BAHRAIN-BASED rapper Richmond ‘Hotline’ Shaw is hoping to inspire people in the kingdom to ‘think big’, put aside their differences and follow their dreams with his new album.
The former soldier, 28, from the US state of Michigan is not new to the region. He served in the 1st Infantry Division and was stationed in Iraq as a teenager.
It’s been a while since he put down his gun and picked up a microphone and his versatility has seen him release seven albums and perform around the world with a number of famous names including rapper 50 Cent’s G-Unit through to Kelly Rowland, Yung Joc and Kurtis Blow.
His latest album, Brothers in Bars, features collaborations from artists around the world, many of whom also have a military background.
He said: “I linked up with artists from Africa, Iran, Brazil, Germany, you name it. It gave a sense of unity and understanding. It also helped me realise that what I’m doing has the potential to become very powerful.
“There are so many different nationalities on this album I should’ve named it the United Nations!
“Most of the performers do have some form of military background. I included these folks to show people that this talent and these stories are coming from people who have actually had to live through it. It’s also a way for the more solid people to vent and feel that they are actually being heard and understood.
“The theme behind the album is brotherhood on a global scale. This is why I have collaborations with artists not only with military backgrounds, but also from countries which historically have a bit of tension like Syria, Russia, Germany, Iran, and so on.
“Unity brings understanding, which is the catalyst to an open mind. To help prove that although the light of unity may be dim in some areas, never lose hope because it always shines through.”
The album took more than a year to finish. It involved moving lots of pieces around from recording times, to artists touring and people being busy with their own releases. Hotline hopes it was worth the wait.
The energetic young rapper believes that music transcends both language and culture and is a driving force for unity. He said: “I hope to help further establish the Middle East music scene and also kill some of the stigma surrounding the region, subcontinent and the way Westerners feel about it, and vice-versa.
“What motivates me to perform is connecting with the crowd and knowing that there is the possibility of even one person that will actually be inspired by what I say.”
The message in Hotline’s lyrics marks a refreshing departure from the staple themes indigenous to the hip-hop genre.
He said: “I think music turned from talking about the struggle, envisioning success and things of substance to celebrating the fact of attaining that success and overcoming that same struggle. However, I guess people have been partying so long that they have forgotten that there are folks still struggling.
“I hope this album serves as a medium between fear, fun, fantasy and, of course, fulfilment.”
Apart from holding down a position in real estate he is also in demand as an MC, choreographer, music producer and dancer.
Although the kingdom remains his chosen home, his music is crossing oceans and his latest track, Amnesia, features popular Brazilian group Mixtape and is quickly growing in popularity in South America.
Brothers in Bars is available from Virgin Megastore in Bahrain City Centre priced at BD6.
