After one of our readers sent over a link of Richie Branson video “Letter to Squaresoft”I knew I had to find out more about this guy. Branson was kind enough to answer a few questions about himself for everyone out there.

Just incase you missed the video post from last week. Check our Branson “Letter to Squaresoft” video below.

 

Can you give our readers a little background on Richie Branson?

Let me first start by saying that I am NOT the CEO of Virgin Airlines, lol. I adopted the name “Richie branson” after my collegues began to refer to me as the Richard Branson of music because of my ability to not only rap, but also produce, engineer, mix, and master music. As a producer, I am the co-founder of a production company called Red Prodigy Productions. We’ve worked with major labels such as Def Jam and Sony, and have collaborated with grammy-winners such as Rick Ross, The Dream, and Bun-B. I started rapping a year and a half ago simply because people told me I’d never make it as a rapper. Every day I wake up on a mission to prove them wrong.

How was it getting a record label?

It’s great to have a team behind me, but honestly you end up working a lot harder after you get signed to a label. There’s a certain level of responsibility neccessary when executives begin to invest in your talent. The good thing about having a label is that it allows me to focus strictly on the creative side of my craft while they handle the business element. I’m definitely making more creative music now that I am able to stay in my zone without having to deal with the headache that comes with business-related stuff. I’m definitely in good hands over at Tutone Entertainment / Jagore Music Group.

Can you tell our readers were your inspiration and ideas come from for you music? What do you rap about?

When I first started rapping, I found myself making music that everyone else wanted to hear. I’d listen to the radio and try to emulate what was currently hot. Eventually, I realized that I wasn’t being true to myself with the music I was making. I’ve always been a nerdy guy with a love for videogames, cars, and anime, yet none of my music reflected who I was. I decided that I’d start making music about my interests and life experiences. So far, it looks like that was the best decision i’ve made in my life as a musician.

Out of all the songs you have done. Which one means the most to you?

Honestly, one of my more recent songs “Letter to Squaresoft” is definitely one of my favorites. Admittedly, it was meant to be a lazy, fun musical “letter” to Square-Enix reminding them of their past as the king of RPGs and making a few funny suggestions on how they could get that old Squaresoft magic back. Since it was meant to be fun, I didn’t put much effort into the lyrics or delivery. I uploaded it on YouTube and within a week it ended up on some of the biggest videogame news sites on the ‘net. I ended up getting a lot of love from people around the world who really understood the intended message. For the record, i would like to say that almost all of my suggestions to Square-Enix were not serious and strictly meant for absurdity and humor. Super Mario RPG with a Coldplay soundtrack is a terrible idea.

What are some of your favorite topics to rap about?

Video games, anime, racing, and basically real life experiences that people can relate with.

What is one of the biggest or favorite Gigs you played so far?

Most definitely the San Antonio show on the tour I went on with the legendary DMX. San Antonio is my city, and it was an honor to be able to perform a big show like that in front of my hometown.

Any new songs you are working on that we can know about?

I’ve got a complete mixtape all about Gundam Wing releasing March 20th. It will be available on my website at www.richiebranson.com . Also be on the lookout for my first official single “Otaku Love” coming soon after that!

I know I would like to see you play at GDC, E3, or some gaming event this year. Would you be willing to do that? Which event would it be? Could I get a shootout….James Higginbotham…Ok that doesn’t flow well…just James is fine.

Definitely, my dream would be to perform at the next PAX. Also, I’d give my left foot to perform at GDC or E3! Here’s a dope line for you: “I’m Batman the way I’m saving my city like Gotham, shoutout to James Higginbotham”

What are some of your Favorite video games of all time?

Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, Goldeneye 64, Half-Life 1 and 2, Gunstar Heroes, Streets of Rage II, and Street Fighter Alpha 3.

What games are you playing at this moment?

Sonic Generations, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Skyrim, Chrono Trigger: Crimson Echoes