive Diamonds In The Rough Series. This week, we proudly present Ricky J. After gaining notoriety in his native Canada, the MC crossed over from performer to business owner in 2004. But now, he is ready to pick up the mic and cross the border to get some love from the 'States.
Background Check: Music lovers in Canada are already very familiar with Ricky J. In the early 2000's he had a top ten hit on the Canadian Billboard chart with the song "No Means No." In 2004, however, he took a step back to learn the business of the industry. Now the Montreal native says he's ready to reintroduce himself to the world. "I look at this as a reinvention of myself," he explains. According to Ricky J his earlier work involved more of a process of finding himself and he says that "I feel I have now found the real me."
The Goods: An emcee and singer, Ricky J mixes hip-hop, house and R&B to create his own unique sound. "I want to bring what I have felt in the clubs. A great energy, a good feeling, basically some really great club music that makes you want to forget your troubles and get up and dance." His latest single, "Whatta Night," which is off of his upcoming album, Paint The Town, has been doing just that.
Crossing The Border: Ricky J used to throw a lot of parties for high rollers, which is why he can relate stories about being in New York City "sitting next to an idol like Jay-Z and his beautiful lady Beyonce, and having Alicia Keys stop and say what's up." He knows if he wants that level of fame for himself, though, he's going to have to crossover into the American music scene. "I love Canada, but for the type of music I do, we do not have the same outlets at the States or overseas. Getting on the charts in my backyard is very important, and a personal thing, to me, but to really show people I'm coming for real, I feel I need that US market." He adds that once Canadian talent breaks into the US scene "more opportunity for exposure in Canada opens up."
To purchase or check out "Whatta Night," click here.
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