HipHopStardom101 Magzine

HipHopStardom101 Tell us about where [you’re] from and how long you[have] been doing music?

Red Baron I start off my song Southern Comfort (Hue I Am) by saying, “I was born by the river/Where the vehicle of choice was a ‘Lac or Chevy pickup/And the side of the track you were at is how that differed . . .” Basically, I was born in Memphis grew up outside of Atlanta and now I’m holding down Philly. I’ve been making music since I was in high school.

HipHopStardom101 Tell us about yourself and what company you represent.

Red Baron I am just a guy with a gift that wants to be used of God to get His Word out to His people, and if you would just listen, you would know all that you need to . . . I represent Sanctifly Music Group, LLC. We’re a Philadelphia-based production company that specializes in the authorship, recording, editing, release, distribution, sale, performance, and representation of recording artists’ work and the artists themselves. Our aim is to create timeless music that does not compromise our message.

HipHopStardom101 What was the real turning point in your career?

Red Baron This year’s been a blessing. I received some big compliments from key figures in the industry (e.g. EPMD, Dj Scratch, Lenny S (VP of A&R at Def Jam) and Mtv Correspondent Sway), received the Grand Prize in the Hip-Hop Category of Session 1 of the 2010 John Lennon Songwriting Competition, participated in some notable music industry showcases and received more radioplay, etc. Nevertheless, one of the more important moments in my career came early. In the fall of 2002, I participated in Clark Atlanta’s Homecoming Gospel Concert. I happened to close the concert. On that afternoon I did my song called, As in the Days of Noe. It’s based on a scripture (Matthew 24:37) where Jesus compared His second coming to the days of Noe (Noah). The concert took place on beautiful fall afternoon; there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. As I finished my song, I glanced out of the window, and began seeing storm clouds forming outside. Shortly after I finished with the final line, “Because looking in the sky, it looks like rain to me,” the clouds seemed to burst, and the area had begun to receive a torrential downpour. The rain fell with such force that we all had to wait indoors for the rain to cease. From that day forward, I knew this is what I am supposed to do.

HipHopStardom101 Are you working on any mixtapes, singles [or] albums currently?

Red Baron I am presently nearing the release of my second album, entitled, Shades of Grace. The album is the natural progression of my debut in terms of content and instrumentation. The actual content tackles some of the more compelling issues of our day—conversion, the intersection of race and faith, overzealous religious fervor, unity of mankind, the search for love, satisfaction and purpose—all neatly packaged into great music. The music itself includes a deft fusion of jazz, blues, soul and rock, but keeps its foundation in hip-hop. Hip-hop as a genre has lost a sense of its compositional element, and too often rappers and their audiences have grown satisfied with monotonous melodies and looped drum patterns. That significantly diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the music, at least in my eyes. This album will push the genre more towards making music again. It will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Napster, Myspace Music, Walmart Music Downloads, Zune and Cdbaby. You can find the lead single, Have Plenty (winner of the Grand Prize Winner in the Hip-Hop Category of the 2010 John Lennon Songwriting Competition) on iTunes right now.

HipHopStardom101 What artists inspired you when you were younger?

Red Baron Ironically, I didn’t begin listening to rap until my early teenage years, because my parents’ introduction to rap music came from the musings of 2 Live Crew. Naturally they forbid rap in their house, so I drifted towards their collections of the classics of soul as a small child: Marvin, Aretha, James, Bob, Stevie, Michael, you name them. Additionally, my parents also ensured that I learned to play the violin and piano at a young age, so by the time I actually encountered rap, my musical stylings were more influenced by Mozart than Mos Def.Once I started listening to rap, I initially hung off every word of any emcee that said something that demonstrated skill. Some of those who would prove influential included ‘Pac’s, Jay, Nas, Big, The Roots, Outkast and Common. Later, one of the more instrumental influences just so happens to be three great friends of mine that I went to college with—The Remnant. They taught me how to balance lyrical dexterity with relatability. In essence, they showed me how to be myself and not compromise my message.

HipHopStardom101 Besides being an artist, tell us something we may not know about you?

Red Baron I’m an attorney (yes you read that right). I’m blessed to say I have several gifts, which at times push me in seemingly different directions.

My pursuit of the law is one such gift; however, my legal knowledge, experience and skill allow me to protect the rights and interests of marginalized segments of society, as well as advance many of the endeavors that have you asking me questions. Being a lawyer also makes people be nice to me . ..

HipHopStardom101 How can anyone get in contact with you if they wanted to do business with you?

Red Baron Those interested in learning more information about my music may do so by visiting: www.paintedred.net, and may read my blog by visiting: www.thepaintedone.wordpress.com. I am also on several social networking sites: www.facebook.com/The.Red.Baron1, www.myspace.com/thetrueredbaron and www.sonicbids.com/redbaron. Additionally, I may be reached via e-mail at redbaron@paintedred.net, for those looking to collaborate or present business opportunities. For booking requests, please send all inquiries to booking@paintedred.net.