Artist Spotlight

Vetted Rapper; RICKY BATS Is Claiming His Spot In The Music Scene

Music such as life grabs you when you’re experiencing something real. Always having its way of sticking with us when you feel the authenticity to it. Music has long been something we come to for relatable substance, as we tune in to see what the artists have to offer. When you get something you feel as the real deal it makes for something beyond limits, and that real feel is that you get from a multi-talented artist, Ricky Bats.

Ricky Bats is a multi-talented rapper and songwriter born in the South Bronx. Bats is a straight shooter when it comes to music, content, and life. He raps about the real-life experiences from the hood in a manner that is digestible to the mainstream ear.

In 2014, he entered the rap scene with the release of his mixtape “Bronx Born Prison Raised Vol. 1” followed by “Bronx Born Prison Raised Vol. 2”. In April 2016, Bats toured the United States and dropped his first EP titled “Freedom”, which featured collaborations with Maino and Dyce Payne. The following year he released a self-titled album “Bats Born a True Spitter” featuring the single “My Crew Hungry” with Uncle Murda. And in 2018 came the “BATS WAVE” mixtape and “BATS WAVE, Vol 2. The Tsunami” in 2020 and many more.

In addition to his music career, Ricky Bats hosts a radio show “Ride Ya Groove” on WBRK in Massachusetts, maintains his independent record label Gotham City Music Group Inc. and has acted in small onscreen roles including “About That Life” and the Showtime series “Escape at Dannemora”.

Check out his latest release on Spotify:

Hi there, welcome to Honk Magazine. Thank you so much for taking out time to respond to us. To kick things off, Can you tell our readers about what really inspired you to write music?

Ricky Bats – I was inspired by friends growing up in the South Bronx. It was so common to see kids rapping in building lobbies or by the corner store about what they see on the streets.

When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?

Ricky Bats – When I trademarked my name. RICKY B.A.T.S (Born A True Spitter)

Tell us what is so unique about you and your music?

Ricky Bats – I am a very passionate and determined person!! After being away for almost 2 decades I came home prepared to do music. My music tells the story of someone who’s been through some shit! Life changing situations and which he stayed focused on and made it happen.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Ricky Bats – Funniest mistake? I can’t think of one.

Can you tell us about your latest releases and what inspired you to create them?

Ricky Bats – Lickin off in hip hop, Every Day, and Good Lovin’ are all records that were inspired by Fredro Starr. We’ll just be in the studio and he’ll play an instrumental and the first thought that comes to mind would usually be the basis of the record. It’s that moment when you hear the beat for the first time and it tells you what to say..

Can you give us a brief insight about your upcoming projects?

Ricky Bats – My new Album “Visions Of A Prospect”.

The album touches on family, the streets, relationships and real life situations. Which I like to call it healing music.

What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?

Ricky Bats – Everyone is not your friend!!

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Ricky Bats – Don’t try to play catch up. Move at your own pace.

What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?

Ricky Bats – My life is music every minute of the day!! But in between I like our family vacations. I spend a lot of time with the fam. Being around your immediate loved ones you can’t go wrong! I like dirt bike riding, and I’m currently reading for a movie role.. Hollywood Bats lol gotta have a good ring to it.

Any last piece of advice for those artists who just started making music?

Ricky Bats – Stay consistent… Being consistent is a talent on its own. A lot of people fall off after not seeing results in a short amount of time. Endurance overshines!

How can our readers follow you online?

Ricky Bats – You can follow me on all major music platforms under Ricky Bats.

For more updates, you can follow me on Instagram– @rickybats

‍

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Crispy C Notes brings focused ambition on latest release “Chosen”

Crispy C Notes’ hip-hop release “Chosen” makes a statement with purpose and conviction. The record is clear about its artistic identity, with the independent Connecticut artist behind Alien Trap and Relatable Rap letting his commanding vocal presence lead the charge. The production returns to a hip-hop base and cuts out unnecessary frills, so the lyrics and performance can take center stage.

The song’s strength lies in its delivery. Crispy C Notes glides through measured cadences with sure-footedness, giving each verse gravity and lift. His writing is always spot-on, emphasizing determination and personal conviction with a clean lyrical approach. The sparse production plays to the song’s advantage, highlighting the vocal performance without overpowering it. It’s a balance that makes the listener feel that every rhythmic change and lyrical accent is intentional and serves to emphasize the record’s overarching message.

“Chosen” works because it knows that impact is often a matter of clarity, rather than complexity. C Notes is confident not only in his delivery but also in his songwriting, allowing his personality to flow organically throughout the track. The result is a record that is disciplined in its production but engaging from start to finish, thanks to its expressive flow and thoughtful lyricism. He delivers a project that is a true reflection of artistic growth and creative focus as an independent artist who is still finding his own lane. “Chosen” is a bold statement of self that leaves the listener with a clear impression of the artist’s vision and the direction in which he continues to move.

Connect with Crispy C Notes on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Maija breathes new life into classic emotion with latest release “Where Is the Love”

Maija’s version of “Where Is the Love” is a graceful, emotionally rich offering that pulls listeners into a modern jazz experience of warmth, sophistication, and heartfelt storytelling. From the opening, the song establishes a reflective mood, mixing expressive vocals with polished instrumentation that feels both classic and contemporary. The trumpet’s sophisticated sound, combined with other exquisitely curated elements of jazz, creates a vibe that’s smooth, enveloping, and effortlessly sophisticated.

And the lyric narrative has this feeling of longing, of broken promises and unanswered questions that feels very personal. Love, honesty, and emotional ambivalence are the main themes as the story unfolds, providing a connection to the song’s sincere viewpoint for the listeners. Maija eschews dramatic flourishes, leaving the expressive delivery and tasteful jazz arrangement to do the emotional heavy lifting. The trumpet, with its own soulful voice, gracefully weaves around the melody, and the supporting instrumentation adds to the song’s intimate character.

The production is slick but not overdone, letting the song’s lyrics speak for themselves. Whether you’re attracted to its expressive vocals, its polished instrumentation, or its relatable emotional themes, “Where Is the Love” is a compelling reminder that honest storytelling and thoughtful musicianship continue to define the very best moments in modern jazz.

Connect with Maija on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube