We caught up with Rique to talk about his music. At Indiy we champion musicians.

Let's get to it...

What do you enjoy most about being an independent musician?

What I enjoy most about being an independent artist is the creative control.

We, as indie artists, have ownership over our craft and material.

If we were to peek over your shoulder, what does your studio look like? What gear do you typically use?

Currently I always hire and book studio sessions for myself.

And I also have a go-to personal engineer.

Do you enjoy recording and production, or do you like performing live and promotion?

I enjoy both sides of the art!

Recording and producing, the creative part, is my favorite!

Next to actually performing it live!

The connection with a crowd of strangers, who feel as connected to you as you do to them, through your creation is powerful and I love it every time!

How would you want people to describe your latest project in a tweet?

"Solid from top to bottom"

"A well put together complete body of work"

Do you plan your music releases, or do you just finish a song and release it?

I plan my music releases...

I believe it helps me prepare for a better marketing plan to help my song get the maximum exposure it needs and deserves.

What can we expect from you within the next 6 months? Any releases planned? Future gigs?

I'm currently in and out of the studio daily, recording tracks for my next upcoming project...

No official release date just yet!

And I don't have any future gigs coming up due to this COVID 19 pandemic life we've become accustomed to for the pass year or so!

Are you planning any videos for your music? Are there any videos we need to know about!?

Yes! I always plan video visuals with my music.

There's nothing more eye grabbing in my opinion, than hearing a really good song...

And then it also has an awesome video visual along with it.

Are there any collaborations, past or future, that you are excited about?

As of now, I'd have to say yes there's is a collaboration I'm working towards that I'm excited about...

This amazing talented artist by the name of Yung Dred, out of Florida, he's really making noise!

We both have a mutual friend in common which is his manager...

So we're connecting the dots to get the collaboration done!

What inspires your creative process?

Well, for me it's a feeling and a vibe...you know!?

But to put it in simple words...

Going through everyday, different life situations, can and does inspire my creative process.

What are your favorite albums of all time?

My top favorite albums of all time...Wow!

They would be...

Tupac - All Eyes On Me
Biggie - Ready 2 Die
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter
And Jay-Z - The Blueprint.

Who makes up your existing creative team?
i.e. photographers, video directors, social media managers, paid media specialists, stylists, hair, and makeup…Name someone who you think deserves a special shout-out?

My business partner Brian Desmore,.

My road manager Jason Valdez.

And of course my mother, my wifey and our children.

And I can't forget my dad...

I get my passion and skills to rap from him respectfully so...!

Where can we find you on social media?

On Instagram @theofficial_rique for lives and up-to-date content and releases.

And on YouTube 'Rique' or 'TOMG Rique'