Remy R.E.D. — Interview

What’s your stage name?

Remy R.E.D.

What is your background growing up?

[I was born in Syria and lived there as a] kid… We migrated to the [United States] in 1994, and have been [in] the Bay Area ever since. It [wasn’t easy having] to adapt to a new culture, [a new lan]guage, and above all, a new [way of] life. But as kids we all learn fast, [and] learning English wasn’t as tough as I [thought] it would be. The hardest part was leaving my past behind, [be]cause I couldn’t visit my place of birth anytime I wanted. In fact it’s damn near impossible going back to Syria without running through some issues due to war in the Middle East.

Who musically inspired you to become a performing artist?

Growing up, my father would teach me and my siblings how to play instruments. [My] brother Taz and I were really influenced by the Hip Hop culture growing up in the Bay […] and he was the one to [introduce me] to my [favorite music]. I literally watched Chuy Gomez […] as a teenager and [gained] so much [of my] Hip Hop experience. My brother [Taz was] very tech savvy, and knew a lot about sound/DJ equipment, as we both worked at a family car stereo and DJ outlet. In the early 2000’s we began taking our work seriously and began working on our studio. My [brother was] always working [with] artists as an engineer and a producer. Shortly [after], I was working with many artists [in] the Bay Area, and our journey in [Hip] Hop began under Mac Dre[’s Thizz] Nation. You can pretty much say I owe it all to my brother Taz. He motivated and inspired me to pursue my career in becoming a Hip Hop artist.

What is your most recent single to date? Tell us about it.

My most recent single is titled “Over [My Way]” featuring The Jacka and K Loc [of the] GorillaPits — a blend of […]. This was the last song to be released/leaked with The Jacka while he was alive. On the morning of [February] 2nd we leaked the song on [major] Hip Hop sites, and the [song has] been [in rotation a pretty] long time. [My friend] and producer Khanspiracy [did] the production, and [we] had already [shot] the music video prior to The Jacka’s death with my friend/director Bro Jackson, who has directed many of our music videos. The single is [scheduled] to be released on my exclusive mixtape with DJ Rah2k of the Mixtape Mobb this summer 2015. [The project] is titled Menace To Sobriety, featuring The Jacka, Keak Da Sneak, J Diggs, San Quinn, XSF, K Loc, Dem Hood Starz, NHT Boyz, Gamed Up, […]

…Johnny Ca$h and more, with production from Taz, Klypso, Khanspiracy, Don Pro, Sean Fong, Deadbeat. The music video for “[Ride] With” is also on the way, and we are now working on other music videos from my new projects.

Any project you’re working on?

Aside from Menace To Sobriety, I will be re-releasing my first solo project On The House, which we released [as a] free download exclusively on [The] Dragons website. Due to many requests, we have re-mastered this project and added a new bonus track [to] release this summer with Menace To Sobriety, so it will be available online and in stores. I’ve also began working on another EP last year titled REVOLUTION, starring myself and The Jacka. And now another project is in the works by me and K Loc of the GorillaPits. I’m just now getting back into my groove — it’s been tough since we lost The Jack. But one thing is for certain: we will “See It Through”.

What is your most favorable moment in music?

For the past few years I’ve been working a lot with The Jacka, and for those who know The Dragons, we’ve always had our Thizz Nation and Mob Figaz family on our albums. But the past few years were really special to me. I began guest DJ’ing for The Jacka late [last year] and it has completely changed my attitude and approach in this industry. My most memorable moment in music was last year during The Jacka and Freeway’s Highway Robbery Tour. I’ve always been a fan [of] real Hip Hop, and had the utmost respect for Freeway and other East Coast Hip Hop artists. I was invited by Jacka to DJ for him and Freeway on their tour, and though it was postponed after the first two events, I was honored to have DJ’d for them in Seattle. I was a bit nervous at first, but I was ready. The crowd had been familiar with me and I got so much love as soon as I walked on stage to set up. All I can say is, that event was the greatest I’ve attended or been a part of. Special thanks to my big brother Freeway for also having me DJ his set. Also, special thanks to my brother PK [for helping] me along the way.

Where can people find you?

Twitter, IG, FB: TheRemyRed • www.TheRemyRed.com • www.DragonsEra.com • YouTube: TheDragonsEra • SoundCloud: TheDragonsEra

Any last words?

I would like to thank everyone who ever supported what I do. Being an independent underground artist is tougher than it looks, and throughout the past decade I’ve been blessed with many individuals who helped me and supported me. I love Hip Hop, and will continue to do all I can to represent the culture correctly. Special thanks to All Bay Music Magazine, my friends, family, supporters, fans — love you all. Rest in peace to our brother Jacka, the greatest of all time.