RIFICA
Everyone has different worlds that we come from. This guy I had a chance to get an interview with has witnessed a few different worlds in which I think gives him a great diversity in this life.
Where did u grow up in Houston?
I like to say I grew up on both sides of the tracks. I lived in South Park with my mom till I was 8. After that I lived there only on weekends and in the summer. I also stayed in Alief, and the Mission Bend, Mission Glen area of Houston with my dad. That’s a more suburban area of town in Fort Bend County. I also ended up graduating from Fort Bend Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugar Land. My experiences growing up were very diverse. As a result I can hold my own in any environment.
Do you find it a more positive environment within the Christian rap movement?
The lyrics are positive and uplifting. Music that will make you a better person. Christian Rap shows have a very positive environment. People show everyone love when they get off the stage whether they did well or not. So for the most part Christian Rap is a positive environment. The primary focus of Christian rap is winning souls for the Kingdom of God. To influence people to give their life to Christ, and then live righteously once they have given their life to Christ by confessing him as their Lord and Savior is and should be artist in this genres goal.
Is there a favourite church that you want to shoutout and friends and other rappers?
Victorious Living Christian Center in League City, Tx which is my home church, and all of my church family there. Man if I start naming people I may forget someone so I won’t get specific, but I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey as a Gospel Artist in anyway shape form or fashion. From my wife, to the rest of my family members to those that have booked me for shows, to rappers that have had me colab with them on their albums, to DJ’s that play me , radio stations that spin my music, and any RIFICA supporters out there who have simply given me encouraging words I thank you. You all are greatly appreciated. Without all of you I would not be where I am today.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Prophets have been telling me for several years that there is no limit to what God will do through me in my music ministry / career. First and foremost in the future I see myself doing music full time. I’d be satisfied if I could just do that, but people say God has great plans for me. I’m just a vessel for God who will allow him to use me how ever he needs to to get his ministry out through music.
Who is your most influential person in your life?
My dad is the most influential person in my life. Many people are not blessed to grow up with their father in their life but I was so I am grateful for that. My dad is one of my greatest musical influences. He actually plays guitar on my last two albums The Standard, and Fresh Manna. On my Death Of Me Mixtape Volume 1 I actually pay tribute to my dad through a song on there called “Play The Guitar” a cover of B.O.B and Andre 3000's 2012 single. You can hear it here Play The Guitar by RIFICA. The download link in the description.
Who are your biggest supporters in your world?
My wife and my parents are my biggest supporters. Really that is how it should be. There are other people around the globe that have become great supporters through the years as well. They know who they are as they are reading this. I welcome all support. I can never have to many supporters! All are welcome!
What’s the biggest hurdle you had to get over in your life to reach the point your at?
Divorce which almost caused foreclosure on my home. During that dark time in my life in 2012 I was working on my Death Of Me Mixtape Volume 1. It was hard to keep the creative juices flowing during that time but I did and a few hit songs that I still do today came from that mixtape. The mixtape also expanded my fanbase across the USA. The “Gospel Wobble” Gospel Wobble by RIFICA . And The Righteous Shuffle Righteous Shuffle by RIFICA. All came from my Death Of Me Mixtape Volume 1.
Is there anything you hope to accomplish with your music for others?
I hope to help break down the separation of. Gospel Rap and mainstream rap not being played on the same major media platforms. I don’t want future holy hip hop artist to have to deal with being discriminated against by the 97.9 fm radio stations of the world and BET and MTV video shows of the world. In most cases Christian Rap is better than the stuff they are playing on mainstream radio these days, but they won’t play it. I hope to change all of that for future artist that choose to create positive God glorifying content like I do. On another note I hope to influence people in a positive manner with my music. I pray that my music causes more fathers to raise their children, and be good husbands. I pray that my music influences youth and young adults to be better citizens, and Christians, and carry themselves with self respect and dignity. I pray that my music influences people to enjoy themselves in a clean wholesome Christian way, and be successful in life.
What was your most memorable moment in the making of your Album Fresh Manna?
I would have to say that my most memorable moment was when I was recording “Instagram”. My engineer Keegan Breaker was recording me. A lot of times I do my recording sessions memorized so that the verse is exactly how it would be at a show, well polished. I recorded the second verse of the song, and when I finished Keegan started clapping and yelling “Yeah Yeah Yeah!!!!”. That had never happened before. I had never recieved a reaction like that from recording a verse. Obviously he felt the verse was a hot 16.
What does 777 stand for?
I believe that 777 is the seal of Gods people. Christians who are raptured up to Heaven in the last days are said to have a seal on their foreheads in Revelations when they are standing before the thrown of God. I believe the seal on their forehead is 777. That is what I always see when I read that passage in the Bible. 666 is the sign or seal of the anti christ and the devil’s people. 777 is the seal of Christians. The holy number. 7 is the number of completion/perfection. Seven 3 times emphasizes this. I am aware that there is no concrete scriptural evidence for what exactly 777 means. However, different things mean different things to different people, and to me 777 represents the Holy Trinity. God Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When you see RIFICA777 that means I represent the Holy Trinity. I’m clearly identifying who I serve and who I represent. so there will never be any doubts.
