Back in Bizness

Never one to submit to the characterization of Gangster Rapper, Rich Tycoon claims to be a Street Rapper…not as in one who raps on the streets, but one who raps about the streets as a whole. His knowledge and understanding of the street culture is what sets him apart and entices even the most street savvy consumer to tune in for a lesson.

Each song is a testament. Some of Rich Tycoon's songs make you want to laugh and others make you want to cry, but amazingly they are all filled with truth. Some are even filled with some of life's answers. Tycoon's approach varies depending on the tune, but the message remains consistent.

HipHopInformant: What made you get involved with Hip-hop?

Rich Tycoon: When i was about 12 years old...I started writing raps because I wanted to do something other people weren't doing. At the time most people were breakdancing and I wasn't that good at breakin' so, I started writing raps. It was only 3-4 people rapping at my school at the time.

HipHopInformant: How long have you been involved in the industry?

Rich Tycoon: I did my first pro-project in 1993. I was featured on E-Dawg's songs Drop Top and Lil Locs on the compilation Seattle the Dark Side. We filmed a video for Drop Top which aired nation-wide...radio too. Sir Mix-a-Lot and Rick Rubin had a hand in the releasing of that compilation.

HipHopInformant: Where are you from and does this place have an impact on your music?

Rich Tycoon: I'm actually from all-over, but Oakland is my headquarters. I say that because growing up in "the system" I was shipped all over. I was sent to a group home at age 13. Since then I've lived in cities, suburbs, and institutions throughout California. That's where I pull alot of my material from...the street life all over.

HipHopInformant: What are your views on hip-hop at this present moment in time?

Rich Tycoon: I try not to focus on whats going on around me in hip hop too much...which can hurt you at times, but my reasoning is because I know from experience there are many listeners out there and if I focus too much on what others are doing it might discourage me from pushing MY material. Basically, I focus on getting my music to the fans. I kinda play it from my perspective instead of the industries.

HipHopInformant: Do you think that Hip Hop as a whole has become more and more about making money than the music itself?

Rich Tycoon: Definitly. Right now most labels won't sign you unless your between the ages of 17-25. Radio won't play you unless you're paying them. Promoters want you to pay them to be a part of their show if your not "big enough"...and choose less talented groups to open shows just because they paid to perform. It's hard for everybody, but if you love making and listening to the music...you'll saty in the game regardless....all reasons i try not to pay too much attention to the industry.

HipHopInformant: Are there any artists in the industry that you aspire to be like or any Hip Hop legends you would like to live up to?

Rich Tycoon: In the past most of my favorite artists i looked up to I didn't know, but recently I've been getting to know more and more "artist" personally and I'm learning to respect their paths and stories regardless of their music. People like San Quinn, Yukmouth, Sean T. These artists are considered underground but their work ethics are amazing. For instance once I landed in L.A. and found Yukmouth filming his own DVD. He said his camera man was always drinking and getting at women instead of filming, so the show must go on. It's stuff like that that keeps me pushing and knowing that it's a struggle for us all.

HipHopInformant: As an artist do you think that the industry needs to change? And if so why?

Rich Tycoon: It does need to change, but where do you start? CD burning and downloads are making people desperate and narrowing down the the varieties of music being promoted to the consumers by record labels. Everybody is messing it up...but i just keep rapping and making it. Thats where my priorities are. I can't let my reasoning for not making a record be lack of budget. I have to create art. The industry will take care of itself.

HipHopInformant: Are there any artists that inspired you to start rapping?

RichTycoon: Too Short, KRS One, and Rakim inspired me to start and along the way a gang of artist have inspired me to continue....C-Bo, Jay Z, E-40, T.I....everytime I hear a rap record I'm inspired.

HipHopInformant: Ive heard the BBQ Sampler and its outstanding. Do any of the songs relate to your life personally?

Rich Tycoon: On that sampler...RELAX was real personal and was a track I wrote actually telling myself to relax...THEY STOLE MY FRIENDS is about the police "stealing" my rap cohorts from me, so that was personal too. Most of my music is personal because thats why I write....to get it off my chest. Thanks by the way for the compliment on the sampler.

HipHopInformant: I recently saw that you were featured on an album that was released in Germany, how did that come about?

Rich Tycoon: Myspace is big and as much as people (rap artist) talk down on myspace artist. I don't have the budget to get to these places, so that's how I network. Pensive (the artist I worked with) actually sent me a message and ask me to do the track. I agreed and we actually came up with a couple of decent tracks. I felt honored to be able to rap for people on the other side of the world. My only worry was the language barrier, but i guess that wasn't a problem.

HipHopInformant: Do you think that the issues you rap about mainly affect guys in California or do you think that the issues are universal?

Rich Tycoon: I'm beginning to realize that everywhere is the same more than different. People feel the same emotions and have the same issues. My music comes from America, but the struggle is worldwide. I want to do more music with artist throughout the world because they seem to be more open to making decent music instead of "HIT RECORDS."

San Quinn Presents Black Bizness/buyin n sellin

BLACK BIZNESS's sophomore release featuring Sean T/Dubee (Thizz)/Vital...more and being presented by Bay Area rap legend San Quinn.

Singles:

We from Kalifornia

Ride Passenger

Oooh Weeee

Release Date: Spring 2008 / www.myspace.com/streetwiremuzik

RICH Tycoon aka Filthy RICH/currency

Debut solo album featuring San Quinn/Yukmouth/P.O.tha Profit...more

Singles:

Gangsta

Ease My Pain

Ain't Goin No Where

Release Date: Spring 2008 /

also check myspace.com/filthytycoonfanclub