Ron A.P. on his musical journey, being inspired by Kanye West & new album 'City of Love'

Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself?

What’s up y’all! I am Ron A.P. I’m an artist that grew up in the South Jersey/ Philadelphia area. I am also an actor, and a skydiver. The name comes from when I was acting and I was a photographer in college. I used to go by Ron Ace Paris, so I just shortened to A.P.

What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

I started doing music in middle school. I would freestyle all the time after school. I started taking it seriously when I got to high school. I remember my first freestyle was over the “Triumph” instrumental. I used to want to be like Inspectah Deck and Method Man. Those were my favorite artist on Wu-Tang. The first song that I ever wrote was to the Noreaga, “Bloody Money III” beat. I passed those tapes all around high school. I hope someone still has one of those copies.

Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?

My new album “City of Love” is about two things. It is about the Love that I felt while I was living in the City of Philadelphia. That city has some gritty, but real, and intense love. So, you’ll hear me talk about Philly a lot on the album. Secondly, the album is about my state of mind and where I want to be. I want to experience success at the highest level but also find love while doing it, but I also want to experience that love and appreciation from the city of Philly again. I definitely deliver that message throughout the entire album.

What makes your music unique? And how would you describe it?

The thing that makes my music so you unique is the composition. I do what most other hip-hop artist don’t do, I make most of my songs complex. There isn’t just a verse and a hook. There is a build and a decline between each components of my songs. Another thing that I like to do in a lot of my songs is rhyme every other line instead of every line to keep the complexity.

Do you play any instruments? And why do you love it?

I used to play the piano. I learned that in music class in middle school. I remember Ms. Barnes saying, “sit up Mr. Davis, you’re not in a rap video.” I still laugh every time when I think about it.

How is your creative process when recording music? And what makes a good recording session?

Well as soon as I hear the beat, or put one together, I already have a concept in my head. What I’ll do first is freestyle the entire song. I won’t write it, or record the concept, then I’ll wait a day, without listening to the beat. Then, the next time I hear it, I start writing and see what new concepts I come up with for the song. I rarely write out a whole song the very first day that I hear the beat.

Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?

My biggest influence in hip-hop music is Kanye West. Mainly because he is a daring artist. He doesn’t keep himself in a box, and he is not afraid to be different. B.B. King, and Muddy Waters are my other major influences. I love the Blues. It is my favorite genre of music. It’s a lot about heartbreak and love without having a cynical overtone. That’s mostly the sentiment of my music.

Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

So far, the best moment of my career is releasing my new project, “City of Love” The reason this is so big for me is because I did this all on my own. I mean literally, with no help from anyone. Not even one team member.

How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?

Actually, I don’t know. I’m still trying to figure that out. I am in the military, and over the last year while making an album, doing shows, and being sent all around the US for military obligations, I somehow manage to find enough time to do everything. I think I’ve been home a total of maybe 4 months over the last two years. But I don’t party or waste time with too many people, or too many things that don’t have to do with music or the military.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

I would tell the aspiring musician to just do it. Don’t be afraid of “not making” it. I have a lot of people come to me that always tell me that they want to do music, but they always have excuses as to why they don’t do it. And all the excuses lead to fear of not making it big.

If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?

I love the fans. Especially the day one fans. I love y’all really; especially the ones who always come out of the blue telling me they’re still rocking out to “Colombian Girlfriend”. It really always jolts life back into me to keep going.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or tours?

I am currently shooting videos for the songs “Real Love”, “The Plan”, and “Circles”. Also, I am currently working with Afton to get some shows going for when I get off this military mobilization in March of 2020. I am also deep into my next album. I think I want to have it released by June of 2020.