Ahead of new monthly gathering Boom Bap at our home this Thursday, we chat with December’s headliner, Liverpool-based artist and rapper Rufu!
Hey Rufu, we’re really excited for your performance at Boom Bap! How did you first get into music?
I’m looking forward to performing at Boom Bap – it’s going to be a blessed night. I’ve always been into music, always. Music takes me to a different dimension – a safe space where I can completely be myself. Creating these songs is a whole different ball game though. I’m creating my own dimension this time, my own world, my own freedom. I can be as dangerous, reckless and risky as I want to be. I can also be as safe, gentle and calm as I want to be. It’s my world. A world created with love and unapologetic, raw, honest emotions. That’s power! That’s why I love performing live, it’s all about sharing my light and energy with the beautiful people in the crowd.
Can you tell us more about your latest single ‘RU4REAL’ and the messages behind it?
RU4REAL was created 10 months before its release. From the creation to the release, I fell out of love with it because I was evolving rapidly as a rapper. My sound has completely changed and my lyrics are now based on specific topics. The song has no real meaning, I was just saying random things I wanted to say. I want to be able to explain all the creations I release. I feel like I can’t do that well with RU4REAL, that’s why, come 2022, it will only be heard at my live shows. The song however, was created with love on the first day I met my now good friend, the amazing producer Rameau. He asked me what type of beat I was looking for, I described the drums of Madlib’s ‘Fake Names’ and the strings from Kanye’s ‘So Appalled’ and ‘Flashing Lights’. From that, he blessed us with the RU4REAL beat in 30 minutes. The guy is a genius.
How do you usually prepare for a gig? Any pre-show rituals?
I can’t share my pre-show rituals just yet, but it helps me reach my highest, most confident self. I always go with the flow; it doesn’t matter how I’m feeling, whether it’s good or bad. I just get on stage to express myself and hopefully get people to express themselves too, that’s the beauty of performing. To me, everyone in the venue is a part of the performance, we’re all transferring and exchanging energy. We’re all exploring. I don’t know if this makes sense but I’m always what I want the crowd to be. The goal is to make people move and to help heal people with immaculate sounds and raw honest lyrics. To do that, I have to be in a positive space where I don’t take myself too seriously, have a sound mindset and tap into my wavy flow. Whatever that means.
Are there any other local artists you’ve got on your radar at the moment?
Everyone. Liverpool is on a come up. There are a lot of talented local artists out there doing bits and sticking to their unique style too. It’s great. It’s looking like we’re all in this together too, which is important. That’s the only way we can compete to be honest.
What’s coming up next for you?
2021 was a year of reflecting and learning. 2022 will be a year of taking action. So all I can say is, expect a lot more from me. It’s going to be a long, pleasant journey. GODSPEED.
Get yourselves over to Boom Bap tomorrow for what promises to be a truly special performance from Rufu. In the meantime, check out his latest single ‘I’ll Be Me’ below!
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