When I first learned that Riky Rick was to head the acclaimed Remy Martin Producers platform my emotions were mixed. On the one hand, I felt a sense of panic. During the first few seasons of the US version I had come to rely on the American artists to provide me with high-quality-yet-head-bopping seasonal beats, and I was struggling to comprehend life without my annual fix.
On the other hand, I felt excitement. Riky, after all, is not the kind of artist and producer you’d expect Remy Martin – one of the world’s oldest and most profound embodiment of Cognac Fine Champagne – to employ.
Firstly, his musical training has been informal, to say the least. Secondly, Riky is one of the biggest names in both music and high streetwear. What Riky Rick also is, however, an uber-creative style savant with a nose for the zeitgeist and a close understanding and appreciation of all types of culture: two traits that left me with little doubt that whatever talent that Riky would unearth and collaborate to produce for Remy Martin would be interesting, to say the least. We sat down with Riky to find out what keeps him ticking, and of course how the partnership with Remy Martin came about.
Papi Mabele: Can you tell us what lead to the partnership between you and Remy Martin?
Riky Rick: When I was approached to be a part of Remy Producers SA, It was one of the key moments in my life that represented something that I truly believe in, the people.
I believe creating means uplifting and growing each other. Remy Martin is one of the greatest established brands in the world. It is an honour to be recognised and selected for not just my artistry. But, for what I stand for. It made sense to work together.
The music platform has been running for a while in the US, is there any pressure at all to live up to and deliver the caliber of work we’ve seen from there?
The US has done a great job with the Remy Producers. However, nothing compares to our South African talent. Our collaborative spirit, creativity and our hunger to succeed will put us on the map. We cannot be compared. We are unique and that makes us stand out.
What are you most looking forward to into this partnership?
To create a platform for our local talent. We have fine talent out there and not enough platforms, especially for producers in our country. This partnership gives me the opportunity to contribute to creating opportunities that I wished I had when I was starting out.
Any 3 top tips that you’d share with those considering entry?
We will be receiving great beats. But, we are looking for something that stands out from the rest. Someone that understands who they are and where they would like to go in the industry. I like to call it a music version of a fine champagne. If this is you, submit your beats to the remyproducerssa.co.za myself and Master A Flat will be listening.
What can those who’ll be watching from the sidelines expect from the series?
The Remy Producers SA cannot be staged. It is about the people and their talent. Our country is about to witness something magnificent and real. Were about to make history.
What five songs are on your playlist right now?
I usually listen to what I feel like will hype me for the day.
In no order: Juicewrld: Hear me calling, Black Coffee: Muye, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small: Amantombazane, 25K: Culture Vulture: Riky Rick ft Mlondi the Vocalist: You and I.
You can listen to Riky Rick’s playlist on our Spotify page below.
What tech items (devices) are in your travel bag?
My cell phones, earphones and camera.
How do you like to have your Remy Martin? Straight or mixed with something?
This really depends on the occasion. But, I mostly take my 1738 straight. I like my drink tlean.
With that, here’s a recap of what went down at the launch event of this amazing series.
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