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

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Artist Spotlight

Mamas Gun and Brian Jackson shines light on the truth on latest release “DIG!”

Mamas Gun makes a strong comeback with their new single “DIG!.” The track sounds more like a strong statement of intent than just a release. The UK band is known for its smooth blend of blue-eyed soul and traditional black music. They show once again that they can make music that sounds both thoughtful and very new, while still being real, emotional, and sophisticated.

“DIG!” was recorded directly onto analogue tape, and every note has warmth, grit, and soul. The production choice gives the music a rich, natural sound that complements the band’s unique groove. It is a piece of music that makes people slow down, really listen, and experience it rather than hear it.

Adding famous collaborator Brian Jackson, whose vocals, keyboard, and flute give the song a timeless elegance, adds even more depth and magic. Jackson is known for working with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott-Heron, Roy Ayers, and Earth, Wind & Fire. His addition makes the song something truly special. His reunion with Andy Platts, the lead singer of Mamas Gun, almost twenty years after they first worked together creatively in New York, gives “DIG!” a very personal touch that can be felt throughout. “DIG!” sets a strong mood based on connection, art, and essence. Mamas Gun not only goes back to their roots but also makes them stronger. This song is heartfelt, timeless, and completely captivating.

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Artist Spotlight

Bromsen crafts a suspension between attachment and release in new single “Concendrain”

Bromsen’s latest release, “Concendrain,” is very immersive and lives in the space between control and disintegration. The song smoothly shifts from focused to tired, from connected to free, and captures a complex emotional balance that is both personal and universal.

“Concendrain” starts slowly and carefully, the structure has layers that change over time, so each part can come out on its own without any stress or hurry. As time goes on, electronic textures begin to emerge, giving the music a mood that eventually turns into rock-infused energy. These different sounds don’t clash, they work together to create a track that is alive, fluid, and always changing.

The guitar, voice, and rhythm should all work together on the song. These parts don’t compete for attention; instead, they work together to make a smooth flow that pulls the listener into the song’s emotional depth. The arrangement features vocals that complement complex guitar lines and a steady beat that keeps everything in line.

“Concendrain” is really interesting because it has two sides. The track is about the fight in your head between giving up and pushing through, and between staying focused and giving in to tiredness. Bromsen and Reatsch work together to make something that looks natural and well-made. “Concendrain” doesn’t try to be cool or follow trends. Instead, it gives you a slow experience that you should really pay attention to. “Concendrain” is a powerful and thought-provoking work that sticks with you long after the last note has faded away. It stands out because its structure changes, its atmosphere is rich, and its emotions are strong.

Connect with Bromsen on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube