Whoa Now!
He’s finally got his piece of..., he’s finally got his piece of..., he’s finally got his piece of the pie.
But what’s most important about B Rich’s career is that he’s on track doing what he really wants to do: making music.
His debut album “80 Dimes” was released in late June, featuring the single “Whoa Now,” which many in the music industry are taking notice of.
“Whoa Now” encompasses a funky, hand-clapping beat and a sample from The Jefferson’s “Movin’ on up” that makes you want to move and groove with Rich’s accompanying lyrics.
The single was produced by Baltimore-based Dukeyman and serves as a homage to Baltimore and its inhabitants, much like the album itself.
Rich began his musical career rapping in his Baltimore high school, located in one of the city’s toughest neighborhoods.
His father was a preacher and his mother a school teacher. By exposing him to classic R & B and jazz, his parents kept him out of trouble, Rich said.
After graduating from high school, he entered the University of Maryland as a criminal justice major, but he found himself writing song lyrics rather than getting lost in books.
He left school his senior year to focus on his music. He knew that if he wanted to, he could go back and college later.
Dukeyman’s track, which Rich heard on Christmas Day of 2001, inspired instant lyrics for the Baltimore native, transforming the track into a presence of its own. After the song was heard on a local radio show the next day, it quickly gained popularity. Rich was soon on his way to stardom like many up-and-coming artists , selling copies from out of the trunk.
Rich’s dream of landing a top track became reality over night, culminating in a contract with Atlantic Records.
While Rich is still a new face, he’s bound and determined to let the nation know what Baltimore has to offer the music industry and world.
“Baltimore is already on the map as far as sports is concerned, but I want others to know what we have to offer in hip-hop,” he said.
The album title “80 Dimes” reflects Rich’s family of rappers’ and producers’ use of a mixture of sounds, musical genres and individual styles, creating the album’s unique sound.
But Rich’s talent doesn’t stop at “Whoa Now,” which has received instant recognition for its radio air-play, as well as for its video featured on MTV and BET.
Rich describes “80 Dimes” as a piece of work that doesn’t fit into one category like some albums.
“I feel like it is definitely well balanced. There’s something on there for everyone, at least one track,” he said.
Other cuts that give the listener insight into Rich’s hometown include “Showtime,” “We Goin’ Ride,” “Back to the Streets” and “Friday.”
Serious cuts that deal with issues prevalent in Rich’s life include “Same Pain,” “Nightmares,” “Hip Hop Slang” and “Unsigned Hype Blues.”
Rich is ready to showcase his lyrical skills for the world and continue “movin’ on up.”
