I believe the Christian community should embrace Rappers more.Words from Nigerian,Urban Gospel Rapper, RYMSTA RAY.
Here is what he has to say in this exclusive interview, with NGOSPELMEDIA.NET Star Reporter, Sammy Sas.
Sammy Sas: Pls can we meet you?
Rymsta Ray: I’m Rymsta Ray. Believer, Rapper, TV Host, Urban Visionary
Sammy Sas: hmmm…. awesome!
Rymsta Ray: Thank you.
Sammy Sas: So when did you realised u had a passion for music?
Rymsta Ray: As far back as junior secondary school. Wrote my first bars in Js3, Never looked back since then.
Sammy Sas: What type of music,do you do?
RYMSTA RAY: I call my sound Urban Gospel. It’s a fresh mix of good news and Afro Hip Hop
Sammy Sas: Interesting… With the current trend in the global entertainment circle,why did you choose Gospel music,instead of the secular sound?
RYMSTA RAY: I actually started out as secular.. But I switched up in 2010 when my friend introduced me to the 116 Clique.. I realized that music means so much more than cool beats and garbage lyrics.. I had to make a decision and I did.
Sammy Sas: Sure your decisions are paying out now?
Rymsta Ray: God has been faithful.
Sammy Sas: So what has been your major challenge ever since you switched into the Gospel music industry?
Rymsta Ray: The main challenge has been support and exposure.. Thank God for churches that currently appreciate the Hip Hop culture.. It hasn’t been easy for most Rappers repping Christ because some folks might believe that you are not truly for Christ because you rap.. So some other genre may be likely favored over rap when ever the opportunity presents itself.. I believe the Christian community should embrace Rappers more and support the artists in any little way they can.. This way, we won’t have too many folks going back to the world.
Sammy Sas: Have you in any case be tempted or convinced to go back to the secular type of music,because you feel or think you would be appreciated more?
Rymsta Ray: We all get tempted.. But the beauty of this is that God reminds you of how faithful he has been and then you see reasons why you shouldn’t sell your soul for money.. Success that the world offers is catchy, alluring and really eye-popping, but it is short term and most times the person ends up being miserable because no amount of money in the world can satisfy.. Only Jesus can… So whenever I’m tempted to switch I just ask myself why am I doing this and realign with my purpose.. God provides everything I need and in due time I’ll get to a better place in my career.
Sammy Sas: Amen!….. So tell us,what was it like growing up as Young Ray. lol
Rymsta Ray: Growing was great,I grew up in Festac, Lagos.. With two siblings.. We had all we needed.. Never a need to complain.You can rightly call me an Ajebo,Although I’ve learnt to be Street smart along the way ?
Sammy Sas: Apart from music, what do you do for fun and what’s your favourite colour and meal?
Rymsta Ray: For fun.. I love hangouts,I spend time with people that matter to me.. Chat and play. Discuss or see a movie. Favourite colour.. Yellow. Favourite Meal.. White Soup & Pounded Yam.
Sammy Sas: Lol.. correct guy!..So who inspires you?
Rymsta Ray: I’m not inspired by anyone in particular.. God is my inspiration all day any day.. However I have several influences.. Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Social Club, John Givez, KB, Trip Lee etc
Sammy Sas: If you were asked to have a collaboration with three secular musicians, local or international, who would they be?
Rymsta Ray: 2 Baba, Naeto C, MI
Sammy Sas: Any album yet?
Rymsta Ray: Naa….Working on my debut album.Had an EP two years ago tho
Sammy Sas: Any major collaboration on the album
Rymsta Ray: Lips sealed.You know in due time ?
Sammy Sas: Name of the album
Rymsta Ray: Raynaissance
Sammy Sas: Any award
Rymsta Ray: Not yet…They’re coming
Sammy Sas: Amen… What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?
Rymsta Ray: There have been several, however I remember this one time that the sound was really poor.. I couldn’t hear myself but I just had to keep doing my thing. Folks were just staring.. Like dude.. Leave the stage ????
Sammy Sas: Lmaoo
Rymsta Ray: Yea
Sammy Sas: So how do you manage your female fans or are you single?
Rymsta Ray: I’m single… God is my ultimate manager ???
Rymsta Ray: Delta State
Sammy Sas: What is the secret behind your fashion style,I can see its unique from the norm
Rymsta Ray: Lool…..The meaning of RYMSTA is Resilient Young Mind Setting Trends Always.. I see myself as a Trendsetter.. So it influences the way I dress.. I try to keep it urban and African.. Just like my music. ?
Sammy Sas: What’s your favourite quote?
Rymsta Ray: Believe!….If you don’t, who will?
Sammy Sas: Lol..sure!….What’s your advice to aspiring and upcoming Gospel Rappers?
Rymsta Ray: Consistency in developing talent and dedication to God’s word will take you far
Sammy Sas: Any last word, for your fans out there..
Sammy Sas: Thank you so much for your time
Rymsta Ray: Thanks Sammy!
Hope you enjoyed this interview? Keep it locked to your Number one Urban Gospel site www.ngospelmedia.net your favourite celebrity might be chatting with us next week.For more info follow Sammy Sas on Twitter @RealSammySAS have a blissful week ahead,Deuces!