By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
In recent years, Blood Raw has been out of the spotlight, as he has taken his career into his own hands. With the Florida hip hop scene currently dominating the rap world, the time is now for the Panama City rapper to make his move. Blood Raw is now signed to Big Cat Records and he is fresh off the release of his new mixtape, Da Remix.
Hip Hop Vibe caught up with Blood Raw and he provided details on a number of topics. Now a member of Big Cat Records, many are wondering what is next for Blood Raw and what he was doing during his time off. Blood Raw has provided updates to those who missed him, but has kept things focused on his future.
With Big Cat Records now behind him and one of the focal points of the label, the future is indeed bright for Blood Raw. Previously, a member of a crew, Blood Raw now has the opportunity to be the star. During his conversation with Hip Hop Vibe, Blood Raw discussed this and much more.
Read the entire interview below:
Right now, the hip hop scene is being dominated by Florida, how do you feel about that? It’s a good thing, a long time coming. Once upon a time, we were only known for Miami doing their thing. Now, we are putting the pieces together, the state is so big and there are so many artists outside of Miami who are doing their thing. This is good because the state has been divided for so long and now the artists in different cities are getting along and coming together as one.
Are you a fan of Rick Ross’ movement with Maybach Music? Of course, me and the homie Ross came up around the same time in the music industry. We both got our deal at the same time and I am proud of him and the moves he is making. He has created an avenue to put guys on and he is sharing the spotlight.
What led to your signing with Big Cat Records? I went through a period of time, where I was trying to leave CTE. A lot of labels were interested, but I was under contract with CTE. During this time, Big Cat Records saw my grind and my presence in the streets and the loved my music. They reached out to me, we sat down and I let them know I wanted to be on the label, but I needed to be released from my current deal. Months passed and I continued to release mixtapes while I was trying to get out of my contract. Mel, the CEO of Big Cat Records reached out to me, again, and we created a joint venture. I am not signed as an artist over there, I am signed as a boss. This is good for me, because it shows me as being a boss, which I have been, but others were getting the credit. With Big Cat, this is not the case.
So, you are still technically a signed artist to CTE? No, not at all.
How do you feel this is a better situation for you, compared to your previous label home? I get to do whatever I want to do, as far as my ideas, my marketing strategy. However I want to do it, I get to do it. At the end of the day, it is my company, which is partnered with Big Cat Records. Keep it 100 is my movement, my co-owner’s name is LB. I am a boss, as opposed to being a signed artist.
How do you think you will be received as a solo artist? I feel like it is a long time coming, anyway. I have always done my thing and my fan base has been supportive. When I released my debut album on CTE/Def Jam, it hit number five on Billboard, with no videos on BET and MTV. A lot of artists have all of that and never make Billboard.
You just released your mixtape, Da Remix, which was hosted by the Keep it 100 DJs and Big Cat Records, can you discuss that project? The mixtape is already taking off. Before I wanted to drop my album, Raw Redemption, I wanted to give the streets a refresher from me. I got on a lot of records, which were doing their thing in the clubs. I called it Da Remix because I remixed a lot of tracks, but I gave a few originals up to. The project is doing well and has not even been out a week yet.
Can you talk a little more about your upcoming Raw Redemption album? Raw Redemption is a lot, it has been in the making for a long time. After the way my first album went down, a lot of people called it a classic, but it did not have the proper promotion. But, with my album, they did not even press up a radio copy, nobody could buy it in Walmart, but it still hit the top five in Billboard. So, on my next move, I have to go even harder, which is why I came up with the Raw Redemption title, which I think God gave to me. It is bigger than the music, given my message, and the problems of the world and hip hop, I can be the one voice to bring it all back. I plan to release the album on September 11 because no one forgets that day, it means something to me and the world.
Do you have any other projects in the works, such as acting or television appearances? Yeah. I have a film company, called Raw Films. We are doing a lot of short films right now, but I am working on a major film called Kingpin & Capo, which will star my homeboy, Total Kaos. He has been on a lot of my projects. We did a mixtape together, featuring the Florida talent and we have a film behind it, which will be very big.
Overall, what is your level of excitement about everything you have going on? Man, I am really excited. I am definitely excited with the way things are going and where I am at. The music is going strong, I am ready to hit the road with my promo, which is coming the week after Memorial Day. I want to get back out there, shake the hands, kiss the babies, and greet the women.
Are there any collaborations you have in the works that you would like to talk about? Actually, I have a couple of big name collaborations that are on the album, but I don’t want to say just yet. Nothing has been confirmed and you know things change, but a lot of big names will be on the album, it will be real heavyweight.
Is there anything you want to set the record straight about, regarding your career and the public perception? Honestly, I have not been a person to worry about what people say about me, because I can go to any hood in America and be embraced like I’m from their city. People actually argue about where I am from, but that is rare in hip hop. The only thing I want to let the people know is that I haven’t gone anywhere, I’ve been here, releasing mixtapes and doing shows off my mixtapes. But, now it it time for me to take it to the next level. The world needs to know there is still someone out here who cares, which is what I give through my reality music. My music aims to touch you and let you know, “everything is going to be alright,” keep God first and keep it moving.
Also, I want to shout out my team, my business partner, LB, Keep it 100 Records, the whole Keep it 100 Movement, the BRE team, Florida J, Candice, Momie T, all my fans, everyone supporting me.
