Rexx Life Raj Talks The Blue Hour Album
T-Shirt (similar styles) G-STAR RAW, Jeans (similar styles) ASOS, Cardigan (sold out) K.NGSLEY. Talent’s own eyewear and jewelry throughout.
“The Blue Hour isn't an album I wanted to write, but life happened, and I had to write about it.”
When were you first introduced to music, and when did you know you wanted to make it your career?
I was first introduced to music just growing up. My mom was in the church. My parents had a delivery service, so I was in the back of cars my whole life listening to music. I knew early on I wanted to be a rapper. I didn't think about making it a career until I graduated college. I probably thought about it in high school, but I always knew I wanted to pursue music.
Your music is so soulful. What artist inspired you sonically?
It's so many! Any melodic rapper was inspiring to me. Andre 3000, of course. I like Drake shit and any rapper that can play both worlds. A lot of the inspiration comes from singers. I grew up on neo-soul shit, so Erykah Badu, Jill Scott. I love Sade. And then growing up in church just added that gospel inspiration to my music.
You describe the new album as an album of transition and grief. Were any songs on a The Blue Hour that were particularly hard to record?
All of them.
We often hear that artist create their best work when they're going through heartbreak. Do you feel recording music in that state comes at a price?
Yes, because you're dealing with real-life stuff. The music comes from real life, and that's why it's so impactful because it's full of intention. I'm not saying words to make you feel good. It's like I went through this life experience and people connect with it because they've been through that same life experience, or you can exude that energy in music that makes them feel that sort of thing. So it comes with a price of life. The Blue Hour isn't an album I wanted to write, but life happened, and I had to write about it.
Lantern Coat (similar styles) & Pants (similar styles) HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE.
Do you face any challenges being a voice for those who are processing loss?
No, I don't think it's hard. Sometimes it's a lot because I'm already dealing with my life and emotions. With Blue Life, as you said, it's connecting with people on a level that they vent into me. It's heavy sometimes, but I don't think it's hard. It just depends on the mental state that I'm in.
On your mental state, how are you nurturing your mental health during this time?
Exercising, doing what I love, being around people I love, praying, and meditating.
I know you played football in college. What team would you like to see in the Super Bowl?
Either the Cowboys or the Redskins because I got some homies that play on those teams or the Broncos. Any of those teams or the 49ers because Trey Lance just followed me on Instagram.
What are you looking forward to the most on The Blue Hour tour? And once you wrap up, are you ready for a break or ready to get back into the studio?
I'm just looking forward to connecting with fans. It's been a while since I've been on the road like this. And after the tour, I'm not taking a break. I'm going to turn up.
T-Shirt (similar styles) KID SUPER, Cardigan (sold out) K.NGSLEY.
Photographer: Ammar Thomas @iam.ammarjamal
Styling & Editor: Nigel Isaiah @nigel_isaiah
Grooming: Koji Ichikawa for Distinct Artists @Koji_Ichikawa
Location: The 9 Studio
Special Thanks: The Oriel Company