Richard Raw pivots to funk, soul on fifth studio album
I know a lot of people probably wonder why they constantly see Richard Raw in my column. And I'm sure a fair amount of complainers out there probably think I favor him, but the simple fact is Richard is always doing something new and newsworthy.
Whether it's performing all over the East Coast, mentoring youth through his nonprofit Beyond Those Bars after-school program, or giving lectures at schools like the University of Delaware or Florida State University, it's easy to see Raw has been out-hustling most artists for years now.
This year is no different as Raw releases his fifth studio album, “The Dash,” this weekend at the Christina Cultural Arts Center in downtown Wilmington.
In true Richard Raw fashion, he has decided to go a completely different direction with this new album as there is zero rapping. The word warrior was heavily influenced by funk, soul and jazz as a child, and in this album we see him transform from a great lyricist and rapper to a great all-around artist.
We spoke recently about what inspired him to switch it up, why he delayed another album to release this one, and how fatherhood has changed him.
Q: What’s changed since the last album?
A: Stuff is always changing and evolving for me, but since last year I'd say becoming a father has been the biggest change. I also have six programs for my nonprofit currently running at different locations. And this album has really been a journey for me.
Q: At one point you had another album ready for release called the “Proletariat 2.” What made you push that back?
A: Yeah the “Proletariat 2” is coming in the fall. I even released a single for it but switched gears and really just got inspired to go in a different direction. The “Proletariat 2” is more for the younger crowd. “The Dash” I felt was more appropriate for the times
Q: Since you say “The Dash” is more appropriate for this time period, what can we expect from the subject matter?
A: I speak on all types of topics especially the ones that affect our community. I speak on everything from current community issues, political issues and even religion.
Q: What inspired you to go the soul/funk route with this album?
A: It's always something that I wanted to do but I just wasn't confident enough in the beginning to perform it. I feel like as artist we always have to evolve. Of course, the album has hip-hop influences but it actually has no rap verses. The way I use my voice on this album is very different and much more about the full experience. Hip-hop is birthed out of jazz, soul and funk. I even have some gospel influences too.
Q: How did you come up with the title of “The Dash” and what does it mean?
A: “The Dash” is my legacy. When you die they put on your tombstone the date you were born and the date you died, but what's more important is the dash in between. “The Dash” is your legacy and everything you did and created in your life. Any human can be born and die, but what did you do with your life?
Q: How has being a father changed you as an artist?
A: It's made me even more aware of what I do and say, especially when it comes to music. I want my daughter to look back and be proud of what her father created and not embarrassed by what she hears. I want her to be proud of the messages on my music.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: “The Dash” album release concert with Richard Raw and the Word Warrior Band
WHEN: Saturday, May 19, at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7)
WHERE: Christina Cultural Arts Center, 705 N. Market St., Wilmington
COST: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
MORE INFO: Email RichardRawProductions@gmail.com
