First of all, tell us a bit about yourself. Your name & where you're from?
Raydeo / Raydeoworld, a charismatic, bombastic ass unicorn that's so animated, life itself is my world! Haha. I'm an artist, creative director & actor/writer based in Washington Heights, NY.
Since I was a kid, I have fantasised about my world through music and movies my parents had me watch, like "You Got Served" and "Rush Hour." These movies kept my imagination vivid, especially during the most challenging times.
What was the initial attraction to pursue a music career?
It's been a part of my life like a secret family member, and when I say the word "secret", it's like something I never fully discovered until I was lost at a point in my life.
2017 was the year I finally saw it come to me, especially after attending a global citizen concert headlined by Kendrick Lamar. Mind you, at this point, I'm such a music nerd, and at this period, I was dissecting music like a motherf****r. It was my first concert ever at that time, and he ended up shouting me out, dedicating the show to me, and stating, "He got something special." Now I see what he was talking about and how music was part of me this whole time.
You have a very authentic NY sound. Who are some artists who inspired your flow?
I used to believe that "A Tribe Called Quest," "Nas," "Busta Rhymes," "Outkast," and "Jay-Z" shaped my inspirations, but the truth is that it goes way deeper.
Like there's a whole f*****g list of artists, even BLACK EYED PEAS made me understand many fundamentals of how music is created on every side. I'll also add Tyler The Creator, Mac Miller, Childish Gambino, Anderson Paak and Kanye West - The College Dropout and 808's Heartbreak Days.
When creating your music, do you have a particular process for bringing your art to life?
I view it from four different perspectives: visual, musical, performative, and delivery. I want it to translate as much as possible to make sure it's understandable in all realms through myself and the consumer.
I always like to dig deep into what I find joyful in life and incorporate that into my creations so that those who resonate with it can snap their fingers at the little Easter eggs I leave.
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
F**k, I love this sexy ass question. Okay, here we go hehehehehe. Dead will be DMX, Aaliyah, Prince, Mac Miller and Fat Man Scoop - my childhood sound cosmos.
Okay, now, being alive is gonna be tricky because there's so much, but it will be Kaytranada, Tyler The Creator, Duckwrth, and finally Kendrick Lamar. That's a promise that I work towards to this day to reach my highest self and musical identity, so Godspeed.
With 2024 being a crazy year and coming to an end soon, is there new music or projects set in stone & dropping soon?
Man, this year has been lovely, especially with the shift that's occurring right now in the industry. The truth is opening everyone's eyes and pushing out the bulls**t that needs to be addressed and eradicated for the betterment of the people, and once again when I say people, I also mean the youth.
I'm working on two albums, one that's been stirring up for quite some time now, while the other is a potential sequel or spawn of something new that solidifies my identity completely, but that's all I can say. I like leaving my peers on their toes so we'll know what's next in Raydeo's World next month with a single but closing out 2024, so make sure you vote & prep for election week.
A lot of people say the Rap/Hip-Hop scene is dying. What would you classify as the golden era of Hip-Hop?
Quickly, from the 90s to the 2000s, Hip-hop is constantly elevating, and there are always new and innovative ways to transcribe what makes you an "Artist".
For me, those are the golden eras, and believe it or not, we're getting back to that because no matter what, Hip-Hop always falls back into its original authentic form. I don't feel bad for the wannabes losing steam due to the curtains being pulled back to show their fraudulent image.
Outside of music, you are very expressive with the way you dress, and your personality resonates with this. What are some key influences on your personal style?
Are you ready for my answer? Haha, 90s action movies and cartoons/anime -yeah, I don't believe the word 'fashion" or even the world that's orchestrated behind it because it feels so labelled. Fashion is just self
expression to me that doesn't have a label, and I'M LIMITLESS one day you see me as this fly ass Komodo dragon the next day, see me as the illest butterfly roaming the streets with my colours loud & proud.
When you’re not making music, what's your favourite pastime?
Bruh, I just spend all day consuming information like a hot-ass nerd - just working out and learning new ways to construct & express my music while watching many movies that deliver messaging that relates to my world.
Raydeo's World and old cartoons I grew up to while watching gameplay of some of the video games that I grew up with.
If you could visit any country, where would it be & why?
Brazil, I don't care, I have to go there, one of my favourite music genres is bossa nova, and I'm a wh**e for jazz, so combine those too, and you get sexual ear tension, and it's so beautiful, like ugh.
I want to live there for about four months and experience how it feels to be with the people, learn how they live, and learn their perspectives.
What festival would be your dream to perform at?
SOULECTION GOD, DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT I'VE BEEN LISTENING TO SOULECTION RADIO SINCE 7TH GRADE?
Joe Kay, shout out to him, man—he brought me into a deep rabbit hole filled with hidden gems that just ooze originality, hunger, and authenticity. I would be honoured to perform for an event they’re having or have an episode with him on Beats 1 Apple Radio. Man, I just love those who appreciate the art behind the music being created. That's my whole thing, so yeah, selection if you see this—HOLLA AT YOUR BOY RAYDEO!
How did you feel it went despite being time-sensitive when putting this shoot together?
It went very smoothly and didn't even feel like a shoot - it felt more like a couple of friends hanging out who & so happened to be creatingexcellentt content for the brand that day. I've worked with a couple of brands before that felt so robotic, but it's always good to find those who are willing to be human with said artist or model, so that was very heartwarming to me most of all, and cracking stupid ass jokes, hahaha.
What was your favourite piece of jewellery from the shoot?
Skull hands ring. I almost left with it; that's how hard it was.
What would you say if you could give your younger self any advice knowing what you know today?
Some people are going to look at you like you're crazy, like you're delusional, and constantly tell you NO. Please hear me and hear me good ... F**K THEM & LOVE THEM.
Be the most radical unicorn you can be, and never hesitate to show how beautiful and powerful your light is because you are going to inspire so many people. You're going to engulf so many enemies breathing at your head, but you're going to be the leader God placed you to be. There will be trials and tribulations testing your faith and strength, but please keep that alive. The world needs you, and you're destined to change it.
Before we go, is there anything you want to tell your fans?
Thank you for trusting this goofy goober and participating in my journey. I hope to see you face to face at my next show, next listening party or just out & about - keep being the best version of yourself and keep your dreams alive. One love
Quick fire round:
What is the first thing I do when I wake up?
- Stretchcausesause pause, haha I'm flexible & pray to the man upstairs.
What three artists are you currently listening to?
- Tyler The Creator, Jamiroquai and Pharrell
Is the best food spot in NY?
- 8bit cause my nerdy a** is a big ass kid, and boy, their burgers and shakes they are having been hitting the f*****g spot, and THEY GOT GAMES YOU CAN PLAY AS YOU EAT !!! AWESOME.
Favourite brand?
- My homie's brands (they got complicated names I don't remember from the top of my head, so shut up), I feel like it's better than the shit more prominent brands have to copy, so shout to my dawgs that be putting their mind on a canvas by illustrating it into fabrics.
If you weren't a musician, what would you see yourself doing?
Going to college to study computer programming to make video games was one of my childhood dreams. Because I didn't have friends like that, I would stay in imaginary worlds crafted by those who felt the same way.
Worst fashion trend?
- Trying to f*****g hard to standout like, ew, you look fucking dumb, and no, nobody is looking at you cause "Ouu, they look so fashionable," bozo, just be yourself. Even if it's simple, that's okay. Sometimes, showing little is a loh me, haha. I'm a f*****g chameleon filled with many colours & layers.
Most excellent album of all time?
- To Pimp, A Butterfly is such a masterpiece, I was in my first year in high school when it dropped, and it just really opened my mind to the level an artist can go to depict black American life and, to this day, gets talked about while inspiring so many artists such as myself to create with integrity & morals.
Favourite colour?
- Pink & sunset.
Cats or dogs?
- Cats, I feel like they just understand a bit more.
Best snack?
- Croissants & Bananas like, bruh, that shit is f*****g delicious.
Hot or cold?
Warm, how about that? I am too hot for these people, while I am never too cold because I amn't freezing to death.
My name is Raydeo, and I am an animated magical unicorn that is forever and ever musically and visually.
My latest song 'Construction' is out now https://open.spotify.com/track/7tS5BZROb1H5oUqjeQHOuN?si=4b1549432b934b8d
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raydeoworld
Photography https://www.instagram.com/creizycrei
