RAQ BABY INTERVIEW: VIPER Magazine sits down with the multi-city menace, Raq Baby. Hailing from a unique blend of the gritty storytelling of Chicago Drill and the melodic swag of Atlanta Hip Hop, Raq Baby has been steadily building an unignorable movement. Following the viral success of his 2023 hit ‘Soldier Love’ and the impactful releases of ‘Spill Season’ and its follow-up, ‘More Spill’, Raq Baby is back with his most assertive project yet: ‘I NEVER GAVE AF’.
The new album is a declaration of freedom, empowerment, and living life without holding back, serving as the ultimate soundtrack for unapologetic self-expression. We spoke with the rising star about the creative process behind his new project, the influences that shaped his distinctive sound, his recent sold-out shows, and what it felt like to have artists like Rylo Rodriguez and Veeze endorse his music early on. Dive in as Raq Baby talks about not giving a fuck, his musical journey, and what’s next for the artist who’s ready to take over.
Your new project, ‘I NEVER GAVE AF’, recently dropped. What’s the main message or feeling you want listeners to take away from this album?
The main message behind ‘I NEVER GAVE AF’ is freedom. It’s about letting go of expectations, opinions, and doubts, and just being yourself. I wanted the listeners to feel empowered to move how they want, speak how they want, and live life without holding back. At the end of the day, it’s a soundtrack for not giving a fuck about what don’t serve you and other peoples’ opinions.
You’ve built your sound by blending the unique Drill/Hip Hop styles of both Chicago and Atlanta. How did growing up in both cities influence the music you create?
‘Soldier Love’ was a huge viral hit for you in 2023. Looking back, how did that single change the trajectory of your career?
Chicago gave me my rawness and storytelling, Atlanta gave me the swag and melodies. That shit influenced me in so many ways because you don’t really have anyone who blends both cities. I’d say all types of artists influenced me though –– Gucci Mane, Young Thug, Lil Durk and Chief Keef.
It’s crazy, I was locked up when that video dropped but that song put me on a lot of folks’ radar. Rylo Rodriguez, Veeze and a bunch of other people posted that song. It’s still one of my biggest songs and a song all my fans love fr.
Your November 2024 release, ‘Spill Season’, really put you on the map. What was the creative process like for that project, and how did it feel to see it connect with so many people?
I was just locked in the studio and in that mode. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears behind that project. I really mean everything I said on that tape.
Following up ‘Spill Season’ with ‘More Spill’ earlier this year, you continued to build momentum. How do you approach creating a follow-up project, and what’s the story behind tracks like ‘Belt Boyz’ and ‘Crashed on Camera’?
Most people don’t know but ‘More Spill’ was actually a tape of leaks, it was all da leakage from ‘Spill Season’ because a lot of songs were leaking during that time so that’s why we called it that. It was just a lot of good energy in the studio when I was making those songs so I was just in a flow state for real.
You’ve been getting more daring with your production and sample choices, like with the Childish Gambino-sampling ‘Stick Up’. What inspires you to experiment with different sounds, and what can we hear on ‘I NEVER GAVE AF’?
The beat gotta just speak to me for real, on bro, it gotta just be one of them ones. ‘INGAF’ is one of dem ones tho, it’s just a mood of where I been at in life and it’s a mix of all my older albums sonically.
You’ve had a bunch of sold-out shows in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Charlotte. What’s it like performing in these different cities, and how does the energy of the crowd influence your performance?
It’s why we do this. It ain’t no better feeling then seeing them folks sing yo song word for word, on bro. I came a long way so people selling out shows to come see me is a blessing for real.
You opened for SahBabii on a few shows earlier this year. What was that experience like, and what did you learn from being on the road with another artist?
It was geeked, I appreciate him for doing that cuz he ain’t have to. I got to see the preparation and all the love for real.
How important is performing overseas, will you be doing a show in London anytime soon?
Super important. I know I got fans overseas so it’s time to see how much love they got for me for real. You gotta just wait and see.
With ‘I NEVER GAVE AF’ out now, what’s next for Raq Baby?
More tours, more music, and just elevating the sound.
Photo by Garrett Bruce
