Born and raised in Utica, NY, R Dollas has always been a beacon of raw talent and determination. From a young age, his passion for music was evident as he immersed himself in the rhythms and rhymes of hip-hop. Starting his rap journey at just eight years old, R Dollas was already making a name for himself by the time he reached his teenage years, showcasing his lyrical prowess at local parties and school events.
R Dollas’ career took a significant leap with his collaboration with Big Casanova, which garnered major exposure through platforms like BET Jams and Worldstar Hip Hop. This breakthrough was crucial in establishing his presence in the music industry. His subsequent mixtapes and collaborations, including work with Rick Hyde from the Black Soprano Family on “All 4 Tha Dolla,” further cemented his reputation. Music became an escape and a form of expression for R Dollas, especially during challenging times, including his seven-year stint in prison.
With his new single “My City,” R Dollas returns to his roots, offering a poignant reflection on his experiences growing up in Utica. The Urban$ound team had the opportunity to sit down with R Dollas to delve into the inspiration behind “My City” and its connection to his upcoming project, “21 Summers.”
Urban$ound Team: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your single “My City” and how it reflects your experiences growing up in Utica, NY?
R Dollas: “My City” is inspired by true events and my life experiences in Utica. The song reflects the realities of what I saw and was involved in growing up. It’s a deep dive into the essence of my hometown and the struggles we faced.
Urban$ound Team: How does “My City” capture the essence of your hometown and your personal journey through the challenges you faced?
R Dollas: The track captures the essence of Utica by highlighting the everyday grind and the struggles we encounter. It portrays the effort to rise above the limitations of a small city and the drive to overcome adversity.
Urban$ound Team: In what ways does the single “My City” connect with the themes you explore in your upcoming project, “21 Summers”?
R Dollas: “My City” connects with the themes of “21 Summers” by providing a clear view of my life and experiences in a small town. It sets the tone for the deeper stories and emotions that will be explored in the full project.
Urban$ound Team: How has your early involvement in hip-hop and battle rapping influenced the creation of “My City”?
R Dollas: My early involvement in hip-hop helped me understand my surroundings and articulate my experiences more vividly. It influenced how I approached “My City,” allowing me to convey my story with authenticity and depth.
Urban$ound Team: Can you share any memorable moments or experiences you had while working on “My City”?
R Dollas: One of the most memorable moments was shooting the video for “My City.” My son and his friend were playing softball nearby, and it added a personal touch to the project that made it even more special.
Urban$ound Team: What can fans expect from your new project, “21 Summers,” and how does it build upon the themes introduced in “My City”?
R Dollas: “21 Summers” will feature a mix of new flows, untold stories, and heartfelt tracks. It builds upon the themes of “My City” by diving deeper into my personal experiences and emotions, with a few love songs and stories from the heart.
Urban$ound Team: What are some standout tracks or elements in “21 Summers” that you believe will resonate with your listeners?
R Dollas: Standout tracks include “My Pain” featuring T-Rell, “You the Shit” featuring Remo the Hitmaker, and a track called “This For Y’all.” Each of these songs has its unique touch and reflects different aspects of my journey.
Urban$ound Team: How does “21 Summers” reflect your growth as an artist since your release in 2017 and your experiences performing at events like the Daze Summit Festival Tour ‘24?
R Dollas: “21 Summers” showcases my growth as an artist since my release. The tour experience taught me patience, networking, and to be more open. The album reflects these lessons and my journey, highlighting how I’ve evolved both personally and professionally.
For more updates on R Dollas and to keep up with his music, follow him on:
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Fanbase
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Stay tuned for “21 Summers” and follow R Dollas as he continues to make his mark in the music world.
The post R Dollas Talks About “My City” and His Evolving Journey in Hip-Hop appeared first on 24Hip-Hop.
