Rob Roy Interview

Just over a week ago, I came across the video for "Fur In My Cap" by up-and-coming hip-hop artist Rob Roy and was more than impressed. Soon artists like Kanye West and Questlove of The Roots were giving him his well deserved recognition. Seeing how quickly the internet buzz was building around him, I had to capitalize and ask for an interview (my first ever). After a bit of e-mail and Twitter tag, I got the pressing questions answered and hopefully give my reading audience a better picture of who Rob Roy is.

Within a couple of weeks from the video for “Fur In My Cap” premiering online you have earned praise from two hip-hop honchos, Kanye West and Questlove. How important is internet buzz?

In this current moment, tremendously important. I don't remember the last time I've watched television or listened to the radio.

What blogs and sites do you frequent?

Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and Vimeo for my own personal recreation. Aside from those sites, I enjoy "The Lesson" content on Okayplayer.com.

The “Fur In My Cap” video has the obvious support of Alife , what’s your affiliation with them?

Alife is family now. We share similiar philosophies, and they believe in my art. I've been given their full support based strictly off of a love for what I'm doing creatively.

What other street wear brands are you feeling at the moment? Or are you more of a thrift store/vintage shopper?

Clothing-wise, I've never been too much into one type of thing. There are some pieces I like, some that I don't. I never had a lot of money, so my tendency is to wear the same outfit every day until my mood changes - washing that outfit frequently, of course.

Your style is a breath of fresh air compared to “the average rapper”. Why do you think that intelligent, unique flows and differing sounds have become a sought after commodity in hip-hop lately?

Humans possess an innate yearning for adventure. We like to be surprised.

To me there is an obvious Outkast influence in your music, am I correct? What other artists and sounds have influenced your music?

You are correct; Outkast has been the primary influence. I'm also very inspired by the painter Lucien Freud, all down-South music, blues, jungle/drum n' bass, classic rock, and 90's r&b.

Where did the name Rob Roy come from? The Scottish folk story turned Hollywood blockbuster or somewhere else?

Rob Roy is my birth name. I was born Robert Raimon Roy.

Rob Roy, the Scottish folk hero, is sometimes called “The Scottish Robin Hood”, are you hip-hop’s Robin Hood?

I like the concept of being a hero, although I'm not sure I'm worthy of that title yet.

Your album is entitled “KING WARRIOR MAGICIAN LOVER”, are you all of these things? Or is there a deeper meaning behind it?

I would hope that I'm reaching that point. Those are the 4 archetypes of the mature masculine psychology. The album tells the tale of the "hero's journey," and at the same time represents the alpha and omega of that journey.

What can we expect from the album?

Quality.

I know you and Donnis have a working friendship will he be making any appearances?

Donnis is the homie! The album in its current state has no obvious guest appearances though, with the exception of the 2nd track (Molly Steele) and an interlude (Chop). Expect collaborations between Donnis and I in the near future.

Thanks again for taking part in this interview. Any final words to your fans?

Read to succeed.

I'd like to thank Rob Roy once again for the interview and implore you all to check out his blog and MySpace for more of his thoughts and music.