Today we’d like to introduce you to R&D.
Thanks for sharing your story with us R&D. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up in Orange County, I always knew I would want to move up to Los Angeles one day. Ever since I was a kid I had a deep fascination with music, dancing, performing arts, and all things entertainment. I was known throughout my city for participating in talent shows, creating content for YouTube, and being the center stage of the dance floor at every party. What better place than LA for someone like me?
My older brother, Rikanatti, provided my first formal introduction to the music industry. He has been a professional record producer for the majority of his life and got his first big break with Eminem back in 2006. As a kid, I would watch him make beats and run a business out of his home studio. I loved being in that environment! I thought it was the coolest thing in the world and would just sit and watch. Fast forward to high school, and my brother started bringing me along to his studio sessions in LA. The first three studios he took me to were 1500 or Nothin, Paramount, & Dr. Dre’s personal lab, The Cave. These experiences would go on to change the course of my life. From the moment I heard music coming through those speakers I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life.
After graduating from high school, I was offered a large academic scholarship to study at Loyola Marymount University. I knew this was my shot to get to LA so I took it! Despite being a business major, music ruled my life. I started off producing & learned to make beats but would eventually find my way to the mic to start recording as an artist as well! I frequently collaborated with my two best friends, Chase Mor & David Jones, and we would release music on SoundCloud to share with the other students on campus. The music started to gain traction and I was able to build my first fan base at LMU. Had it not been for that opportunity, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.
I worked for a small start-up back in Orange County after graduating but quickly realized that I had no place in the world of the 9-5 (Power to those who do. It just isn’t for me.) After nine months I quit that job to pursue music full time. This was one of the scariest decisions of my life knowing firsthand how crazy the industry can be but, I knew it was my calling. I found a small studio apartment in Hollywood, packed my bags, and moved back to LA to chase my dream.
For the past two years since moving back to LA, I have been driving full time for Uber to pay my bills and fund my career. Difficult doesn’t even describe the half of it but the journey has been extremely rewarding nonetheless. I am happy to be working with the same group of friends I started with (LIFE$TYLES) and so proud of all that we have been able to accomplish! This past year alone I released my three biggest singles to date, headlined Boardners, Adults Only, Peppermint Club, and just last month put out a new album titled “Darkskinromeo”.
It is my best body of work yet and I believe it is the perfect representation of my experience In Hollywood thus far. Through all the ups and downs, I can say that I have truly learned who I am and what I stand for. I am so proud of the lifestyle I am building for myself and cannot wait to see how the story will continue to unfold. It takes all the faith, courage, and hard work in the world to step out on your dreams but I would encourage everyone to do so! You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take so don’t spend your life wondering what if. Go out and make it happen!
Has it been a smooth road?
Some things that have been tough.
– I love driving for Uber but it has been very challenging.
– It has done a lot of damage to my car.
– I have had to put a lot of money into fixing it.
– I don’t have a label so I have to personally finance all my music ventures.
– It has been tough to create relationships with influencers & tastemakers, though I am very appreciative of who I do have in my network.
-Been in a relationship with my girlfriend for five & a half years so that has had its challenges.
– At the end of the day I know I’m blessed though. People come from a whole lot worse so I’m never one to complain but those have been some of the biggest challenges.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I go by R&D aka the Darkskinromeo! I am a hip hop/ R&B artist & songwriter. I am most proud of my intention. Music has always been there for me in life. I feel like there is a song for every moment. I believe I create from a space of purity & positivity! Music has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined & it is my goal to do the same for my listeners. It’s a universal language & connects people in the most beautiful & intimate way! I consider it an honor to be able to create music that people can turn up to, vibe to, smoke to, ride through the city too, etc. As I evolve spiritually I try to place more content in my songs that will get people to think at a higher frequency because I believe a better me, a better you, is a better us!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like Best:
– I love the energy of Hollywood. Anything can happen at any moment.
– Diversity.
– All kinda of great food.
– Aesthetic & culture motivates me.
– Lush greenery everywhere.
– Women, weed, & weather.
– It’s the epicenter of the music industry.
What I don’t like:
– There has yet to be a solution set forth to helping the homeless.
– Traffic is terrible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://song.link/Darkskinromeo
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @Darkskinromeo_
- Twitter: @Darkskinromeo_
Image Credit:
Wenxinyang for the two photos with blue lights at the Peppermint Club.
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