Every artist has a decision to make: is this for the money, or for the love of the craft? Amen Riccs doesn't believe anybody needs to ask him that question.
Hailing from the city of Ontario, California, just east of Los Angeles, the artist began playing with rap around the age of 16. Freestyling over records at parties with friends, some began to ask questions about how serious he was taking it all. In late 2003, he made the decision to record a demo.
Over time the project developed into a full-length album, and in the summer of 2004 he released the project to the streets - the self-titled 'Amen Riccs'. Along with a small crew of friends developed over his time recording in the studio, they took a page from the book of many who have come before them, driving up and down California selling the record 'out the trunk'. Over the next 24 months the album would go on to sell a total of just over 9,000 copies - a huge feat for an independent artist operating from the trunk of his car.
As the music began to spread through the streets of Cali, offers began to come in. Amen soon found himself being interviewed on the same radio stations just a year ago he was listening to his favorite artists speak on. He refers to hearing his music on the airwaves for the first time as, "one of my best days". Over the years that followed he would go from performing in small clubs, to opening for acts like Bone Thugs n' Harmony & E-40, to headlining his own events. "It's a long, hard road", he says, "but you know...this is what I do. For everything I hate about this business, there's something I love. I can't put a price on seeing somebody connect with my music. That's why I do what I do."
In 2006, while putting the finishing touches on his sophomore album, he came together with a friend - producer Ed Money - and a decision was made to put a brand on the music that was being created. Real City Records was born, and in early 2007 the label released it's first project - Amen Riccs' second full-length album, 'Somethin's Gotta Give'. Once again the team took the music to the streets, selling each and every unit hand-to-hand from the trunks of their cars. The album is still moving as strong as ever today, sitting at just over 7,000 copies sold as you read.
"There's kind of more than one reason", Amen explained when asked about the album's title. "That was one of the last songs I wrote for the album. Openmynd played me the track and I knew I had to have it. Right away I made a promise to be totally honest when I wrote it. Each verse is a different story, things I watched happen to people that meant the world to me. So it was hard to write, even harder to record. It's hard for me to listen to sometimes. I think that and just sitting back and looking at everything we'd been through, where we were standing coming in with this new record. Just all around it was the perfect title for the album."
In Amen Riccs' world, everyday is just another opportunity to reach new fans. One album at a time, he's brought his music to world since he stepped in back in 2004...16,000 copies later, where does he stand?
"I'd be lying if I told you I haven't been through it over the years. But you know, it's about being true to what you feel God created you to do. I've got up every single day over the last 5 years and given this everything I had. Not like, out to make a million bucks, but out to be the best at what I do. I really don't think you find success in a bank account, or like, if someone sold a million records, does that make them successful? I guess to most people it does. To me, I woke up one day and decided this is what I was put here to do. Five years later, I'm getting ready to release my third full-length album with over 16,000 CDs in the streets, and did it all staying true to myself and what I believe in. I don't need no plaques to tell me nothing. That's success".
Amen Riccs' third full-length album is being completed and is set to drop this year. No release date has been announced as of yet, but stay tuned...the best things come to those who wait.
Pick up your copy of the album 'Somethin's Gotta Give'
The new street album from West Coast rep Amen Riccs, 'Somethin's Gotta Give'. 15 back-to-back bangers, this is a classic you don't want to sleep on.
Track listing -
1. Intro (skit)
2. Story Of My Life
3. California (ft. 40 Glocc)
4. Get That
5. The Life
6. Somethin's Gotta Give
7. I Got You (ft. Brian O.)
8. A. Riccs (ft. Moufaazha)
9. The Truth (ft. Konflict)
10. All The Heaven
11. Dark Nights (ft. Brian O.)
12. Ride With Me
13. Goin' Away (ft. Tina)
14. Forgive Me (ft. Dolla)
15. I'm Good
Order the album today for only $10.99! Your order and credit card information are 100% protected using a secure transaction via PayPal!
hahaa.. lol. wow.. u really think ima let you win.. aww how adorable... u thought lol.. its alright.. we will jus have to wait n see huh.. dont be scared tho.. i can hear you shakin in ur boots.. lol.. wont hurt you too bad..
RICCS WAT'S HAPPNIN!!! JUS SHOWN SOME LOVE!!! HAVEN'T SEEN U AT THA STORE LATELY, WATS UP!!! MUST BE BUSY WORKN ON THA NEW PROJECT!!! ANYWAYS CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR IT!! RIGHT NOW I'M ON THAT BLUEPRINT 3!! I JUST CAN'T STOP PLAYN IT!!! PEACE!!!
If you coming up from ontario take15 freeway north toward victorville get off on bear valley rd make a left and its in baja fresh parkin lot on left hand side
Whats up G got my spot for the show up here in victorville right off the freeway G you got to come check it out promote your music or just come hang out
Thought id drop by show some love. Also excited that your gonna put out a new album. wich im pretty sure its gonna be a real good one. well stay strong n god bless
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