A few days ago HCM got up with Portland rapper Tony Ro$e for a little Q & A. The rapper filled us in on his upcoming project as well as his plans to market and promote the release. He also told us how he’s been able to continue his grind despite all the unavoidable setbacks of COVID-19. Check out his interview to find out more.
Tony Ro$e Interview
HCM. How did you come by your stage name?
Tony Ro$e. Tony is my first name and the Ro$e is homage to the city from. Portland is referred to as Rose City.
HCM. When did you discover your love for music and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Tony Ro$e. I discovered my love for music early. I’m talkin’ like as long as I can remember, but it was about age 12 or 13 when I wrote my first rap. After the reaction, I got from family, peers, and myself honestly, I knew I had discovered somethin’ special.
HCM. To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
Tony Ro$e. I draw from many different areas. I have several people whose styles I admire but I never mimic what they do. I like to make things my own. I’m what I like to call a mood dresser. I like to wear my emotions so to speak. You can normally tell when I’m feelin’ lit or I’m feelin’ dark. I also started a clothing line a while back, Modus Operandi. So I’m pretty heavy into fashion.
HCM. On your upcoming release… How did you come up with the concept for this project?
Tony Ro$e. The project I’m working on now is entitled “I Owe You”. And it’s kinda to the point. I’ve been considered the best or one of the best in my city for a long time now and I’ve never given the loyal fans and supporters the full body of work that they’ve been waitin’ for so I definitely feel like I owe them that and jus for holdin’ me down. That’s probably been the craziest feelin’ for me. Havin’ people, you don’t even know hold you down? That shit is different. Then the same goes for my team, my family, etc. Everyone has made sacrifices along this journey and I want them to feel just as proud of the work as I do.
HCM. What are some of your greatest challenges as an artist, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Tony Ro$e. My greatest challenge would probably be capturing the moment. The one thing I don’t do is engineer. So a lot of times I’ll have some an ill idea but have to get into the actual studio to get it out. That’s somethin’ I’m workin’ on soon. My greatest attribute would probably be authenticity and an ability to put a quality song together in short periods of time. Doesn’t take much if I fuck wit the beat.
HCM. What impression would you like listeners to be left with after hearing your music?
Tony Ro$e.I don’t really have one honestly. I’m interested in hearing them tho. I feel like everyone takes somethin’ different away after listening to my shit and I’m always intrigued by the different views and input.
HCM. What are your plans for the near future?
Tony Ro$e. In the near future, I’ll be dropping the visual for the first single off the project, “Tax Free” prod. by KanielTheOne. Right before Covid hit, I landed my first acting gig and I’ll be doing a lot more of that as well. I’m also working on a merch drop. For now, to make sure y’all get a chance to check out the features. I’m on my bro Eso.Xo.Supreme’s “Nasa” which has been one of my biggest releases to date. I also appear a couple times on my cutty Prxscott’s “Northeast Legends” EP which I executive produced. Make sure y’all check that out.
HCM. Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
Tony Ro$e. I’d like to thank my entire team. They know who they are and s/o ma bros Prxscott, Eso.Xo.Supreme, Free5ive, and Louie Slugga. The whole gang goin’ up right now!
For more details, info or press inquiries, contact Tony Ro$e via email at:
Connect with Tony Ro$e on Instagram.
Check out the latest single “Tax Free” by Tony Ro$e.
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