During his first year at Tuskegee University as a mechanical engineering major, Maurice Richards fell in love with the craft of making beats and opted to drop out of school to pursue a career in the music industry.
Nicknamed “Rich Boy” because of his last name, Richards, he is added to a growing list of artists coming out of the South, officially putting Mobile, Ala., on the map. Rich Boy also adds a new flow of hip-hop to challenge current Southern rappers.
His self-titled debut album was released March 13 on Zone 4/ Interscope Records and featured his hit “Throw Some D’s.”
The single “Throw Some D’s” has found success in clubs, national radio airwaves, and on MTV, BET and VH1.
To add to the success of his single, Rich’s album features a remixed version of the single with appearances from Andre from Outkast, Jim Jones from the Diplomats, Nelly, Murphy Lee and The Game.
Also on his album are guest appearances by David Banner, Big Boi of Outkast and John Legend. You will also hear from up-and-coming artists Keri Hilson, Attitude 3, and Cutty.
His lyrical content extends from the likes of the street sounds of T.I., Little Wayne, Slimm Thug and Young Jeezy. However, it addresses the same message that you would hear from more conscientious rappers.
His second single, “Boy Looka Here,” produced by Polow Da Don from Jim Crow, promises to be as successful as his first.
The tracks on the album include a variety that can be played in the club, while you cruise in your car, or when you are in the comfort of your home. Fans of both coasts will find a track to nod their heads to.
Unlike most rappers today, Rich Boy’s lyrics do not only tell the story of a young black youth growing up in the streets with drug dealers and gangsters as a role models.
In his reggae-influenced song, “Lost Girls,” featuring Keri Hilson and Rock City, he talks about the life of an insecure women who ruined her life chasing after the wrong thing.
Through the messages in his music, Rich Boy shows the different experiences that he has seen in his life, connecting them with music and lyrics that help his audience understand thier significance.
The versatility in his lyrics and the creativity in his delivery set him apart from the rest of the South.
