We started gigging and rehearsing together full time. We started packing out venues without songs even being on the radio. Unfortunately, egos started to come into play, and once that happened, we went our separate ways. At that time, I had a song called Bubble Gum. This was when snap music was really big. I made this song with my partner Keith Mack. He started out with Disturbing Tha Peace. He did Act a Fool on the Fast & the Furious soundtrack. That’s my friend though; we all grew up together. Another guy by the name of Waleed Coyote, he’s a radio intern now, he goes crazy with it and I started getting attention. The people who knew me from my Infinity days knew I had a different side though. It was like Aloe Black meets Jodeci or Mint Condition. The sound was revolutionary man, like some futuristic Earth, Wind, & Fire. They were like what is this, but I knew I needed to be heard. I said I would slowly bring the people back to where I used to be. Jason Geter started hearing about me, and he flew me down to Atlanta. Keith Mack said he would get me the deal, and I ended up signing with Grand Hustle. From there, I did the Paper Trail album with T.I., worked with Jeezy & Trey Songz, and that’s when everything started happening. After that, Grand Hustle, even in their fairness, and they are very fair people, they let me flourish and hone my skills. Tip knew how big I was and what i was capable of. My contract had expired, and they allowed me to spread my wings. So, here we are now. I took you from the beginning to the end. I started off on a more mature level where you could go to a festival and hear my band. I went to Bubble Gum to get heard. Business-wise it made sense. I had to slowly bend you through this maze to where it’s more mature now. That’s why it took so long.
U.G. Digital Mag: I think that the strategy you used was perfect. It all makes perfect sense. A lot of people may not have listened otherwise. In terms of overall influence, people talk about who they have looked up to. You came up in a musical background and a lot of your family have done this. How has the family ultimately influenced you?
Ricco Barrino: My family influenced me to the point where it became second nature. From watching my dad rehearse in a barn, to watching K-Ci and JoJo before thy became K-Ci and JoJo, to listening to records with my uncle Perry, and uncle Juke, to be on the phone with my uncle Nathaniel … those uncles were the Barrino Brothers, I’m dissecting things like Marvin Gaye and The Temptations. My dad got us together at a young age to start our own group singing Gospel. I remember it teaching us discipline, because we really wanted to go outside and play. The ladies were everything and that’s where my brothers and I wanted to be. I really had dreams and visions of playing football. I remember my grandmother being on the piano wailing away on Sunday mornings. I remember all those things. Not only did they show me what soulful singing is, but you’ll notice in certain records where the influence comes from. I listened to a lot of Queen. I listened to Bob Marley, The Eagles, Guns N Roses, and Led Zeppelin. Michael Jackson and James Brown. With all those things, I began to paint on my canvas. They definitely inspired me.
U.G. Digital Mag: The beauty is that you have your own individuality. Regardless of who was there before you, you’re not trying to sound like anybody else. It’s all you being yourself. That’s what stands out so much. I’ve watched with all you’ve done, and how hard you’ve pushed yourself and built a solid career. It’s really massive, considering how many try this, and don’t get as far. The hard work shows for sure man.
Ricco Barrino: Right. I owe it all to God. There are times when I don’t know what will happen next. Sometimes, I think I push too hard, and then other times, I don’t think I push enough. I can’t say I have done it alone though. I thank my manager, Flen Purvis, and my boy lil’ Nizzy. They have been very loyal to me. I will say it’s lonely out here. There are times when you question friends and loved ones, because it’s so competitive, and grimy. In this business, all you have to do is say hello wrong and you get black-balled. It’s really God that’s running this train. I could have been dead and gone a long time ago with all the things I’ve been through, but God didn’t see fit for that.