Tell us about your background getting to where you are today?
Music was something that I found when going through dark moments in my childhood. It was always there for me when nothing else was. I remember my first encounter with wordplay being in the first grade. I wrote my crush a poem. As cheesy as it sounds, looking back, it is one of the most beautiful encounters with God I ever had. After learning songwriting i started picking up local shows in Orange County. This turned into a passion that I knew in my heart would become a life long journey that I would never stop chasing. As a child God bestowed a vision on my heart with music. Touring the world in masses and changing the lives of millions through my stories. Side note, a major part of my story was my brother Joey Ghobrial. He is my closest friend and was always since the age of around 10. He showed me a man named Drake. Aubrey Graham definitely is a huge reason why I am an artist. His passion for the game has a direct relationship to my work ethic towards my craft.
Where are you from? When did you start music?
I am from Orange County. I started writing songs and learning drums, / guitar at the age of 11
What is the most challenging thing you have overcome in your life?
I believe the most challenging thing I overcame was accepting my role as a leader in the music industry. People think this position is solidified to be easy and lavish. However the truth is, leaders are the first ones who starve for their team. Learning to be that man wasn’t easy. Leadership isn’t something that you are born with. I believe individuals may be born with leadership qualities or traits. However, I do not believe everyone is born a leader. Becoming a leader in my community within music took over 17 years of trial and error in the industry. Today I have learned to become an open minded, sharp, strategic, and God glorifying leader.
How did you get into music?
Through basketball and heartbreak. Basketball was always my thing. Truthfully being one of the greatest musicians to exist was never the goal as a child. It was to become the next Kobe honestly. However along my journey hopping in High School. I got lucky enough to see my first cousin Aaron. (May his soul Rest In Peace with our King) rapping for the first time. He went by the name Dice. And I will never forget the way he made his name rhyme with obtrice haha. He showed me Eminem, g unit, dr. Dre. The list continues. He showed me the roots of rap music and Hiphop at a young age. He also installed in me “the way of the emcee” so to speak. How to swag my talk, walk my talk, study the oppositions lyrical wordplay. Truthfully told, Aaron was one of the most talented rappers I ever met. Unfortunately he got shot by some guy high on meth and he died super early. 😭
Are you currently signed or independent?
Independent
Who inspires you the most musically?
Aubrey Graham , Lil Wayne, Chester Bennington, 2pac, Nas, Metallica , Avenged Sevenfold, J Cole, Chain Smokers, Justin Bieber
What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?
I want people to feel my story in a way where it penetrates the mind, body, and soul of the listener to have an open mind. I want to provide clarity to the listener so that they could utilize the tools of my story to their own lives.
What is the purpose/reason driving you to pursue music?
I used to pursue music for the wrong reasons, now God is giving me no options truthfully speaking. He chose me to share His love to the world. If my stories can help anyone get through their day then I want to fulfill just that.
What is your greatest achievement as a musician?
Touring with artists such as Nipsey Hussle, Jason derulo, Sean Kingston, IAmSu etc. As well as song writing credits for artists.
Do you produce your own music? If not, who do you work with?
Yes. Also currently working with two producers right now. My day one brother from high school Joshua (JayQueBeats) . We are putting together a couple singles potentially an EP. Also working on an album executive produced by Daniel Peter my brother stationed in Hollywood. Shout out both of these guys.
Who is one artist you wish you could work with?
Drake
Tell us about any new music you have coming out?
debut album legacy will be released in December.
What does a day inside your shoes look like?
My day starts at 4AM. I wake up. Read a couple chapters from my Bible and meditate / pray until 4:45. From there I’m making coffee and I’m in the studio at 5AM. 5-7:30AM I’m recording vocals fresh in the morning. Then I shower get ready for class on campus at Cal State Fullerton. Classes start at 8:30AM and end usually around 1 or 2Pm. From there I take off from OC to Los Angeles. I like to do this everyday personally because Los Angeles to me is a city I truly believe in. Also, Los Angeles is the home of my personal hero Kobe Bean Bryant. For over 20 Years Kobe loved LA until his dying breathe he protected it’s Legacy. This is also why I push for LA, as I believe the mambas spirit resides in my heart. At 4PM I’ll land at a coffee shop in LA to begin a writing session. 4-6PM I spend writing a song or doing brief writing timed exercises. Sometimes I occasionally take a break and read my book to draw inspiration. From there I’m calling my musician network in LA and linking up. I’m always trying to find a session to sit in on or add value to. Find my friends and get them into a studio. I’m trying to make somebody get exposed for their talents. This is something I personally believe in. That being the GOAT doesn’t mean you are the most talented. Instead, how many people are were effected by your spirit in a positive way that aligns with intentions of God. Anyway, from there I take off back home. Due to traffic I get back around 9:30PM. Shower, change, dinner. Relax tell 10:00. Then 10-12 Im back in my second studio sesh. I unwind, read my Bible around 12:30ish. Wake up and repeat lol.
Anything else you want the audience to know about you?
That anything is possible. I put 17 years of every bit of energy my body had to offer. I pushed myself past exhaustion. To limits that humans have not reached. That is what it takes. It doesn’t matter if you make music or you make pizzas. The mentality doesn’t change. It’s the idea that God loves you so much that He wants to watch you endure perseverance so you can become great at anything you put your mind to. The reality of this world is that when you love God, and put Him first before anything. He will open every single door for you if it is according to His will. Believe me. For 17 years all I heard was doubt from my peers. Don’t feel upset. It is necessary. For you. Your growth in your whatever field it is you are in. The doubt of those that love you most is what builds your character and passion for your field. In my case it’s music
Music/Website Link
Rakanayyoub.com
Instagram Link
Instagram.com/rakanayyoub