Roosevelt has emerged from the streets of Kansas City with his own clothing brand Rich Apparels as well as his own sound musically that blends the urgency of modern day hip-hop with a smoother sound of alternative R&B.

With over 10,000 streams worldwide, sold out his first concert with over 250+ attendees, over 30 thousand supporters via twitter, Instagram, etc. Roosevelt has appeared in LA Fashion Week, KC Fashion Week, Omaha Fashion Week, appeared on VH1, BET, MTV and E! Network, Hot 103 Jamz, billboards, and countless magazines — Roosevelt is continuing to thrive in the R&B space as a young artist.

Q1: What inspired you to get started with music?

At such a young age, I would always hear my mom around the house singing, every morning. Music was a big part of my life growing up, and with my mom being raised and singing in the Church, my mom taught me at such an early age about music and the techniques of singing. From there, I began singing in front of family and friends, joining talent shows then began writing my music.

Q2: Most rewarding thing for you as an artist?

Great question! The most rewarding thing for me as an artist is supporters writing to me or coming up to me letting me know that my music has got them through a rough day or that my music has saved them. That brings me so much joy! At times, when writing this music, I sometimes feel I am alone in how I feel and my emotions when writing so when I write music and people tell me they relate, lets me know that I am not alone and through my art and vulnerability, it helps others.

Q3: If you could describe your style of music in three words, what would they be and why?

My music style in three words? This is tough! I would say Raw. Vulnerable. Storytelling. When I approach my music and writing a song, I like to tell a story with a beginning, middle and end. I want to walk my listeners through a journey and story. Through my storytelling, I always want to approach it with vulnerability, rawness, and honesty. Every song I write is true stories.

I am a very private person so listening to my music, the listener will learn a lot about me and my past and/or current relationships.

Q4: Who are some of your musical influences?

So many! A few of my musical influences/inspirations would be Given, Ariana Grande, Bryson Tiller, Summer Walker, and Sam Smith. They’re all so different however, I respect their sound individually.

However, I find inspiration from old school music as well such as Usher, Brandy, Donell Jones, etc. When it comes to music, I have so many musical influences and inspirations that it is so difficult to choose just one!

Q5: Where do you see yourself musically in the next 12 months?

In the next 12 months musically, I see myself performing for a large venue and signed to a record label. I believe in prayer, manifestation, and staying consistent and persistent so that my short and long-term goals will happen.

Q6:  What are some of the obstacles you’ve had to endure and overcome as an independent artist?

This is a really good question. There are pros and cons to being an independent artist. A big pro is you have creative control over your sound, your direction, 100% ownership of your profits and music. Some cons are as an independent artist you have a limited number of networks, limited resources, and budgeting, etc.

Music videos and studio time is 100% funded by me however when you’re signed to a record label, you have that backing for music videos and studio time. I hope to sign to a record label that allows me to be creative and remain true to who I am but also provide me with knowledge on the music industry.

Q7:  What is your take on the current state of hip-hop music?

Everyone is doing their thing! I find myself still listening to the greats such as Drake, Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller, Nicki Minaj, 6lack, Kendrick Lamar and so many more because those were the ones I would listen to the most in my middle school and high school days and I still find inspiration from those artists. They create such timeless music so I have a high level of respect for them.

I am just happy that hip hop is still alive and continuing to be ground-breaking! Being an R&b/Hip-Hop artist, I want to ensure I am doing my part to keep the momentum with such amazing and talented artists.

Q8: What can your fans expect from you next?

Up next, my supporters can expect some visuals/music videos coming over the summer from my EP, concerts, appearances, and history being made! My EP “How Poetic” is on pre-order Friday, May 14th and available on iTunes, Spotify, and all other streaming services Friday, June 4th. I have some things in the works that I cannot wait to share. Stay tuned!