One On One With Dancehall Legend Red Rat
Dancehall legend Red Rat, best known for his trademark catchphrase “Oh noooo!” has never stopped making music. The former Main Street Records deejay is currently promoting several new projects including his new summer song, This Summer, which was released on June 18.
In this interview, Red Rat talks about his career and early success as a Dancehall artist.
How was it coming from a musical family with your brothers being musicians and your dad, a guitarist of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires?
I started at age 4 singing on the north coast hotels with my brothers and as a kid, it was exciting for me just to be in the hotels and on the beautiful beaches of jamaica. Being able to do music and perform with them was just a plus.
How did you come up with the stage name Red Rat?
The name Red Rat was given to me by my friend and fellow artist General Degree. He said I am red and I look like a rat so I should call myself Red Rat and the name just stuck from there.
What is your favorite Bob Marley song?
Rat Race. I listen to that song every morning.
Were you surprised by your early success?
Surprised in the sense of how fast the song broke, yes. Shelly-Ann took one weekend to be the biggest song on the island and another week to be the biggest song globally. However, I was always an artist who put in the work and I knew my hard work would pay off one day.
Where were you best received by fans?
Red Rat is loved and received by all his fans globally. I can’t put anyone above anyone. I love all my fans the same and I know they do too.
As a generation X’er, how are you catering to the millennial audience?
I always have my ear to the streets so I know when the tide is changing so I can adapt to whatever the wave is. I am a musician as well so it is maybe easier for me to change with the times as opposed to other artists.
You took a break from the industry in 2007 when your father died. What was that time like?
It is still something that I struggle with every day. He was and still is my hero.
How has it been taking on a new role as president at Infinity Moguls music group?
It was very difficult but I welcomed the challenge and It was definitely the obvious next step to transition from being an artist/producer/writer.
You are still one of the biggest streaming Dancehall artists. How do you feel bout that ?
Success is not an easy task. If it was so everyone would be successful. You have to be very dedicated and work your ass off to see success in your life. We work hard everyday to achieve our goals and we will continue to do so until our last breath.
You and your business partner Pascalli you wrote a song Zimbabwe “Rise up Zimbabwe.” And then again 2017 with “never give up Zimbabwe” celebrated as the non-official anthem of the people of Africa. How does it feel to be an international act with recognition in the motherland?
It is an honor for me to be doing what I do and represent my country and my culture. I love the continent of Africa, I always feel at home whenever I am there.
What are you working on now?
I have a few new single out now that I am promoting.
- Ina the drop-top produced by Mogul Beatz Production.
- The Love produced by Troyton Remi of Black Shadow Records that in playing on a few major radio stations both locally and abroad.
- Dog Flight with myself and Badda General, that is about the Dogs that were shipped to Canada the other day.
- And I have a new single This Summer.
Who do you look forward to collaborating with in the near future?
I am open to collaborating with any artist as long as the song is a HIT!!!