Radamiz

We’re delighted to premiere the music video for new Radamiz track Sumner today, which is directed by Slack Barrett & FifthGod.

The video shows Radamiz, a Brooklyn MC who studied at NYU, working his way through the Sumner Housing Development, mostly solo, taking in his community and showing us his home, his parents. It ends with a stunning image of Radamiz on the roof, overlooking his city, his community, and claiming his small ownership over it, an ownership he earned.

“Even though I’ve been raised in the projects, in Bed Stuy, in Brooklyn, I’ve never been the kid hanging on the block every day,” he said in a phone call with For The Win. “Not that people don’t know who I am, but growing up, it was always home … but it was never my reality that I felt totally connected.

“So for me, naming a song after where I’m from and shooting a music video here, it was about me exposing a little bit of insecurity. It was awkward. Where I’m from is what made me, but I’m not connected to it like other people. That’s what we were trying to show. That’s why I’m alone for most of the video.”

The video is also a natural progression for the Brooklyn MC. On previous video New York Don’t Love Me, the aesthetic was the classic vision of New York. The fish eye lens showed city landmarks in a video that felt like an homage to Brooklyn MCs of the past.

Sumner isn’t just a vision of New York, though, but rather a vision of Radamiz’s New York. This is his community. His block. His life. - USA Today

Radamiz has been gaining steam lately and is finally set to release his Writeous project in April.Today (Jan 29), he debuts the final single from project with VIBE.com.

“Sumner” serves as a peek into the rhyme spitta’s mind as he ponders on his childhood as a ghetto youth. He takes a different approach to how he views life in the ‘jects.

“This song really speaks volumes for me about my entire perspective of the “hood” and growing up in the projects,” says the MC about his new record. “Rather than reflect on the negatives of the current, this record focuses on the types of necessary switches I’ve made to my perspective and applying them to create that better life.”

Stream the gritty new cut below and stay tuned for his upcoming album.

He continues: “It’s all about pushing the culture forward. “Sumner” is my way of expressing an alternative voice of growing up in the projects, expressing a mindset that poverty stricken conditions instill in you. For me, just as much as I was smelling the pissy elevators and seeing friends I grew up with die over street bullshit, I was always also exposed to other ways of living. There’s a lot more to being from the hood than the shit you see in the news. There’s a lot of beautiful souls and really real hope that just needs to be encouraged to grow.”

“The problem is the scarcity in seeing your neighbor succeed: there’s never enough close-to-home examples of following your gut and it all paying off in the end. I never was presented only one point of view, and I’m grateful to have that choice. I know what I am and what I’ll be. And my job is to represent that self belief for anybody that feels like their living conditions dictate who they’ll be as they move forward in life.

“Sumner” is that self believing, emotional fire.” - Vibe

Over the past four years, Brooklyn MC Radamiz has made a reputation for himself in the New York underground as a gifted lyricist. He’s performed at music festivals (including SXSW), and was even “major league” enough to have his “Ali’s My Big Brother” track played on Hot 97.

The wonder in Radamiz’ come up is that he’s maintained a buzz without a full solo project to hang his hat on. That’s changed with the Writeous, his debut project that releases today. Radamiz has been preparing the album for over four years, and it sounds like it.

The first thing I noticed is how polished the record sounds. Radamiz recalls spending over $5,000 on Writeous, and you can hear every cent. From the pleasant thump of “poweR”, to the dusty-yet-crispy drums on “Ali’s My Big Brother”, the record sounds sonically refined throughout. Of course, it helps that the producers and MCs fulfill their roles.

From the first track, “God Talks To Me A Lot”, Radamiz sets the thematic tone for the record. “I knew I was the best when nobody else did,” Radamiz proclaims over Goonie Tunes‘ feathery production.

It seems almost in the DNA of hip hop to let past struggles and doubters instill a chip on one’s shoulder. Many use that narrative to justifies bitterness or disregard for others, but that’s not Radamiz. By the next track, the Dre Dollasz-crafted “Sumner”, Radamiz contends that “happiness is really priceless when you know your worth.”

Radamiz is at his best when contextualizing his place in the world around him, such as on “Am I Black Too?” and “New York Don’t Love Me.” The passionate wails of singers Chris Wattz, Kye Russoul and Oxytocin over the stirring saxophone sample on “Am I Black Too?” are some of the most engrossing moments of the album. Radamiz rises to the occasion, lamenting the plight of inner-city youth. He surmises that his people “got hurt by defeat and that made us some sore losers.”

Even in the midst of a perilous state, Radamiz seeks solutions, pondering, “maybe I could bring change to him if I sang to him.” He masterfully sums up the perceived necessity of the street life by rhyming, “money ain’t the root of all evil if you the soil.”

The guitar-laden “New York Don’t Love Me” again shows Radamiz’ knack for concisely diagnosing a problem by condemning “too many selfies at the shows instead of repping where you come from.”

Though Radamiz shines the most on his solo tracks—and would’ve been better served by one or two more—the guests on the project all hold their own. Radamiz showcases the best chemistry with his Mogul Club partners.

Each member brings a different dynamic to their track, showcasing the versatility of the collective. On the aforementioned “God Talks To Me”, Madwiz is laidback and introspective, noting, “my mother I respect her, I don’t understand her methods but when I get on I’ll bless her.”

History’s entrance on “poweR” is one of the most memorable spots on the album. As the idyllic song transitions to churning 808 production, the MC/Producer struts over his own beat, while imploring the listener to“take the time to recognize your blessings.”

On the momentous “Maintaining”, Radamiz and King Critical spit meandering double-time flows over Rudy Mills’ cavernous drums. Critical’s verse builds upon itself, reaching a passionate apex before declaring, “unification is all that we got.”

One powerful aspect of Writeous is nearly every verse having a nugget of social commentary or personal empowerment. Even as five MCs vie for lyrical supremacy on producer B L A N K’s sinister “1CRWN”, it’s done so with an admirable collective consciousness.

It’s a testament to Radamiz’ artistic vision that he collaborated exclusively with a slew of thoughtful individuals who generally paralleled his worldview. Radamiz has been through a lot as a young person of color, but Writeous exhibits that he’s internally examined his plight to the point where he understands it and embraces it. The compact Writeous project is his way of paying it forward, by relating his particular struggle to the larger human condition in the hopes that a wayward listener may follow his path of enlightenment. Or at the very least nod their head to the dope ass rhymes and rhythms. - Impose Magazine

Mass Appeal: How did you start off?

Radamiz: Because of where I’m from, I was always surrounded by hip hop; whether it was blasting at a summer cookout, or Hot 97 playing on every radio. I started writing my own work after buying a bootleg Jadakiss album and Biggie mixtape at the local Western Beef. I popped them into a radio I had at home in my room with a pen and notebook and now, here we are.

MA: How did you come up with your name?

Radamiz: My birth name is actually Radhames, the “h” is silent. I went through a few shit names before just settling on my real name, I think everyone does. [Laughs]

MA: In the beginning how were you able to make music videos and get studio time?

Radamiz: Damn, my first music video, “Parachute,” was shot with my brother Madwiz on a dusty old camera we had laying around. As time went by, I started investing in cleaner visuals and networking with people who could make it happen.
We couldn’t always get studio time. It started off getting jipped for studio money on Nostrand to recording on our laptops using Audacity, and so on. It’s tough starting out, you don’t always know where to go, but everything eventually comes together when people notice you’re serious about your shit.

MA: How did you book your first few shows?

Radamiz: I started off performing my first shows in my high school’s lunchroom, to be honest. Those were like the stomping grounds, where I made the most of my fuck ups and really honed my craft and confidence. Little by little you start hitting up open mics and showcases, build your name up. All of that prepped me for shows like the Summer Jam Festival Stage last year.

MA: How were you able to get on your first tour?

Radamiz: None yet, just a lot of local shows, but by the end of this year.

MA: What kind of show’s do you give? How do you perform?

Radamiz: I love performing high energy shows and at the same time have some intimacy and conversation with my audience. I talk to my crowd, we’re feeding off each other to have the most fun. I usually wear slippers or loafers performing so my feet hurt like crazy after jumping around for 20 minutes, but yeah, all worth it.

MA: Do you have a clothing line or merchandise?

Radamiz: None yet, but the first design for upcoming merch is getting secured next week, so I’ll have that soon. That process works just as meticulous as everything else; the more attention to detail you are with everything, the better the end product will be.

MA: Are you signed to a record label?

Radamiz : Not signed at the moment, but I wouldn’t mind if the brand/deal made sense for both of us. I’ve been pump-faked some times in the past though. [Laughs]

MA: What do you want your fans or anyone in general to know about you?

Radamiz: That I believe we’re all limitless and powerful beyond what we believe ourselves to be sometimes. Music is my way of showing that power. I’d want them to understand I’m faithful, open to the world, and I’m here to make some dope ass music and kill some great ass shows. It’s going to be crazy looking back at all this.

MA: What do you feel, if anything, is holding you back from getting to where you want to be?

Radamiz: Not to sound too preachy, but God. There are many things I still have to learn, and am learning, before I get to where I envision myself. It’ll all come together how it’s supposed to as long as I remember I’m forever a student of the game and of life feel me?

MA: What advice would you give others who are trying to come up in the game?

Radamiz: I’m in no position to give advice about coming up yet, since I’m on the rise myself, but there is one thing I’ve noticed that works. If you really give a fuck about your craft, if you have good intentions and a purpose, and you put in the hours relentlessly to better yourself and those around you – don’t give up, ever. Every action has a reaction, and the doors will open when they’re supposed to. - Mass Appeal

Brooklyn bred rapper, Radamiz, isn’t what you would call a “heavy hitting” artist, but his lyrics have a way of getting into your head. He speaks truth that others have not thought of touching yet which puts him ahead in the game. Though unsigned, he works as hard as those that are; probably even harder.

Radamiz’s newest video for the track “Role Model II,” is simple but refreshing. Directed by Chanteezy and Brian Futura, it features Radamiz in different scenes rapping and instilling words of wisdom into his fans by telling them to have self love and confidence in their dreams. Here’s what he had to say about the video:

“In the creation of the ‘Role Model II’ video, the directors and I wanted to speak to the duality of an already confident/successful Radamiz and the younger timid/lost Radamiz striving to find his voice through all the trials and tribulations of becoming a pure him. The video loosely shows this journey and it is loosely about anyone finding their true voice and in the case of the younger Radamiz (played by my little cousin, Josue) it’s about the pursuit of strength to be that MC,” states Radamiz.

Check out the video for “Role Model II” below and tell us what you think! Stay tuned for Radamiz’s upcoming album, Writeous. - RESPECT. Mag

Whenever I’m on the move, best believe I got my Travel Hip Hop bumping out the buds. Nod my head to the beat, mouth the lyrics, close my eyes, and chill to mellowed out visions of my life–ruminations of complex things, simple things, the past, the present, the future, nothing is off limits. Travel Hip Hop is the brainchild of Brooklyn based rapper, Radhames “Radamiz” Rodriguez. Coming into the game with a mature and relaxed flow, Radamiz spits eloquent lyrics that expose himself to his listeners. Before a rapper, he is a poet–he tells a story. His craft is putting out relatable music, and in the process he invites his listeners to deep introspection. I got a chance to catch up with Radamiz and ask him a few questions about his music, past & future, experimenting (evolving), and his new project Writeous.

Q: So let’s get the basics down. Can you tell us who are you, where are you from, what do you do and what are you about?

A: My name is Radamiz (my real name and MC name), from Bed Stuy, Brooklyn–both my parents are from Dominican Republic. I’m an artist, a creative, a motivator, and I think I’m just about giving off great energy and being limitless in anything I do.

Q: Tell us about your influences. Where are you coming from in your music?

A: Aside from musical influences, I think I’ve just been exposed to all types of lifestyles and I get inspired by it. I’ve always been kind of a sore thumb mentally with my persona and I just love giving people soundtracks to different situations in their lives. I like to make people feel powerful, make people feel confident, make people hype and inspire mothafuckas. Nothing is better than that thrill of going to go achieve something and I’m trying to represent that through my career.

Q: Who are your rap muses/inspirations and why?

A: I have WAY TOO MUCH to name, but let me keep it short and sweet. Outkast because of their experimental style throughout their career and flows. Jay-Z for his ability to grow with the industry and always maintain his identity. Eminem for his use of emotion and honesty in his music. Common and Mos Def for just being them, always true to self and challenging their sounds. p.s. Common’s “Resurrection” is my favorite Hip Hop album.

Q: What drew you to rapping and how long have you been doing it?

A: I used to buy bootleg albums back when I used to pack bags at a supermarket up the block from my projects when I was 12-13 years old. I felt the thrill of improvement after my 2nd verse ever was better than the first, and the 3rd better than both, and so on. I got addicted to outdoing myself, and as I grew up into being my own person, music helped mold me. Been at this since about 2004 or so.

Q: Describe your first moments rapping.

A: I used to be gangsta, talking about selling drugs and pimpin. Had no soul with my work, just kind of fantasizing with the lyrics. Started off battling too so a lot of my earlier work were just joking on people. That got boring real quick, and as I got into high school and met all the musical people I’m surrounded by now (Mogul), I got more serious about creating longevity and powerful shit.

Q: What do you want your fans to get out of your music?

A: I want my fans to feel like the shit. Want em to feel on top of the world, want them to feel like they fuck with what I do, but are inspired to do better than me. I want to make you feel like you woke up on the right side of the bed for the rest of your life.

Q: What do you get out of making music?

A: Every time I make a record, like completely mix it and play it back in the studio, it feels like I’m taking a breath of fresh air for the time in my life…every single time. The thrill and joy of creating and succeeding is unmatched at the moment. Maybe when I have children could I match the happiness. It’s my way of existing, of being 100 percent me when life sometimes doesn’t let me.

Q: How do you create? How do you prepare to write music, how do you feel as you create music, and what does the final product have to feel like in order for you to consider it complete?

A: Many different ways man. I wish I could tell you one way, sometimes a hook comes in 1 minute (like $100,000), sometimes it takes me weeks. Same for every other aspect. Sometimes some emotions are tougher to describe than others, and depends on where my mind is at during the time. And it’s tough to ever really say when it’s “done”. You kind’ve just…work extremely hard, perfect it as much as you can, then abandon/release it and hope it can survive.

Q: How has your journey as a rapper been? What are the best parts? What about the hardest parts?

A: The best parts, musically, are hard to say because they can be important in many different ways. Summer Jam XX is definitely up there, got to bring my brothers on stage and a bunch of my close people with me off rap. The first plane ride off of music to TX was big. My last show at Webster Hall too because my mom was in the crowd and we had mad fun performing.

The hardest parts come everyday, everyday that I’m not where I envision myself. Of course I try to count my blessings daily and go about shit positively, but sometimes its rough and you really go through it, second guess yourself. It always never lasts more than an afternoon, but those spells suck cause I just want to do such great shit in my lifetime.

The journey in total has been beautiful. I can’t wait to look back on the journey and really appreciate all the good and bad that’s needed to get to where I’m trying to go.

Q: I know that whenever I’m traveling long distances or I have an extended amount of time to be alone with my thoughts, I always have your music somewhere on my playlist–I think it’s very interesting that you call your music travel hip hop. Why do you call your music that, however?

A: In part because I love traveling, and my music is always somehow made with some movement in mind, some scenario on the go or place in the world I envision it for. Also, music and the power it has to travel and influence people who don’t know you or you may not know exist always astounded me. I’m trying to influence as much as I can and share my music and vibes with everyone.

Q: One of the things that immediately pops out to me about your music is its very personal nature. It speaks directly to your experiences but doesn’t alienate the lived perceptions of the listeners–it invites other experiences and creates a very interesting sort of dialogue between rapper and listener rather than a story. Why is it important for you to create this connection between yourself and–say–a complete stranger who just happened to stumble across your music?

A: That’s one of the best perspectives I’ve heard about my music in a while…I’m glad you can feel that. I love the storytelling aspect, and I will definitely go down that road as well when needed. But for me its more important that I convey the emotion than the physical picture. The physical picture is beautiful as well, rappers like Em and Andre 3000 are nasty visually, but I love when a line or a guitar riff or an ad-lib electrocute my spine you know? I think that’s more impact-full to me.

Q: I’ve seen a lot of change in your material, style, and flow of your rap and lyricism. Of course nothing is a stagnant entity and we are all constantly changing in some ways, but how do you perceive the ways in which you are changing?

A: I think it really just leads to me making music as pure as possible. As I grow, as I continue to create, I’m getting more comfortable with who I am, the things I want to do, and the challenges I want to overcome.

The last thing I’d want to be is a rapper who, three albums in, decides to finally experiment and really push themselves and have their fans not accept them.

I want my fans to let me grow, believe that I think anything I make is ill as fuck, and help me contribute to the next generation of great music you know? So much has been done already in Hip Hop that you have to be 100% human with the process and really come with it to stand out.

Q: So what do you think is next for you? What direction are you heading towards?

A: Shit man, more than I could ever answer. The direction is up, but who knows how or through where. I know milestones I want to hit, I know awards I want to win, I know the impact on shows I’m trying to have. More importantly, I know what I want to do for my family, but all those goals are to be announced once completed you know? For now, let’s hope Writeous, whenever it comes out, helps me get closer. Either that or in an insane asylum son haha, I don’t really give a fuck about anything else but the impact.

Q: Tell us more about Writeous. How long have you been working on it? What’s it like working on it? When do you expect it to be released?

A: Been working on this project now since Summer of 2012. It’s been a beautiful, eventful, stressful, joyful experience. It’s no joke, been trying to take my time and really deliver some quality work, not the cheap kind either haha. God willin it comes out this year, but not until a platform exists for it to be rightly accepted/appreciated on.

Q: And how about the name Writeous? It’s very interesting and as someone who has listened to your music for as long as I have, I can say that it really fits your aesthetic and persona.

A: A righteous individual to me is someone who just knows what they believe to be true and stick by it, whether alone or with a crowd to support. The name just popped into my head while walking down the Broadway strip of Soho one rainy night on my way to NYU’s dorms, and it’s just been stuck ever since.

Q: Is there a particular theme going along with the next project? I noticed that with a lot of your new releases–particularly “$100,000″, “New Mansion”, “UNDRDG”, and “New York Don’t Love Me”–you tend to rap about making it as a rapper and how hard it is to get love from other people. Is there a reason why you are so fixated on those narratives?

A: “New Mansion” and “UNDRDG” will most likely not be on it, but I think what you’re hinting at is the theme that connects all the songs somehow: the mothafucka that’s out to get what he wants BY ANY MEANS. Sometimes that individual is upbeat, sometimes angry, patient, appreciative, anxious, nervous, and everything in between. I’m just relating to it in the struggles being a voice in music, but it’s really the soundtrack for anyone out to do something in a world where we’re presented limited choices. I don’t fuck with that. We’re limitless, and I’m going to prove that by using myself as an example.

Q: What do you hope to achieve with Writeous?

A: I need to be heard…and not just one time, for one day. I mean HEARD.

Q: Well, thank you so much for doing this interview with me. Do you have anything to add? Any shout outs/words of wisdom/praise/thoughts on the weather?

A: Yo, I talk a lot, so you might need to cut down a lot of those answers. I fuck with Cypher League for reaching out and wanting to do the interview too, and appreciate the interest on your behalf to ask some ill questions. - Cypher League

Teambackpack’s first ART SHOW was one for the history books, one of the night most memorable performances came from Radamiz, who debut his new single “ALI’S MY BIG BROTHER”. - TeamBackPack

Brooklyn emcee Radamiz dropped a video for his single “New York Don’t Love Me,” off his upcoming LP Writeous. The vibe of the song is reminiscent of hip hop’s golden era. The rhymes flow effortlessly and unpretentiously over the smooth beat. The video is an ode to everything we love about New York.

I chopped it up with Radamiz about the inspiration of the song and here’s what he had to say:

“The inspiration from the song came about being a normal New Yorker, fighting like crabs in the barrel to be heard. The constant grind of getting heard, being felt, and being recognized as talent. 100% Dominican MC from Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. Record off the upcoming independent album Writeous slated for this year.”

Peep the video for “New York Don’t Love Me” above, and if you’re feeling it, be sure to check for him on Facebook, Twitter, and Soundcloud. - Mass Appeal

Radamiz comes out of New York pushing good music & a good movement. With his own flow, Radamiz provides listeners with music that everybody can relate to. The New York artist has set himself apart & looks to continue things going in 2015.
1. What’s the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in 2015?
That my family can finally stop doubting whether music is the right thing to invest all my time, money, and energy into. After graduating from NYU last August, things haven’t been the “best” job wise but so much dope shit has been happening musically. I’m hoping the release of my project “Writeous” this summer can change everything up for the better.
2. What message do you hope your music gives to the listeners?
One of the many messages is that “I’m with you”. To all those out there wanting to pursue something they love, that give a fuck about pushing humanity, pushing culture, creating a better life for their loved ones but are facing adversity to get those dreams out into the world – I’m with you. Always know that you’re the shit no matter what, if you have a dope point of view and have good intentions, you’ll be
big.
3. How would you describe your own sound?
- I hate answering this question, none of my answers ever really make sense. I guess……it’s human hip hop. it’s about giving a fuck.
4. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since making music?
When you spit from the heart, you can change someone’s life. - RESPECT. Mag

Radamiz drops off his latest visual for “New York Don’t Love” me which he will perform tonight for the first time at Webstar Hall where he, The Underclassmen and more will be performing hosted by Yours Truly! - YouHeardThatNew

The Struggle is Real is a documentary that shadows the lives of four NYC creatives: Rapper Radamiz, make-up artist and assistant stylist Yaya, movie director Haley, and event DJ Chery. In this film, we follow each individual on their journey to become successful in different facets of the creative field. The documentary will covers issues of gender roles in the entertainment industry, blogs servings as the primary taste makers in music, the concept behind internships (aka and free labor), and other controversial topics experienced by today's NYC youth.
Get more info on "The Struggle is Real" at hxhour.com - ThisIs50

IsaiahThe3rd hasn’t been glimpsed in the Booth since last December, when he dropped by with the reader-approved Gone Fishing. Perhaps he really was just sitting on a dock somewhere, waiting for bite. Whatever he was up to, though, it clearly rejuvenated him, because he feels and sounds Brand New on this freshly-minted promo cut. Radamiz assists on the guest tip, joining the NYC buzzmaker over Kooleidoscope low-key, eminently head-noddable production. This record is just a loosie but, rest assured, we’ll keep you posted on Isaiah’s plans as further details emerge. - DJBooth.net