OH NOOOO . . . it’s Red Rat!!!! An Interview with a Dancehall Legend!

Red Rat rose to quick fame in the late 90′s with two albums “Oh No….It’s Red Rat!” and “I’m A Big Kid Now”, spanning such hits as “Tight Up Skirt” “Cruise” “Big Man Little Yute”, and garnering global attention as he toured relentlessly worldwide. In the 00s, Red Rat took a break to raise his children, always remaining relevant by partaking in International events, and still recording. Even with the success of recent collaborations with Zimbabwean artist, his mentoring of rising artist, Red Rat’s music from 1999, still spins like a single from 2013.

How does it feel to know music you recorded and reached it’s climax over 10+ years ago, is still prevalent in dances worldwide today?

I FEEL GOOD!!!!! (James Brown Voice) Well firstly, it is quite obvious that they haven’t reach their climax yet but seriously, I’ve been blessed with a nice RATalog that was well produced from day one, by an amazing producer (Danny Browne) and a camp who has many timeless records. (Interjects . . . but you have a distinct sound though as if it transcends “trend”, I think that has a little something to do with it) Yes, I was born this way!! Red Rat has a sound that can not be duplicated.

I do that by putting in extra work, more than the regular folks. Putting away the ego and bringing myself back to ground zero. In essence, being a young artist again, that’s hungry to buss!

Fortunately for me, I never get those comments or request from people. I have fans that has stuck with me and been begging me for new music everyday, so that’s what keeps me focused. PLUS, I still look like I’m a teenager and I take care of my body, that’s why I’m still sexy I eat healthy and work out everyday.

I’ve always had a view of music that at the end of the day, a HIT is a HIT. I have hit records from 16 years ago that still play today. Dancehall now is no different from Dancehall back in URoys time. Meaning, once you have a HIT SONG it ago buss regardless of how old you are or who a run the place. (Interjects with the question, so you really don’t think Dancehall now is different from Dancehall then) No, I honestly don’t think it’s a difference, a hit is a hit regardless of the year it gets put out. Goofy and I did “Big Man Little Yute”, three years before it was released, it was still successful. Kartel’s “Benz Punanny” was an old song, these kids didn’t  know, the song still buss in 2010.

With all the ups and down of this business, what keeps you going?
The fact that I have life, is what keeps me going.

The music industry is more technological now and you have an easier access to the world because of the internet. Artist today don’t have to do the foot work that we did back in the days. An artist can become famous by putting a video of themselves singing on the internet and they explode. Also the fact that music has become more software based, it makes it music more accessible for people who wish to become producers as well.

My plans for 2013 . . . to make more money, and music of course, currently working on some new productions, one includes a riddim I’m about to drop.

What’s one of your most memorable moments in your career?
I’ve been in the industry for years, I’ve have too many memorable moments to just choose one!

Your biggest piece of advice for rising artist?
STUDY THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THE INDUSTRY. ITS CALLED “MUSIC BUSINESS” NOT MUSIC HYPE!!

Who are you listening too music wise right now?
I listen to all types of music, I never limit myself with music.

And finally what is your THAT ISH thing of the moment?
YOGA!

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!