fUNCTIONAL

Expression. Dictionary.com defines it as an ‘indication of feeling, spirit, character, etc., as on the face, in the voice, or in artistic execution’. De La Soul was expressive. N.W.A. and Public Enemy were expressive. Run DMC..... Whodini......expressive. Artists who embrace and can truly relate to the expressive nature of Hip Hop and all that it has embodied in its fairly brief existence are numbered. Seasoned underground recording artist and producer Rickochet has managed to keep all this in perspective as he gears up for his participation on the new compilation project. Whip out the ol’ Ensoniq EPS 16 keyboard, a couple of cassettes, and press play on that beta max tape so we can grab some ideas from MJ’s classic The Making of Thriller... Or Beat Streat.... Or maybe even Breakin’! This humble aspiring contributor is not new to the scene. He has transcended the golden era of urban b-boy music and has approached the mic to give fans a glimpse into life as he knows it now. Rick is all grown up now and the fire that has driven him throughout the years still burns wild on the inside. The lead track entitled “Veteran’s Minimum” is evidence that Rickochet has not missed a beat.  

 This former college radio DJ and Illogic group member offers that heads may know him best from his production work on the first Cali Agents record or even the early Planet Asia solo EP. Rick also graced the mic on a 20 minute posse cut in the late 90’s which included a slew of Bay Area legends that was arranged by region icon Fanatik. Again, this is not his first rodeo. Many aspiring artists who never quite reach the pinnacle of their very own self expectations in this business find themselves on the odd side of the hands of time wondering where the good ‘ol days went. Few of them continue to work towards mastering their craft and incorporating their life experiences into their respective creations like our friend Rickochet. He has found a way to successfully juggle the attainment of his own personal intellectual goals ( he got his degree ), being a devout family man, and holding down the ever so popular ‘day job’. He has done this all while continuing to make time for his true passion which lies in the music. Rick’s professional approach to this game has a lot to do with how he has categorized his place in it. Not coming from a black household, he offers that music wasn’t as integrated into his childhood the way we hear many veteran deejays and emcees recollect from their own early years. His older sisters had him into 70s and 80s pop ranging from David Bowie and Elton John to Journey, Men At Work and Duran Duran. He attributes his gravitation toward melancholy and introspective records to the fact that his Dad really only played Johnny Cash on vinyl at home. He goes on to add that ‘like every other producer, he is a composite of influence from the legends of the era he grew up on’ despite the genre. Rickochet’s efforts to contribute to the legacy of progressive hip hop need not exist without proper mention. After years of navigating his way through the life path laid before him by the Creator, this artist now finds himself poised to reap the benefits of dues he unselfishly paid along his journey. Teaming up with the FKA Company on this multi-artists, collaborative release will undoubtedly create the buzz for a full length solo release. The song is hard hitting and serves to illustrate just how comfortable Rick is with his delivery. In regards to production, he proves that his best work is spawned by staying within his own comfort zone. His commanding California born and bred flow on “Veteran’s Minimum” confirms that he is still a force to be reckoned with.