Words Liam Cattermole (@liam_cattermole)
Ahead of a forthcoming project, we got acquainted with Ricardo Gold, talking Onoe Caponoe support slots, keeping grounded when it matters, and the brilliance of So Solid Crew.
Cutting through the noise thanks to razor-sharp wordplay, Ricardo Gold is the south Londoner painting a poignant picture of the roads. Armed with an ear for brain-boggling 808s, the rapper honed his craft over many years, recording music since the age of 14. A devastating nonchalance defines his flow patterns, which have seen him quickly rise through the ranks and into the consciousness of UK rap fans across the country.
Nowhere is this more prevalent than in ‘Patience’, one of Ricardo’s recent singles. Produced by himself and fellow talent mav3rick, the Dominican Republic and Jamaican artist delivers his pen game with unrivaled authenticity. A melting pot of ghastly melodies and harrowing drums combine for a cacophony of sounds, which immerse listeners in the unholy world he often pictorialises.
Firing back with ‘Live in the flesh’, produced by Blah Records affiliate Reklews, the wordsmith’s punchy one-liners and dystopian soundwaves are on full display on his latest track. Accompanied by CultDeep-directed visuals, the tune possesses an unapologetic flare both sonically and visually which will no doubt continue the momentum surrounding one of the scene’s most promising stars.
Ahead of a forthcoming EP, we got acquainted with Ricardo Gold, talking Onoe Caponoe support slots, keeping grounded when it matters, and the brilliance of So Solid Crew. Tap in below.
Hey Ricardo Gold, how are you? To kick off, what’s been your most memorable moment of 2023 so far?
I’m great thank you! My most memorable moment was a session where I made a new beat; it’s my best so far!
Can you remember some of your earliest musical infatuations? Are there any artists or albums that stand out as key influences on your journey now?
'Treddin On Thin Ice' by So Solid Crew and even Mr Hudson's 'White Lies'. I listen to a lot of different artists. From Kate Bush to Jay-Z, Pink Floyd to Dipset and Oasis. My ting's eclectic.
Was there a moment where you realised “Okay, I can rap and this is what I want to do” or has your artistry been a gradual progression?
I've always wanted to be an artist, it’s been a gradual come-up. I think 14 was the youngest I ever recorded a song.
Do you stand by any guiding principles or philosophies that keep you motivated no matter how difficult having a music career can seem?
Yeah, that’s 'LVL27', which stands for 'Love Vision Life'. It keeps me grounded in what really matters. Death keeps me motivated as well, the reminder that one day we’re all going be fried fish. It makes me use my time to do the things I love.
You recently landed a support slot for Onoe Caponoe in Bristol, which must have been crazy. What was it like performing in such company?
It felt legendary. Caponoe inspires me: with his stage presence, his crowd control, and his confidence. It made me realise that I need to go harder… The night was a vibe from start until finish! Caponoe is my guy. I took a lot away from meeting him and his team. I'm grateful for the opportunity, so big up Josh (my booking agent) and Onoe’s management.
Your new track, 'Live In The Flesh' comes out this week. Congratulations! You’ve said previously that the song gave you an opportunity to analyse yourself from a different point of view. What did you learn about yourself when making the track?
I didn’t learn so much from making the track. I learn more so as I naturally go along and fuck up.
The song comes accompanied by some great visuals. How did you want the video to represent the song’s narrative? And are you an artist who’s hands-on with the visual process, or do you let the Director do their thing?
Thank you! The video was shot by King Girl from the Brighton Collective CultDeep. I wanted it to be a gritty mandem video. I used the mannequin as a physical representation of the ego.
We’ve heard that ‘Live In The Flesh’ and ‘Patience’ might be part of a wider project. At this moment in time, what can you tell us about how it sounds and the wider themes you’re discussing?
I'm going to have a sit down with a few trusted characters and discuss what fits where. I don’t want to do myself any injustice and give people only half of the picture.
You’re currently based in Brighton, a city known for its burgeoning hip-hop scene. Is there anyone on the south coast who you’ve been working with or would like to work with in the future?
I’m based in London but I’m just in Brighton a lot. I’ve got my brothers and uncles down there so I’m always around. I’ve been working with CultDeep, Trickky, ITM, KMizz safenath, TripleXL - just the lads really. The scene in Brighton is cool, I like it a lot but there’s no place like home.
What’s next for Ricardo Gold? Where would you like to take the story next?
That’s a big question I don’t want to spoil the movie, so stay connected with me.