The epitome of artistry and hip-hop in its truest form. This Detroit-born M.C. has developed a strong following based off of one simple message: Real Life | Real Talk. This message has been well publicized in all three of his independently released mix tapes, as well as in his upcoming album (That’s Ryon With An “O”), and is evident in every rhyme he has ever written. |R|M|J| is widely viewed and supported as an artist who practices what he preaches, never falls victim to embellishing for his personal gain, promotes unity amongst his people and the hip-hop community, his remarkable swagger, etc.
Through the deliverance of unforgettable punch lines, unique musical concepts and ideologies, and a truly remarkable delivery, |R|M|J| has earned the respect and adoration of many. His work has been aired on local and national radio stations, received spins on satellite radio, and has garnered club throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest. His success is attributed to two things: shear drive and an unparalleled talent.
Where can we hear your stuff?
Most of my work is available on my web sites (WWW.RMJHIPHOPMUSIC.COM and WWW.MYSPACE.COM/RMJHIPHOPMUSIC); and, you’ll be pleased to know that all tracks are available as free downloads. What you don’t catch on those sites you can find on other artists’ albums or web sites.
I work with a wide range of artists; however, I work often with a select group of artists that we call The Alliance. The roster includes Jay -Don, Grynd, Stacks, Alias, Jaye, Dat “Neva Lac”, and Rochelle Simone. These artists specialize in a number of different genres and are spread out geographically.
I’ve also completed tracks with Eliseo from TREAL and NME. I’m scheduled to work with Fidel Cashflow soon. And, I have some big business that’s making its way through the pipelines with a few major artists; but, I’m not quite ready to comment on that at this time. But, stay up on the scene. In 2009, I’m going to prove that ‘08 was just the beginning.
How did you get that name?
All my life people have given me different nicknames. What’s crazy is that they could not settle on just one. So everyone would just call me something different; which was cool with me because I’m just fine with what my moms and pops chose for me in the first place… Ryon Moore Jason (|R|M|J|).
But, just the same, writing my entire name was too damn tiring. So, I shortened it to just my initials.
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
I’m pretty pleased with the love that everyone has shown, from fans to underground and signed artists. My team and I have taken this thing pretty far. We’ve gone from a private studio to national radio spins. We’ve gone from talking amongst ourselves to talking with major labels. That’s something of which I’m damn proud.
What has been your most difficult challenge?
Getting my music heard initially. There are hundreds of thousands of cats out there who share a very similar dream. Only a handful of these cats ever get to see their hustle produce the results they desire. Yet and still, mostly all of these dudes send their music in to the radio stations, DJs, record labels, etc. Something about you has to be different. Something about you has to make these people of influence put all those others albums to the side and not only listen to your joint, but dig it at the same time.
What makes you different?
Honestly? Just being me and keeping it 100. I’ve got a pretty raspy voice; so, that’s different and somewhat sought after. I have a flow that switches up like a seasoned pitcher. At the end of the day, I’m just a beast. Plain and simple.
But most importantly, I just stay 100. I don’t rap about ANYTHING that I haven’t done or don’t have. As a matter of fact, on my second album I spit, “It may seem like I’m boastin’ when I mention the ocean in the back of my crib or this champagne I’m toastin’ / It may seem kind of cocky to make my wrist so rocky or put the Audi in blast on the cover of every copy / But in actuality, you see I do this for ya’ll / To prove that we can make it out without doin’ us harm…”. That’s 100% real talk.
At the end of the day, you can sit back and say ‘damn that cat can flow’. Then if you don’t know me, you can go right to the web sites and check my credentials. You’ll find pictures with the ocean front crib, drop Jags, stretched Audi A8’s, everything down to the verse.
And I don’t just do that for bragging rights. I’m not what they call a political or socially conscious rapper; but, at the same time, I’m careful to not say things that are not inspiring, and shouldn’t be viewed as such.
Look, I’ve got a lot of people that I kick it with. All of them get money in different ways, legit and to the contrary. So, I’m not one to criticize. All I’m sayin’ through my music and through the pics on the sites is that there are many ways to get what you want in life. It’s not just about capitalizing off the trap, playin’ ball, or even this here music. I haven’t been rapping my whole damn life; but, do I not have what all these cats talk about in their rhymes? And, nobody gave me a damn thing either. I didn’t hit the lottery or anything like that. The key is to do what you’re good at and what makes you happy. For me, that just happens to be music. For you, that might be running your own marketing firm, or owning the most successful barber shop in the city, or what-the-hell ever.
What projects are you working on?
I’m working on my fourth release, entitled “That’s Ryon With An ‘O'”. And all I can say is… damn!
I’m working on doing a track with my dude RAW.
I just kicked it Fidel Cashflow at his ‘Hip Hop Ain’t Dead’ video shoot and we agreed to get on a track together. So be ready for that one. He’s also jumpin’ on my upcoming remix album. That’s right, every track on my last album, The Third Dimension, is going to be remixed with cats that I get down with.
And, like I said earlier, I’ve got some major things lined up with some heavy hitters. But, we’ll talk about that after the ink dries. Ya digg?
Where are you from originally?
I’m from Detroit, Michigan. I’ve got a lot of pride in my hometown. I rep that place whenever I get the opportunity. And I rep it right. None of that glorifying the negative side often portrayed on the news. Yeah, it has its issues with violence; but, what major city doesn’t? It’s a great place; and, I don’t care how far away from the crib I move, it’s going to always be just that… the crib.
How Long have you been making music?
I’ve been on and off for at least 10 or 11 years. When I was in high school, people always used to tell me I was ill; but, I had my mind on other things. In college, my homeboys used to do their thing on the underground scene in Tallahassee (FAMU). That’s where I met cats like Smitty and Jay-Don. But, I didn’t really decide to truly focus on my music until around late 2006.
I remember I made my first album off in my home studio and just passed it out to my click. They were all telling me how sick it was. We decided to make about 150 copies. Mind you, only 150. Next thing I know, I’m getting a call from my homegirl talking about her people just called her and told her one of my joints was on the radio. After that, it moved its way up to Sirius Satellite Radio. That’s when I knew I was working with something. Cats try for years and spend hella ends to get that opportunity. I just decided to build a home studio and less than 6 months later I had national airplay.
What artists inspire you?
There are many great artists out there. You see; I’m a fan of music, not just hip-hop. My hip-hop inspirations are T.I.P., Lil’ Wayne, Joe Budden, Tupac, Outkast, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, among others. But I also have a deep appreciation for Aerosmith, Jimmy Henrix, Hans Zimmer, Salif Keita, JEM, and others.
How would you define your style of music?
It’s definitely hip-hop; but, it also has those rock, blues, and other influences. Consider it hip-hop with a fusion-like undertone. And keep in mind, I am from Motown; so, I’m sure that had a profound influence.
What teams are you affiliated with?
I kick it tough with a group of artists, most of whom are close friends (The Alliance). Aside from that, I show love where it’s given.
Who are some artists that you have worked with?
Jay the Don, Stacks, Grynd, Jaye, Alias, Rochelle Simone, Eliseo from TREAL, Lil Rock, Neva Lac, and NME
Who would you like to collab with?
It would be an honor and pleasure to work with Outkast, T.I.P., Lil ‘Wayne, Kanye West, Joe Budden, Jay-Z, and Rick Ross. And, this may surprise some; but, I’d like to do a track with Gucci Mane. That dude gets me hype.
Where do you see the future of music?
Music is pretty much in limbo right now; at the very most, in purgatory. It became the thing to say when MCs started referring to hip-hop as being dead; but, that’s simply not true. Is it hurting? Yeah. But what isn’t right now? The whole economy is off center. But, critics of hip-hop love to look at the industry and proclaim that it’s suffering and it’s due to the music that we’re putting out. That’s just nonsense. Everyone’s hurting right now pimpin’; hip-hop and pop artists alike.
I do feel as though artists need to stay true to themselves and their people though. Stop all the damn fronting’ for personal gain. Putting forth a persona that’s not supported by your reality just so you can collect a check; especially when that persona cripples the progress of your people. If you’re talented enough, you can take your life and make it the next big thing. Challenge yourself partner. It’s like Joe Budden says ‘if everyone’s a dealer, where the hell are all the fiends at?’ Think about it, the logic applies.
Where do you see yourself in 1 year?
On a whole other level. On my way to becoming a household name. I’ve implemented my plan and set a goal for myself; and, I haven’t come up short on any of my goals yet. Where do I see myself in a year?
As that CD that stays a permanent fixture in your player, AKA on top, in constant rotation. Everybody’s got that one. You can change out the other five; but you know that one of them is going to stay right there and ride out.
Describe yourself in one word.
Remarkable
Any shout outs?
Most definitely; I wouldn’t be a real dude if I didn’t look out for my sister, Blair, who’s always been my number one fan; my moms and pops for always believing in me; my wife Kristen who stays by my side; my right-hand guy Jessie; my left-hand chick Erika Baez; my boy Stacks for holding it down since we were little; Jay-Don for convincing me to go ‘n get it; Dat for being that dude who’s always cool as hell; Grynd for always lookin’ out; Alias for being down since day one,;Rochelle Simone for always lending that hook when needed; Jaye with the crazy soulful voice; Chris Burnem and Bobby for always providing those blazin’ beats; my home girl ’til the end E-Bo; Birthday Girl for just being a cool chick and keeping it 100 with the music critiques; Marlon for always making sure my joints get played on his radio station; Lyvwyr for being my unofficial mentor when I first started this; J-Dub for being on the team from the beginning; Big Chip for looking out; Monique W. for being my advisor; Judy for holding down NJ; Esco for holding down NY; Stephanie Dawkins for backing me; NME for showing me love out the gate; and Fidel Cashflow for this feature.
I’d also like to show love to my fallen comrades; my big brother Kenny, my little hommie Kenny, my dude Jonathan, my home girl Lil’ Shannon, and Joe.
Email: [email protected]
Web Site URL (if applicable): WWW.RMJHIPHOPMUSIC.COM
MySpace URL (if applicable): WWW.MYSPACE.COM/RMJHIPHOPMUSIC.COM
Management Contact Info: JESSIE MALEK (407.702.3418 / [email protected])
Ryon is gifted and extremely talented. I love his lyrics and the “real life/real talk” in his music. His music “make it on your own without hurting others” offers a positive message and a change in course for Rap Music. He is a brilliant lyricist.
Ryon has intelligence, talent, education, and the experience of growing-up in Detroit’s inner city. Perhaps he can be to rap what Obama is to our nation’s leadership.
Amen, Brother. Keep it flowin’.
Great interview, refreshingly honest!
What an amazing article! RMJ preaches the truth about hip-hop and really gets the reader thinking. I love how he starts flowing in the middle of the interview – this cat is so smooth! He isn’t like these other music artists either, everything he puts in his music comes from a true story and he spits like the world is on fire! His music is its own style in itself – RMJ just might need to create his own genre! His webpage (www.myspace.com/rmjhiphopmusic) and his website (www.rmjhiphopmusic.com) provide non-stop entertainment. I love how his tracks all have a distinct style – each song fits my every mood. He really shows how an intelligent African American can be successfull with his knowledge and resources, which really motives me to thrive and succeed. His music reaches out to every person no matter his/her music preference. RMJ has a universal sound, and I love it! Keep it 100.