As a boy he learned to sing by
listening to birds and went on as soloist in a Black Baptist church
choir- a rebellious act for the son of African-American Muslim
parents. As a teenager visiting the island of St.Thomas, RA sang
karaoke one evening. The next morning, the whole island knew his
name. RA made his home in New York City's East Village,
before it was gentrified, and has a devoted following there.
Vocally he is the heir royal to Arethra Franklin and Stevie Wonder.
His lyrics have been described as pre-Motherhood Sinead,( .you
watch us wither into tear stains, you say that when we're gone, you
will remain. ), and as a black Bob Dylan. His sound is best
described as pop music with equal parts rock, hip-hop and electro.
He has performed with the likes of Living Color, Toni Braxton and The Roots, and
with Lauryn Hil under the name Rachid. His fans include Christina Aguilera, India.Arie
and Maxwell, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Charlotte Gainsbourg as well as producers Nile Rogers, Dallas Austin, Jimmy Harry, syndicated Rhythms, Dan 'the automator', Sanna Hamri, Clark Kent and QuincyJones the 3rd and photographers Guy Aroch, Yariv Milchan, Rocky Schenk and Jerome Albertini. Universal records unofficially released a limited number of copies of his debut album 'Prototype' to western media.
Through press release and DJ play alone, his recording of Serge
Gainsbourg's Requiem Pour Un Con, (-Requiem For A Jerk-),
sung in French, became a huge underground hit. To have been
granted permission by the Gainsbourg estate to sing the song is a
rare, seldom granted honor in itself. His performance on Italy's most
watched TV show 'Quelle Che', followed Elton John's. His name
was on lips and magazine covers throughout the country. RA's
name refers to one of the fixed stars in his astrological birth chart,
which translated means: Lion's Roar. It is found in the natal charts
of the greatest voices. RA tastefully uses every note in his 4 octave range.
RA's favorite singers are Arethra Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Whitney Houston, Maria Callas, and
gospel singer Karen Clark. He also loves Indian food and the melismas
of India's traditional music.
RA's look is known to make heads turn, due to his exotic
features and his chic yet singular fashion sense. RA would like
for to people know that he serves them through his music. If Tina Turner, David Bowie and Aretha Franklin cloned a child, it would be RA. If RA is ever performing in your vicinity, run, don't walk, to see his live show! It will be one of the most memorable events of your precious life. You too will understand why so many root for RA! Come one, come all to watch this PHOENIX RISE FROM THE ASHES!
P.S. "MY NAME IS RASALUS" is available on Kawomusic, "PROTOTYPE" is available on itunes and amazon.com! allow me to INTO YOUR BONE MARROW!
