RH First Look: Rita J

"Words and vibrations travel and are long lasting," says Rita J.  Therefore, here work not only exists in the present, but also in the future making it "very important to me to have a positive vibe and energy to share with others because that is what you will receive in return. You get out what you put in, so make it count and I try to have a positive image and message because people are listening," she continues. Gaining listeners hasn't been an easy task for Rita J, who is part of Chicago's All Natural Inc. yet currently calls Atlanta home.  She recently released her debut album, Artist Workshop, an album that contains years worth of material, as well as Rita's blood, sweat, and tears.

Rita J J presents a smooth a laid back vibe through much of her debut album, providing a similar feel as a Ladybug Mecca of Digiable Planets or maybe even a Lauryn Hill. Rita J represents an almost lost art of female emcee's and spoke of such to RubyHornet correspondent, Ashydakid. Rita J also gives us insight into the beginnings of her emcee aspirations, the move from Chicago to Atlanta, and what's currently in her boombox... Get the full below.

RubyHornet: So the album, Artist Workshop, dropped a little earlier this month. For many artists, their first album is considered their baby. I'm sure it was no different with you. Were you in any way a perfectionist about what went on the album and from the title to the beats the features etc? 

Rita J: Yes, I was a perfectionist throughout working on this project and I am also a Virgo, we are known for that trait! I paid very close attention to details, everything from beats, to collabos, to the artwork, so on and so forth. Along the way, as much as I wanted to be a perfectionist, I learned to kind of let things flow a bit more as far as the sequencing of the album and the song choices went. Nothing is perfect so I edited it as best as I could.

RubyHornet: So you’re under the label All Natural Inc. based out of Chicago.  The label is home to artists like the Primeridian, Wurorhythmics,  All Natural, Iomos Marad. How was the relationship between you and the label created and how is your relationship with your label mates?

Rita J: I met Iomos Marad and Tone B. Nimble at a club that they both were performing at called Slicks in Chicago, in late 2001. We met, vibed, had similar musical interests and kept in touch, developed a relationship and decided to work together over a short time. I was introduced to All Natural and was a huge fan and then eventually joined the crew in 2002. I was part of Family Tree first. I have a good relationship with my label-mates, but we have all gone our separate ways, I believe a reunion with Family Tree is possible in the future.

RubyHornet: You’re from Chicago, then you moved to Atlanta later in your life. How has that move worked for your career seeing that a lot of people would say that Atlanta and Chicago sort of have two different ears for Hip Hop?

Rita J: There's definitely a difference between the music scenes in the two cities, but Atlanta has worked for me being that it has had such a rich music scene for years. There are plenty of outlets and people to meet in Atlanta. Atlanta has a large Hip Hop community, I have become more acquainted in the community and active and there is a conscious awareness that exists, you just have to seek it out. There is "good" and "bad" rap in both places, luckily I have connected with the artists that I enjoy listening to and are inspiring to me. There is nothing "wrong" with the Chicago scene, it's just a bit more difficult to maneuver in. Atlanta gives me a different perspective and I enjoy it there and that is healthy. It creates new experiences, therefore, new things to write about.

RubyHornet: I read that you attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. How important has that education been in your music career? Have you found yourself ever thinking about going back to graduate school perhaps?

Rita J: Education is very important to me and my family. I have a lot of teachers in my family.  I have always wanted to further my education and stay focused.  I decided that after I finished school I would have a better outlook on my future choices in life, so my goal was to graduate first and take it from there. I hadn't aspired to be an emcee at that point in my life, it was something I pursued toward the end of my college career. I have gone back and forth on the idea of going back to school but haven't committed to anything as of yet, I will continue my education if and when the time is right.

RubyHornet: These days we don't really see female rappers getting the respect of the industry they may deserve, unless their highly sexualized. The female rapper has been up and down in Hip Hop since its birth. Why do you think that is? Why aren't many Hip Hop heads receptive of female rappers?

Rita J: I really don't know what happened to the female presence in Hip Hop, it used to be strong and now it is weak. Female emcees are few and far between. The industry became infatuated with the idea of the woman's role to only be portrayed as highly sexualized and cater to a man's fantasy. I think some men are afraid to let the ladies shine. We need to have better representation in Hip Hop. There needs to be balance within the culture.

RubyHornet: On a track called Nope featuring Cap D on Artist Workshop you say, "Renew it cuz it lacks, influences that it packs". I got from this that you were basically speaking on the lyrical content of artists and the responsibility of them as well. How important do you think that is for an artist to understand their impact and influence? 

Rita J: Words and vibrations travel and are long lasting. It is very important to me to have a positive vibe and energy to share with others because that is what you will receive in return. You get out what you put in, so make it count and I try to have a positive image and message because people are listening.  People are easily influenced and it's usually clear why and when people are. I think it's important to have a positive impact on people's lives and encourage them to do well.

RubyHornet: I saw in an interview you did that you were having a problem initially with the digital and internet movement of Hip Hop. Why do you think that was, what was really getting to you about the transition of it?

Rita J: Basically the nature of just keeping up with technology and spending money on electronics and equipment, learning how to transition smoothly and quickly.  Knowing what digital means are effective and what the best ways to transition are, are some of the challenges I have faced along the way.  You have to adapt or get left behind, there are new methods and ways of the whole creation process and distribution and marketing & promotions.  It does help that it's easier to expose your music to others via the internet and social networking sites.

RubyHornet: I read that you participate in workshops and school events, where the focus is on children and the importance of arts in education. How important do you think it is it for people to share their skills with other people? How important is social work in Rita J's life?

Rita J: You have to teach others what you know, pass the information on or knowledge to someone else. Each one, teach one. You have to make it your business to help out others and share knowledge and wisdom.  Otherwise, what you learned is no good, because you're just hoarding information that could be helpful to someone else.  Social work is very important to me as well, I am very active in my community to ensure that we are reaching out to others to help and share knowledge that can be beneficial.

RubyHornet: On another note I constantly find myself listening to various type of music. I can't really say I have a favorite rapper right now, maybe MF Doom perhaps but I don't know. What are you listening to these days who are some of your favorite artists locally and nationally?

Rita J: I am also feeling DOOM, Madlib, JDilla, Stacy Epps, Jay Electronica, Stahhr, Sa-Ra, J'Davey, Black Spade, Rashid Hadee, Georgia Anne Muldrow, this list can get out of control, but I enjoy these artist that I just named, just to name a few.

RubyHornet: So what are you working on for the near future. Tours mixtapes features?

Rita J: I am preparing myself to tour nationally and internationally, continuing to create new music, working with some Atlanta based producers, independent movies and film, collaboration projects, and the next Rita J album.  I have to continue to work hard and stay focused on contributing in the community, staying active and eager to learn more about this business.  I have much more in store, you'll just have to stay tuned.

RubyHornet: Since this will act as a formal introduction of you to our readers can you give them 3 reason why they sound continue to follow your music?

Rita J: My music is fresh and new and not what you hear on the regular, my sound is versatile and organic and very enjoyable.  Also, I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into my work, it took me years to come to this point in my career and development, so my dedication and drive should inspire people to listen. And last but not least, because its a solid album and it's honestly a good listen from front to back!

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