In the Studio With Rob Roy

Episode I: Musings on Home(and Pyramid Energy) from Rob Roy on Vimeo.

I dig Rob Roy. He's got a unique sound. It has this funk / soul feel with influences from both the south (originally from Florida) and a touch of that west coast vibe (currently in LA). Found this vid from a few months back and thought it was dope.

Also check out that interview with Rob Roy (where you can listen to his album King Warrior Magician Lover). When asked when we should expect the album to drop, Rob Roy responds with, "The album's release date is SOON... I like surprises."

Pay Attention to Rob Roy

I came across dude a few weeks back when I peeped that Fur in My Cap video. I think the quote was “He’s a starrrah” according to Questlove (of the Roots) while on Twitter, when he blasted the link to the vid out in a tweet. Then the video popped up in my email. Then a friend in DC told me he heard it out in the club. There was something that hit me immediately with the track. Something unique.

In searching for more of Rob Roy, you find that folks either love him or hate him. It’s true; he’s definitely an acquired taste. Wherever his tracks were, there were comments in favor and against. One thread started with “Rob Roy is about to be the new hot blog rapper.” Heads joined in on both sides of that debate.

One fan wrote, “Dude is f’ing crazy. His voice is something that I’ve never really heard before and the hook (in Fur in My Cap) just comes out of nowhere and you’re instantly listening. I’d totally listen to some more of this dude. Pretty abstract and strange, but good.”

Rob Roy has this rare mix of talent and uniqueness.

Is he the hottest and most lyrical emcee on the planet? You’ll need to answer that question yourself. But is he a cookie-cutter-ring-tone emcee? That’s one thing that he’s definitely not, and with that you should pay close attention to Rob Roy. He brings something different to the table. He classifies his style as Rap / Punk / Blues. Some fans liken his sound to Outkast, with its southern influence.

The first go through of King Warrior Magician Lover, I immediately thought the fresh sound of early Missy Elliott’s off the wall music that was just different at the time. Sure, I know a bold statement. But do you remember the video for “The Rain”? Remember how heads were tripping about her in a garbage bag and other cool graphics? Well, enter Rob Roy’s “Fur in My Cap” video. This dude obviously takes his craft seriously and the creativity of the video says that it his talent doesn’t end on wax and continues on film.

He’s definitely not for everyone but it’s different and sometimes different can be good. He brings creativity and passion to his craft.

We reached out to Rob Roy to talk about his new project, King Warrior Magician Lover. Here’s the Q&A with him.


The Mad Bloggers: Where you from?
Rob Roy: I'm from Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida and currently living in Los Angeles

TMB: How long you've been doing this music thing?
Rob Roy: If I were to establish set dates - August 2003, I started taking music seriously. August 2006, I began viewing it as a career choice.

TMB: When does King Warrior drop?
Rob Roy: The album's release date is...SOON! I like surprises.

TMB: How would you explain the project?
Rob Roy: It's a model for handling the transition from childhood to maturity.

TMB: Who did you work with on it?
Rob Roy: Luke Walker aka Gods Paparazzi, and I produced every track, with additional production from Tim H on "Bowden Acres Parade."

TMB: Reasons heads should grab it?
Rob Roy: 1) It's soul food, not fast food 2) Dylan, Dylan, and Dylan.

TMB: When can they get it?
Rob Roy: Soon! There's a grand strategy at work here.

For more information: www.myspace.com/robroy

Listen to some of King Warrior Magician Lover below.

King Warrior Magician Lover

Check out more from The Mad Bloggers