With real, raw, and authentic lyrics, RaheemXO is drawing attention for his look, his style, and the way he is moving in the independent music scene as a black alternative rock artist. In this interview, he shares his early influences, his incredible mindset, and how he is creating music as an outlet for heartbreak, offering a space for vulnerability.
RaheemXO Influences
Photobombshell: Hi, RaheemXO! Thank you so much for agreeing to take some time to discuss your music career with me. I saw you perform at Go Crazy Festival in April of 2023, and I was so impressed. For those learning about you for the first time, share where you are from, describe your sound and tell us how you got your start with music.
RaheemXO: I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. My sound is a rap style with rock thrown in the mix. Honestly, I started making music when I was little. I had so much musical influence from my mother and my grandmother. Eighties classic rock was something my mother cherished while I was growing up. It was our way of bonding in the car and around the house. She listened to everything: Hall and Oates, Foreigner, Squeeze, Bryan Adams, Mr. Mister, and Phil Collins. Of everything we listened to, 80s classic rock caught my attention the most. I still listen to it to this day. Now, my grandmother was different. She introduced me to gangster rap sounds, like 2Pac, Biggie, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Mack 10, and Warren G.
Standing Out in Rock
Photobombshell: I think I would like your mom and grandmother. They both have good taste. Given your musically diverse upbringing, I imagine your experience in music has been out of the ordinary. Share a bit about your experience as a black alternative rock artist.
RaheemXO: The experience of being a black rock artist is amazing. Being in the music scene is different from the culture I grew up around, from how I dress to the music I create.
Photobombshell: That’s awesome. In doing my homework, I learned you are just getting started with music on the professional side. Are you on digital streaming platforms? Where can people listen to your music?
RaheemXO: Yes. I’m just getting off the ground with what I started on SoundCloud. You can find me there under “RaheemXO.” That’s the name you’ll find me under on all other platforms, too.
Challenges
Photobombshell: Thank you! You are at the start of your career with a unique perspective. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge for independent artists like yourself in 2023?
RaheemXO: One of the hardest challenges is trying to maintain a life while also trying to be the artist they are becoming.
RaheemXO Advice For Independents
Photobombshell: I think that’s insightful. Being a musician and artist often will pull you in many directions, and having a life outside of music can certainly be a challenge if you are all in. If you could offer any advice to fellow artists and creatives, what would that be?
RaheemXO: Up has no limits. If you keep God first and put your mind to whatever you want to be or do in life, it’ll come true if you believe.
Heartbreak as Inspiration
Photobombshell: What inspires you to create, and what is your writing process like when working on something new?
RaheemXO: Heartbreak started me on this music path. I always wanted to be a voice for men afraid to open up about how they feel emotionally. I have made it a point to focus on that topic, writing around that concept as if I’m writing a paper. There is always a focus on a crazy bridge to the song to catch the people’s ears.
Feel Special
Photobombshell: I love that! Anyone who knows me or my music reviews knows how I feel about a good bridge! Hell yeah! Speaking of your process, talk to us about one of your more popular tracks, “Feel Special.” What is the vibe and intention of that project?
RaheemXO: OK. “Feel Special” was the first song I ever recorded. I was going through a rough breakup. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it so I decided to try to make a song. “Feel Special” is what came out. Creatively, I look at music as a scapegoat in life, so I made that song to help others. When they are down and depressed, they can turn up through their depression and forget about why they were down.
Rewarding Moments and Future Plans
Photobombshell: To date, what has been your greatest accomplishment as a musician?
RaheemXO: My greatest accomplishment is reaching people with my music. So far, traveling and doing shows is cool, but nothing is a better feeling than someone saying that they felt the message through my music.
Photobombshell: That’s a beautiful thing. I completely agree there. That’s a huge accomplishment on a deep level. What can we look forward to from you in 2023?
RaheemXO: An album, ”Ashamed,” is on the way. I will also be releasing music videos, finally.
Connect with RaheemXO
Readers and listeners interested in learning more about RaheemXO and his unique journey as an alternative rock artist can connect with him via social media and hear more of his music on SoundCloud.
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