Get to know RRA, the radical and unorthodox rapper carving his way into the local music industry

RRA is a Cape Town native who originally from Mabopane in Pretoria. RRA only started rapping when he moved to Rustenburg when he was in around Primary school. RRA’s producing journey started when he was in high school. Back then “RRA” stood for “Red Rag Assassin” and now the rapper leaves it up to his audience to decide what it means or stands for. “It’s just a placeholder for my evolution as a person so it’s a mirror of the person I currently am”, the “Fuck up” hitmaker explains. RRA is the kind of artist that makes music to give his view on things, whether it be depression or women in order to instigate conversations that might lead to change. However, ultimately music is a form of therapy for the young rapper. We had an opportunity to sit down with RRA and this is how it went.

HJ:      Do you consider yourself a rapper or more of an all-round artist?

RRA: All round, I’m a rapper through and through but I sing and I scream depending on what the song requires. I’m all about making the best song possible. I’m not trying to prove to people that I’m the best rapper even if I can outrap them.

HJ:      Your sound is extremely different and unorthodox, has this always been your sound and what inspired it?

RRA: My sound changes almost every year based on what type of music I’m listening to at the time. Rock music is my biggest inspiration but I also draw from electronic music artist like Aphex Twin and Arca. On the rock side, artists like Joy Division, David Bowie and Radiohead are big influences.

HJ:      Growing up in Cape Town, you must be well aware of the racial and classist segregation epidemic in Cape Town, which is not only visible from the moment you drive from the airport, but is widely visible in Cape Town’s fashion and street culture scenes. What are your thoughts on these issues and what do you think can be done to eliminate these divides?

RRA:  I’m not from Cape Town but that doesn’t change the fact that the divide is quite clear to see. In order for change, the government must not neglect the hoods in Cape Town in favor of tourists. They must build infrastructures that can prevent crime and poverty and start more programmes to help disadvantaged people to find a better life but tourists bring in money and that’s all that matters to the government.

HJ:      What does exclusivity mean to you?

RRA:  I feel like it is linked to identity. There’s only one you and there’s only one person who can be you. We lose ourselves when we try and fit in. We rob the world of ourselves and becomes clones.

HJ:      Who, or what inspires your personal style?

RRA:  Punk/Post-Punk music from the ’80s and late 2000 and rappers like Kid Cudi and Kanye West.

HJ:      Where do you see yourself in the next year or two with your music?

RRA:  We going worldwide. No doubt.

HJ:      Who would you like to collaborate or with from Cape Town, Joburg and the rest of the world/

RRA:  Riky Rick or AKA would be dope. Kid Cudi would be my dream collab.

HJ:      What are you currently listening to on your playlist?

RRA:  GREEKGOD, Kate Bush, Old Three 6 mafia Albums and the Rosalia new album.

HJ:      What are you currently working on, or are there any future projects you will be doing that people can look forward to?

RRA:  I’m finalizing a project that I should be dropping next year and planning some music videos for next year as well.

Follow RRA on:

Instagram: TheRRadical

Twitter: TheRRadical

Facebook: RRA