Hello and welcome to One-on-One in 10, where we ask 10 questions to pick the brains of some of the most talented indie artists from across the country.  It’s your girl, Mai Mazzi, live and on the scene, bringing you the real with today’s movers and shakers, allowing you to meet them, one on one.

I am kicking off this year’s blog paying homage to the month of March. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. Who runs the world? Girls!! Although we have this recognition for only one month, just having the shine is worth capitalizing on!

And what better way to do this than by showcasing the rawest female talent on the indie circuit. Let’s begin with dirty jerz (hey Jersey J). Hailing from Camden, this female emcee embodies creativity and versatility that has been recognized not only in the states but across the globe. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring to you Rell Rock, the first interviewee of 2017!

Mazzi: What made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

Rell Rock: When I was around six or seven years old I started singing. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to sing or rap at that time, but I knew that I wanted to be a contributing force in the music industry. At the age of eleven I made the conscious choice to pursue rap as it came easier for me than singing.

Mazzi: What is the meaning behind your name?

Rell Rock: Around the time when I decided to take rap seriously, I wrote a rhyme and ran down to the basement to spit it. I had older brothers that used to rap and record in the basement, creating that hip-hop environment that aided in jumpstarting my rap career.

It was the Ruff Ryder era and I made a rhyme to that beat that said something along the lines of, “stop drop…. it’s little rell rock…”, and it went so hard that that one bar stuck with me, birthing Rell Rock.

Mazzi: How do you describe your music?

Rell Rock: I describe my music as truthful. I express pain in my songs, the pains that I have experienced with poverty and growing up in the hood. I also have my happy, feel-good type music. So I guess you can say that I make mood music. My music brings life to my moods.

Mazzi: If you had to categorize your music, what genre would it best fit?

Rell Rock:  My music is definitely Hip Hop. My overall sound is different. I say that because I do not try to do what is trending. Although I do listen to what is out now, I try not to ride any waves. I make my music from the heart.

Mazzi: I am sure that you are familiar with the term “starving artist.” How do you cope with major obstacles as they relate to that term?

Rell Rock: You just have to do you. Give it your all and put your heart into it. I am motivated to push through any obstacle that may present itself in my plight to success by remaining hungry and passionate.

Mazzi: What do you think your greatest opportunity has been so far in your musical career?

Rell Rock: I featured on a song with Stanton Warriors and Tony Quattro called, “Keep It Movin.”  The song made a huge splash on the scene, being featured in an Adidas commercial, which now has over 6 million views. It’s also making its rotation in London on a show called Crazy Heads.

Mazzi: What image do you think your music conveys? Why did you choose this type of image for your music?

Rell Rock: I wasn’t trying to run with an image as I try to stay as true to Rell Rock as possible. Some people see me as hood and gutter because I am representing Camden. And those same people respect my professionalism. My image is just me being myself.

Mazzi: Art and music has an impact on both the young and the old; sometimes the older generation loses respect for the music we listen to today because they cannot comprehend the value of it. What advice can you give to the youth of today seeking to enter the industry in regards to being able to stay relevant for every generation and for any audience?

Rell Rock: The music that I do reaches out to the young and old. I do not get too explicit; profanity, yes but I respect and stay within certain levels when painting pictures with my music. I speak for both generations and make it so that they can understand me on any level I choose. What is meant for one generation may not be meant for the other, but they will both be able to vibe to it and not be offended. Versatility and consciousness broaden your relevancy.

It may sound corny, but my advice to the younger generation is to stay true and always be yourself. When you follow the trends and try to ride waves you take away from your own authenticity. Go hard for what you believe in and people will respect your individuality.

Mazzi: What are your immediate music career goals (1 to 3 years)?

Rell Rock: I plan on being heard all over the world. In the next couple of years I will be continuing to build my brand up to becoming a household name.

Mazzi: Do you have other interests or talents that you would like to share with us?

Rell Rock: I do hair and I can also draw. I am big on art and painting. I also designed a pair of Air Force 1’s when I was 14.

Mazzi: How do you like to enjoy your time away from the music?

Rell Rock: When I am away from the music I am with my nine-year-old son LeBron.

Be on the look out for Rell Rock’s new EP dropping on March 15th entitled “Victory”. She is also finishing up her album, which is due to be completed this summer, called “The Writer”. Rell Rock is working on another hot new single with European producer/dj Nightwave https://twitter.com/iamnightwave on Fools Gold Records called “Bossettes” dropping very, 

To my readers, thank you for tuning in, and make sure you stay tuned for the next NMNJ “One on One in 10”!

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About The Author

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Ayasha Roberson started Urban SociaLites, LLC in June of 2010, she holds a bachelor degree in Sociology from Richard Stockton College and Masters Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

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