New Orleans R&B singer-songwriter, RJAE caught up with VIPER to chat about his Summer ’23 album ‘You’re The Problem’ and opening up for Rap royalty…

What five words define your sound?

Authentic, Refreshing, Raw, Impactful, Poetic

Tell me something unique about your creative process

I always want to make sure the music I put out is something that’s going to be seen, understood and resonate with those listening and receiving it. So, I’m writing from experiences that I’ve gone through but also, I know others can relate to.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

‘Remember That’ featuring A Boogie from my album ‘You’re The Problem’

What inspired you to make that song?

I wanted to make a record that women could love but that also be empowered by. I wanted to cut a record that they could move to and feel good about themselves without necessarily making it your typical raunchy song. Mitch Mula did his thing with producing it and it kind of just led in that direction organically.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

I was spending a lot of time reflecting on my past romantic and personal relationships and really trying to figure out what didn’t work or what went wrong. That’s how I ended up releasing my latest album ‘You’re The Problem’. Going through that journey of being real with myself and my emotions, I realised I WAS the problem. It was a very vulnerable project and it was very healing.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

The best experience I’ve had onstage was opening for Lil Wayne in Boston. It was honestly the greatest crowd reaction I think I’ve received on stage! It was such a motivating and liberating experience overall because not only is Lil Wayne also from New Orleans but he’s in my top 3 favourite artists of all time, so to receive that kind of love from his crowd felt like a dream.

What is your favourite song to perform?

My favourite song to perform is ‘4 I Go’

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

I actually started with poetry and I was inspired by a few folks, growing up listening to the music my parents would put on. I was studying a lot Drake, Jay-Z, and Nas when growing up and getting started in music. Also a lot of Lauryn Hill because she’s got that soul in her sound and that’s a part of my soul and sound now.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

From the day I was born my mother has called me RJ for Ramon Jr. So it’s been my rap name since I started, I only added the “AE” for legal reasons after signing

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

I would probably just work a 9 to 5 and maybe try to find some type of hobby I could profit from. I would most likely finish school as well. I love to constantly learn.

What’s success to you?

Seeing everything that I’ve been manifesting for myself come to fruition. Success also to me is seeing my mother be proud of the man I become, and to make sure my immediate family is doing well. When I get to a point where I feel like I have used this blessing God has given me to my fullest potential, only then will I feel I have truly succeeded.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

I started recording videos when I was 13 and just posting them online. One of them caught traction overnight and it was amazing! OBG Bang Bang got me in the studio after that, showed me the ropes and it was up from there. I’m grateful to have had such amazing mentors as well, working with A Boogie has been incredible, I learned so much from him. It was a dream of mine to work with him and we just did that this summer with ‘Remember That’.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

Instagram: @RJAERAP

TikTok: @TheRealRJAERap

YouTube: @RJAERAP

Twitter: @RJAERAP