Harlem Native Artist Combines Art With Music

Photo taken by Bobby Z

Rikko 009, an emerging hip-hop artist from Harlem is repainting the picture of the way we receive music.

“Why not put the songs to the art,” Rikko 009 said. 

He was introduced to the world of art and music at a young age. His family background includes him being surrounded by novelists, visual art, musical instruments, and different genres of music.

Rikko 009 uses his drawing talents to inspire his music and he is not limited to hip-hop beats, while gospel and rock beats are some of his favorites as well. He discovered that he could use his drawings to inspire his music.

“When I was a kid, my pops would listen to a lot of rock and so I kind of went through a rock phase,” Rikko 009 said. “I guess it’s coming back around.”

He was also introduced to gospel music at a young age.

“My mom would listen to a lot of gospel music and that’s a lot harder to find beats of or make the beats for, but that’s really where I attend to go next as far as my sound and everything,” Rikko said. “I love the gospel sound with a heavy bass like a Kanye, ‘Donda’ type of thing.”

Around the same time he purchased his music kit, he was working at his previous retail job and that’s when he got inspired to connect his drawings to his music. 

Rikko 009 brought a vertical notebook and wanted to draw something from the top to bottom of the page. He wasn’t pleased with the drawings in the first notebook, so he decided to purchase another one.

Photo taken by Bobby Z

“That turned out to be the whole level of accent,” Rikko 009 said. 

This discovery led to him creating a series of drawings called The 00X Project that includes 10 drawings that played a part in him finding his voice.

Fans can look forward to diversity in his newest project. It will include all things hip-hop, but he wants to expand his talent and see what he can become if he really puts his mind to it.

“I’m really looking forward to more of me and seeing how I grow,” Rikko 009 said.

Fans can stream Rikko 009’s newest single “Aint the Same” on all platforms. 

Follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rikko.009/ to stay up to date about his latest project. 

The Artistry Show: Ep 137 with V-Henny x King x Special Guest Avery Watson “Ms.Artistry”

Sunday | 6PM | First half of the show: V-henny and Jade speak on their trip to Miami, having some strange activities yet having fun. V-Henny Also explains her Rapé experience out in Orlando which is a purification ceremony, performed by Angelic Rey. Second Half of the show:

V-Henny sit with PR and Digital Strategist Avery Watson “Ms. Artistry”, the laughed, vibe, Ms. Artistry spoke on her journey within her career and what’s next to come.

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The Artistry Show: Ep136 | V-Henny + King Jade + Special Guest Joe Smizzy

Sunday | 6PM | First half of the show: V-henny and Jade speak on the Joe Rogan and Kanye West interview. They speak on those who are opened minded opposed the programmed individuals. V-henny ask a dating question. If on a first date, if the other person lost or forgot their wallets would you pay the bill? If so, would it be just your bill, both bill or are you leaving?

Second Half of the show: V-Henny sit with recording artist Joe Smizzy. They spoke upon many topics such as traveling together to old projects leading into his up & coming Project “NUMB3R5”. Also, catch Joe Smizzy Performance and Premiering his newest single “Zero” off his project.

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The Artistry Show: Ep 135 with V-Henny + King Jade + Special Guest Warren Wint

Sunday | 6PM | First half of the show: V-henny is back and hype, speaking with King Jade on the many topics from 50 cent to Tory lanez, to the show the good place. Do you think your soul will go to the good place? Hear their answers lol Second Half of the show: V-Henny sit with recording artist Warren Wint. They discuss in this episode his up and coming project “ Father’s Favorite” , his mind frame and the way he thinks. Catch Warren performing his latest single L.I.O.N.

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The Artistry Show: Ep134 | V-Henny x Special Guest Memo600

Wednesday | 6PM | First half of the show: V-henny speaks with King Jade on her Atlanta trip doing radio run, networking and discussing planning a tour Second Half of the show: V-Henny sit with recording artist OTF’s own MEMO600. We spoke on his career and what’s next to come.

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The Artistry Show: Ep133 V-Henny and Special Guest Johnnie Floss

Sunday | 6PM | First half of the show: V-henny speaks with King Jade on her trip going to ATL, Trump testing positive with Co-Vid 19, Election and more.

Second/Third Half of the show: V-Henny sit with recording artist Johnnie Floss and speak on his growth, touring together, expectations, stepping out of you comfort, his latest joint project with DJ Chase “Rich in Spirit” and more.

Also, Catch Johnnie Floss performing his single “We Good Outside ” Watch more of The Artistry

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The Artistry Show: Ep 130 with V-Henny & Special Guest JBANGABEATS

Wednesday | 6PM | First half of the show V-henny is back from taking a mini break. She dives right into certain topic from what she read on twitter about scientist speaking on our neighbor planet Venus having possible extraterrestrial being living on the planet. She also speaks briefly on Trump stating on having a debate with biden on The Joe Rogan Show. King mentions the saltiness that Joe Budden might have on that and we dive into more topics. Second Half of the show V-Henny sit with Music Producer JBanga Beats and discuss his career as a producer, how he started, he spoke on how he moved from Peru to miami then to NY. JBanga opens up to his process on making beats, his expectations in the near future and more.

LV Jay Lives with No Regrets!

Meet  LV Jay an artist from Miami, Florida who refuses to live in regret. LV plans to take on his passion to another level and pursue his dreams as an artist and entrepreneur. V-Henny had the pleasure of interviewing him on his process and what he’s been currently working on.

V-Henny: Who inspired you to make music? 
LV Jay: As far as who inspired me I would say Lil Wayne  inspired me to make music because he is so versatile and can do a lot and that’s something I strive for in my music myself. My twin brother had introduced me to Lil Wayne music back when we were in middle school. I used to walk around with all his tapes downloaded on my PSP and It was over from then.

V-Henny: What age did you start writing and recording music?
 LV Jay: I actually started writing music at the age of 24 but at first I used to just freestyle with my friends and I eventually made my first track . Most of the time I would go off the flow of the beat & how I’m feeling at the time. But now I actually write my songs out. 

V-Henny: What made you want to become a player in the music industry?
LV Jay: What made me wanna become an artist is the freedom of expression they have and music is something that could help me talk to others that may be going through the same thing I’m going through in life . 

V-Henny: What is your goal with being an owner of a label?
LV Jay: My goal is to have my label big like QC one day and build a label with family vibes that’s very important to me . 

V-Henny: Looking back then to where you’re at now, give me a moment that made an impact within your music career. 
LV Jay: What made an impact on my music from back then to now is seeing my friend Yung JD go so hard and seeing other artists from Florida go hard in the rap game. They make me want it more and become a better artist myself.   

V-Henny: Has it been a smooth road for you as an artist? 
LV Jay: No it hasn’t been a smooth road as an artist because I’m an independent artist and you have to be organized in order to compete with other artists that are actually signed to these big labels . But to be real I Love the grind and the hustle that come with the music industry. 

V-Henny: What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
LV Jay: If it wasn’t for music I’ll be going to school getting a masters degree or owning a business if I wasn’t focused on my music career . 

V-Henny: What were some of the steps you had to take to get to where you’re at in your career?
LV Jay: The steps I had to take was to find out what kind of artist I am and what kind of music I wanna make . Then after I discovered that I just started working on songs and investing in myself also started networking within the music industry. 

V-Henny: What projects are you presently working on?  
LV Jay: I’m working on a mixtape that I’m making with Yung JD right now. It’s going well so far and will be a hard tape. The tape will have 10 tracks on it. 

V-Henny: Who would you most like to collaborate with?
LV Jay: I would like to work with Lil Wayne , Future , DMX , Lil Durk, No Cap , Lil Baby , Polo G , Lil Tjay and Drake and many women artists like Summer Walker and Cardi B. 

V-Henny: Other notables you have worked with?  
LV Jay: Other nobles I have worked with was an artist named Saintlee. She has a great voice and we made a track called “Right from wrong” . It’s on my EP “I Jay You” which is on all platforms. 

V-Henny: What’s your ultimate goal within your artistry ?   
LV Jay: My goal is to become a gold artist first and then a platinum artist next. I wanna be the next big thing out of Florida .  

V-Henny: What is one message you would give to your fans? 
LV Jay: The message I wanna give people that listen to my music is a point of view of my life and also a positive message to grind and go get it no matter what challenges you may face. 


V-Henny: What is the best advice you’ve been given to pursue your goal as an artist and a label owner?
LV Jay: The best advice I got as an artist and a label owner is you go get out what you put in with this music game. Meaning the more I work the more progression I’ll see and if I don’t work on my craft you won’t see much change. 

V-Henny: Is there anything else you would like the world to know about you?
LV Jay:  I would like the world to know that I’m going to be the next big artist coming out of Florida. 

You can find more of LV Jay’s work on

https://linktr.ee/lv_jay

Meet The Other Shade

The Other Shade is a multifaceted artist in which he is known to be a talented R&B singer, a producer and owner of his own clothing brand. Pushing his artistry to become a notable powerhouse, the Virginia native is making a name for himself as he set the tone throughout the industry. Pyro Da Arsonist had the pleasure of interviewing him as you learn more on who is The Other Shade.

Pyro Da Arsonist: Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us what do you do and where you are from.

T.O.S: Thank you for having me, I’m an R&B artist named T.O.S. Also known as The Other Shade. I own a clothing company called KALIFRAGALISTIC, and I also produce beats for movies and musical artists of different acclaimed levels.

Home used to be Fairfax, Virginia, in my early life I moved around different areas in the same county till I came to college in Morgantown at WVU.

Pyro Da Arsonist: Why did you choose The Other Shade as your stage name?

T.O.S: I remember I was making my first Instagram account in the middle of 7th grade and I wanted to make a name no one will think of but that represents me. To me the other shade offers colors and the shade between the lights of things. Basically I’m just always the other aspect.

Pyro Da Arsonist: What or who inspired you to become an artist?

T.O.S: Big L, Rick James, The Weeknd, Tupac, and Nas were the biggest influences when it comes to greats in music. I had two close friends that passed at the beginning and the end of 2020, those two were my most physical influences which is what pushed me to be the no look back artist I am today.

Pyro Da Arsonist: How would you describe yourself as an artist and describe your sound?

T.O.S: As an artist I see myself as very detailed and extremely personable. It’s always been hard to show my emotions but I found the easiest way to express is through music because I can only judge myself. The sound that comes out is very cinematic and has been compared to films more than day to day music.

Pyro Da Arsonist: What project are you currently working on and what kind of feedback have you received from your current single?

T.O.S: So I’m working on my studio album called  “D’evils of beauty” that I’m recording at IMI studios throughout the month of April. My current single “All in Ones” will debut and mark the first release of the project. After submitting to music reviewers I’ve had nothing but positive feedback, the most negative comment was a better mix-down which IMI studios will undoubtedly take care of in April.

Pyro Da Arsonist: What is one of your most memorable performances and why?

T.O.S: I would say my very first one at 123 pleasant St. in Morgantown. It was a beat battle and we had a whole promo and everything for the area. It was my first taste of the life I always felt needed me.

Pyro Da Arsonist: Have you ever had a bad performance and if so how do you move past it without letting it affect your confidence?

T.O.S: My second beat battle had more of a randomness to it, my competitor had lost their father just a few days before so it kind of dulled the atmosphere. I noticed I felt sympathetic but I realized no matter what music is music and pushed forward.

Pyro Da Arsonist: In this age of social media what do you feel is more important in an artists success, talent, number of followers or an investor?

T.O.S: In this age I would say investors for sure, money makes the world work that much faster for you. Social media makes chances more available for the everyday artist but no matter what money comes into play at some point.

Pyro Da Arsonist: What words of wisdom would you give to those who want to start a career in music?
T.O.S: My best advice would be that if it’s been your gut feeling over multiple years and you keep ignoring it? Don’t. That’s how history gets lost. Those artist with a natural tug to them are the ones to watch out the most for because they’re usually behind the scenes till they realize they are the scene.

Thank you for sitting down with The Artistry and we wish you lots of success in all you do.

Follow T.O.S on all Social Media