Family legacies don’t come around in hip-hop very often, especially here in the great white north. However, when you come across one it’s always interesting to watch the dynamic and growth of the family members as they evolve into their own within the music industry.
It’s telling when you can recognize greatness within these type of artists even before they come into their superstardom. One artist in particular that has my attention is Rich, known to most as OVO Rich. He’s the younger brother of the late Anthony “Fif” Soares—a talented up-and-coming artist from the city of Toronto—and close friend to Drake.
“One thing I want you to enjoy is your process, your journey of building up, not the destination of what things can be but just enjoy growing.” – Preme
The young Toronto native and OVO affiliate is currently preparing to step onto the Canadian hip-hop scene with the release of his debut record, “The Intro.” The song touches on his personal life as well as what he is envisioning for himself down the road, “Greatness.” Although you would think being the brother of a prominent Toronto figure, would come with its pressures, Rich comes through with a slow R&B silk like sound of his own. The record details his struggles with the streets, the loss of his brother, and much more.
I caught up with Rich to discuss his new record, his personal life as well as his emergence into the Canadian music industry. Check that out below and stay tuned for “The Intro” (as well as a teaser called “No Time” dropping next week).
OVO Rich (Photo: Supplied)
Q&A: OVO Rich
HipHopCanada: How did you get into hip-hop?
Rich: My style is more R&B hip-hop. I was going through a lot after my brother passed away. I wanted to express myself, as well as my story and my brother’s story. I started getting around music, it allowed me to view it from another angle. Just because I’ve always been around music, having been around Drake and my brother’s friends, I started practicing, this is what has lead me to music. HipHopCanada: Who have been some of the influential people who have helped you to develop your style and where did you get your sound from?
Rich: Old school R&B, modern day PNB, of course Drake. It’s all reminiscent. Even myself; the way I talk and carry myself in general has been my biggest influence.
HipHopCanada: Who were some of your other musical influences? Who did you like to listen to growing up?
Rich: Good question, well growing up I listened to a lot of Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Lupe Fiasco.
HipHopCanada: Let’s switch gears for a moment. With the passing of your brother Fif, how do you think that impacted you? How has his passing influenced your music?
Rich: Well, it influenced me in a positive light because there were a lot of opportunities to do a lot of bad but I chose to do a lot of good. Doing bad isn’t something my brother would’ve wanted for me. Just doing this music and continuing to make the legacy live on, that’s just what it’s about for my family and I. It’s been really therapeutic for me. I feel like in a weird way music is therapy to me. It’s going to motivate my lyrics all the way. It’s either going to be my personal life or his that I’m talking about in my music.
OVO Rich (Photo: Supplied) HipHopCanada: How supportive has the OVO family been with you getting into the music industry and taking on the role of being the next one out of Toronto?
Rich: They’re very supportive, especially a guy like Preme. I caught up with him just recently and he said, “One thing I want you to enjoy is your process, your journey of building up. Not the destination of what things can be, but just enjoy growing.” And a lot of other guys on the team have been telling me they believe in me, that they are all for it and that my brother would’ve been proud of me.
HipHopCanada: Can we expect to hear any features with Preme or any of the guys at OVO Sound?
Rich: Good question. Time will definitely tell. Anything is possible. I’ll leave it at that.
HipHopCanada: My last question for you is what can the hip-hop community in Canada expect from you? Rich: They can expect greatness, as well as great vibes, good music and music they can relate to. They’re all going to see me in transition from one person to another, from OVO Rich to RichWorld. So, expect a lot.
You can follow @_OVORich_ on Instagram.
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Written by Remi Louis Harris for HipHopCanada
