Red Baron will receive an album review in an upcoming edition of IAE Magazine. Stay tuned for details.

Red Baron has a featured interview in the latest issue of Vents Magazine! You may read it by clicking the following link: http://ventsinterviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/red-baron.html Vents Magazine is a free monthly online music and entertainment magazine mostly dedicated to spreading new music to the scene. The magazine has received around 10,000 views in total and more than 80,000 unique page views. Their readership consists of 3600 readers worldwide according to Facebook and Twitter numbers.

Red Baron was selected as the finalist/winner of Timeless Music Ent.’s 50 TopMics Next to Blow Music Industry Showcase in Richmond, VA on Sunday October 17, 2010! As a result, Red Baron will be featured in XXL Magazine, The Source Magazine’s S.I.H.H.N., have his song sent to 30,000 djs across the country and is scheduled to compete in the TopMics New York Finals on November 7, 2010.

Red Baron is a featured artist on Power 105.1FM Dj Whutevva’s Empire State Mixtape Vol.2. The mixtape is scheduled for release today (October 20, 2010) at 10:20pm, and is also the world’s first iPhone app for a mixtape series. It will include previously unreleased material from your favorite red rapper, along with exclusive material from prominent hip-hop artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Will.I.Am, Swizz Beatz, Lil’ Wayne, T.I., Usher, Diddy, Neyo, Drake, Nikki Minaj, Birdman, Rick Ross, Fabolous, Chris Brown, B.O.B., Trey Songz, Jim Jones, J.Cole, etal.

Red Baron is featured in the “Unsigned Hype” portion of Hip-Hop Stardom 101′s October 2010 issue! You may read it by clicking this here.

Shades of Grace is coming soon! We continue our tales of the adventures of your favorite red rapper’s quest to put the Good News to good music. Red has recently stepped from the stage, back into the recording studio, only to emerge with his latest offering nearly ready for your ears. Inquiries have often been addressed to me as to whether such things will fill your ears sooner as opposed to later. The answer lies in the words of venerated emecee Talib Kweli, “It’ll be finished when it’s finished.” Trust that such a time is approaching. I assure you the Lord has given me something worth waiting for. My prayer is that you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you. This time around, I have solicited the assistance of several old friends (Tomeka “Epiphany” Carroll, Stacy “Lyric” Merritt, William “Prince William” Gravely), a few new ones (David P. Stevens, Lisa McClendon, Kurtis Parks, Shamika Phoenix, Scenario, Nakeesha Benson and Karena Sheppard) and my lovely wife.

Conceptually this album grew out of a desire to navigate the intersection of faith and everyday living. How does my faith mollify our society’s urges to quench belief? How do I reconcile my faith with my racial identity? How does my faith drive my intellectual pursuits, or steer my quest to find a fulfilling vocation? How does it absolve the lingering doubts of my non-believing friends? How does it guide my search for companionship? These are the types of questions we all wrestle with once we leave our houses of worship. This project seeks to illustrate the subtleties of God’s grace working through our lives as we grapple with these issues.

Sonically, I wanted this album to embody a more holistic musical expression. Hip-hop as a genre has lost a sense of its compositional element, and too often rappers and their audiences have grown satisfied with monotonous melodies and looped drum patterns. That significantly diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the music, at least in my eyes. I envisioned this project showcasing the influences of genres that preceded hip-hop, in addition to other genres that grew along alongside hip-hop and those which contributed to its growth. I also, I wanted to display more of my own personal musical influences.

Why or how did you choose your bandname?

In all honesty, I didn’t first choose my name considering all of the hidden metaphors and symbolic nature of such a title—I simply liked how it sounded. After the passing of my grandfather, whom I closely resemble, people began calling me “Red” to emphasize how closely my features mirrored his (he was called “Carpenter Red”). Shortly after I began rapping, I chose Red Baron because the moniker “Red” had already stuck, and I also thought “Red Baron” sounded cooler and more distinctive than “Red.” Once I shifted the focus of my music, I began calling myself the baron painted red with the blood of Christ. When I researched the title baron, I discovered as with so much of our destiny, God had predestined what I initially deemed a mere coincidence.

Essentially, during the time of British nobility, a baron’s job was to add to his king’s kingdom. Rather than extending the boundaries of a given territory as barons of old, I lifts up the name of Jesus, that He might draw all men unto Him (John 12:32). In so doing, I add to my King’s kingdom.

What inspired you to pursue a music career?

I never intended to pursue a music career initially. Moreover, as a young man, my parents pushed me to find a respectable profession rather than gallivanting around with these songs of mine (I guess that is part of the reason I am an attorney today). Even when I expressed my creative impulses early on, I originally envisioned myself pursuing a career as a visual artist because I have been drawing since before I could write. In terms of the music, I was not even listening to rap for more than a year and a half before I started rapping myself. Yet something happened when I started listening. It’s as I said in my song This Music, “This was music, like I had heard through the grapevine/Percussion, base lines, people used to create rhymes/It changed lives, from that day it changed mine/I was in love, fighting only would waste time.” When I stopped fighting the music’s hold on me, I began to see my purpose in it. Again, in This Music I say:

But I kept rhyming/I kept writing, I kept fighting/Looking for a purpose in this, praying that I’d find it/And that’s when I gave God glory in all that I did/Flowing in His name/Knowing it wasn’t my gift/So I obeyed saying that I would do it in faith/And at each place they would say, “What must I do to be saved?”/And that’s when I would say I knew that my influence was great/I would preach this Gospel, I would do what it takes/I couldn’t do this any more to rock an audience/I’m held accountable when all of the applauses end

Can you recall any particular moment or experience that may have moved you to pursue a music career? If so, please explain:

In the fall of 2002, Clark Atlanta University’s Homecoming Committee invited me to participate in the school’s Homecoming Gospel Concert, scheduled to take place in the James P. Brawley Student Center. The organizer placed me at the close of the concert, in part because her unfamiliarity with my brand of music left her few other options. On that afternoon I presented a song I had recently written called, As in the Days of Noe. The song is based on a scripture (Matthew 24:37) where Jesus compared His second coming to the days of Noe (Noah).

The concert took place on beautiful fall afternoon. When it started, there was not a cloud in the sky. Most of the attendants took note of the picturesque weather because the Student Center had large windows that provided a good view of the campus. As I proceeded through the song, I glanced out of the window on occasion, and began to see storm clouds forming outside. Shortly after I concluded the song with the final line, “Because looking in the sky, it looks like rain to me,” the clouds seemed to burst, and the area had begun to receive a torrential downpour. The rain fell with such force that it compelled all of the concert’s attendants to wait indoors for the rain to cease, and all who were outdoors to seek shelter from the unexpected deluge. From that day forward, I knew this is what I am supposed to do.

What or who are your biggest musical influences (past or present)?

Surprisingly enough I did not begin listening to rap until my early teenage years, primarily because my parents’ introduction to rap came from the musings of 2 Live Crew. Naturally they forbid rap in their house, so I drifted towards their collections of the classics: Marvin, Aretha, James, Bob, Stevie, Michael, you name them. They also ensured that I learned to play the violin and piano at a young age, so by the time I actually encountered rap, my musical stylings were more influenced by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Otis Redding, Booker T & the MGs, Wilson Pickett, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson than any particular rapper.

In regards to rappers, initially, I hung off every word of any emcee that said something of quality—someone that said things that really excited you about the craft. For example, Talib Kweli is one of those rare artists that never ceases to make me say, “Wow.” Eventually others would prove influential (e.g. ‘Pac’s versatility, Jay’s wit, Nas’ lyricism, Big’s delivery, The Roots’ chemistry, Common’s social commentary, Outkast’s dedication to artistry, Mos just being Mos, et cetera).

One of the more instrumental influences in shaping the music I make and helping me find my voice as an artist just so happens to be three great friends of mine that I went to college with—The Remnant. They taught me how to balance lyrical dexterity with relatability. In essence, they showed me how to be myself and not compromise my message. They helped me learn how not to lose sight of me when presenting the message. I learned how to turn my music into a ministry by watching how they reached people at shows. They also encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing and have fun in the process.

How do you describe your music to others?

The composer I work with said my music is what a beautiful painting sounds like. I believe that is an apt description. My work depicts the airbrushes of God’s handiwork in our lives, and hopefully offers the listener something beautiful to listen to as well.

Any memorable experiences while performing live or while touring “on the road”?

I don’t have many crazy stories about touring, but I have performed in some unconventional settings, the oddest being a grocery store. I got a phone call one Sunday morning from someone that had seen me at a previous concert, and he asked would I be willing to rap at the grand opening of the grocery store where he worked (The Whole Foods on Ponce de Leon for those familiar with Atlanta). I agreed, and within about an hour and a half, I was rapping in the foyer of the store. I got a great reception and a wholesome breakfast out of it all.

What kind of feedback have you received from your current release?

Like every musician, I just want to be heard. The greatest compliment any musician can receive is that a song the musician made resonated with people. That is what I aim for, to make music that reaches people and does not compromise the message. This project has been blessed to do that, and impact a wide range people in a multitude of ways, despite the fact I have not completed it yet.

For example, I was once told how a friend of a friend heard my song Ready to Live while in the hospital shortly after his doctors told him he had days to live. He told my friend hearing the song inspired him fight to live as long as he could and enjoy each of his last moments. The same song had the same friend’s young son running around their home singing it, and has had crowds in various other settings (e.g. churches, bars, clubs, etc.) on their feet rockin’ with me. My single Have Plenty has been generating a great response on various radio stations. Others have told me my song Live is Beautiful has brought tears to their eyes and that my song Good Faith has given them chills. Others have told me how other songs have made them rethink deep-seated notions, and the like. In all, it is humbling to hear and see such things, and I never take for granted the blessing that occurs when my music touches people.

What is the inspiration behind your current release?

The short answer is that this album is the continuation of the last. My first album sought to present the Gospel assuming you had not heard it before, and simultaneously give you good rap music. This album seeks to show what happens with that Gospel if you choose to take it home with you, while giving you good music in the process.

Conceptually this album grew out of a desire to navigate the intersection of faith and everyday living. How does my faith mollify our society’s urges to quench faith? How do I reconcile my faith with my racial identity? How does my faith drive my intellectual pursuits, or steer my quest to find a fulfilling vocation? How does it absolve the lingering doubts of my non-believing friends? How does it guide my search for companionship? These are the types of questions we all wrestle with once we leave our houses of worship. This project seeks to illustrate the subtleties of God’s grace working through our lives as we grapple with these issues.

Sonically, I wanted this album to embody a more holistic musical expression. Hip-hop as a genre has lost a sense of its compositional element, and too often rappers and their audiences have grown satisfied with monotonous melodies and looped drum patterns. That significantly diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the music, at least in my eyes. I envisioned this project showcasing the influences of genres that preceded hip-hop, in addition to other genres that grew along alongside hip-hop and those which contributed to its growth. I also, I wanted to display more of my own personal musical influences.

Why should potential fans be turned on to your music?

There’s a distinct difference between the music you hear and the music you to listen to. Music you hear is the organized noise that periodically clutters your ears, and is soon forgotten. Music that you listen to captures your attention, resonates within your spirit, touching your soul in ways that you often lack the ability to describe. In hearing my music, you are forced to listen, because it commands your attention; and if you’ll just listen, you’ll know all you need to…

What sites can fans find you at online?

Fans, supporters and those who are simply curious about this emcee called Red Baron can find more information on my music at my site: www.paintedred.net, can hear two of my new singles, Have Plenty feat. Tomeka Carroll and Invincible feat. Kurtis Parks, at: http://www.airplay.jango.com/red+baron, can buy my first album on iTunes, Cdbaby, Walmart Music Downloads, and Great Indie Music and can read some of my thoughts on my blog: www.thepaintedone.wordpress.com. I also may decide to stop being a dinosaur and join Twitter some time in the near future. Hopefully I’ll decide to do so before Twitter goes the way of the dinosaur.

What can fans expect from you in the near future?

I am presently nearing the completion of my second album, entitled, Shades of Grace. The album is the natural progression of my debut in terms of content and instrumentation. The music itself includes a deft fusion of jazz, blues, soul, rock and yet still ring true of hip-hop. The actual content will tackle some of the more compelling issues of our day—conversion, the intersection of race and faith, overzealous religious fervor, unity of mankind, the search for love, satisfaction and purpose–all neatly packaged into great music. It will be available on iTunes, Napster, Walmart Music Downloads, Great Indies Music and Cdbaby.

Anything else you may want to inform our readers?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this. Be on the lookout for Shades of Grace. If you’re in the Tri-State area, look me up, and drop by a show. Take care, and until next time, get painted red.
- NEXT MUSIC BLOG (MAY 3, 2010)

Categories:
Beats: 4
Rhymes: 4
Quality: 4
Content: 4
Consistency:4
Overall: 4

Open your text books turn to chapter seven and you will find a man invading the streets of Atlanta college campuses with a red paint brush. This man is Red Baron with his debut album, Paint The Town Red on Strange Fruit Productions. WARNING: This album contains 13 tracks chock full of God’s Word, dope lyrics, and cinematic production.

The album’s opening song is “One” in which he tells of how there is one God and we are one in Christ. “Beautiful” is a song describing and encouraging a women’s true beauty. “HipHopcrisy” talks about how Hip Hop has been perverted by money and self glorification. Red Baron spits, “Now our kids are starving cause we’ve been feeding ‘em garbage, we produced it we rapped it and then we bought it, we call these neo pimps and hustlers artists, gave them awards when their thoughts are Godless”.

Red Baron spits about how financial aid payments, no food, and parking tickets won’t take away his praise on “I Still Got This Praise”. He also gives you a descriptive tale of the day our savior was crucified on the album’s closing song, properly titled, “The Cross”.

This album’s standout tracks are “Long Kiss Goodbye” and “Eyes Wide Shut” (my favorite). “Long Kiss Goodbye” talks about the relationship between a man and the women we were once faithful to, the world. Red Baron spits about how he had to end this relationship due to the pull away from God that the world so strategically cast upon us. “Eyes Wide Shut” features The Remnant (shouts out to Fan Club). The production on this song will place you into a movie setting as these four mc’s talk about those walking and leading blindly. Lyrically and conceptually the best song on the album.

The only weak points of Paint The Town Red are the songs, “Red Baron” and “Paint The Town Red”, though good songs, they just don’t measure up to the rest of the album. Other than that this album is a straight banger. Please cop three and don’t front. Be sure and lookout for more Red Baron projects, this is only the beginning for this bright emcee.

For more info and to cop the album and see Red Baron log onto:
www.paintedred.net and www.sonicbids.com/redbaron.

Peace Until Next Time!

Double
DOUBLE – BYOBB (OCT 5, 2005)

Red Baron: The Road Less Traveled:

In the effort of full disclosure, I have to admit I am not a fan of Christian rap, or Holy hip hop (all apologies if that is considered a derogatory term). My issues have nothing to do with the message. It’s a matter of preference, likely from my realm of church socialization of music; I prefer to hear my spiritual songs in the ilk of John P. Kee and others. Beyond that, my issue with spiritually based rap that I’ve heard on the radio is that the production quality is poor, the lyrics are not limber enough to stretch beyond the weight of the message, and the delivery typically sounds like someone is trying to preach, speak and rap all in the same breath. My experiences have been so consistent, I was wary when I received a CD from Atlanta-based artist Red Baron. I can say unequivocally, that Red Baron is a true hip hop artist, whose subject matter happens to be uplifting the Christ and that he shatters all of my preconceived notions about widespread viability of this segment of the art form.

Blame me on not providing you a more well-rounded backgrounder for Red Baron. My schedule during my review period didn’t provide time for an in-depth interview. Had I had time to visit with him, I would have wanted to really politick with him about his track “Hip Hopcrisy”, featuring a beat that sounds like a Jay-Z layover about the music industry pushing a legacy of terrible music almost like an agenda. I would have asked him more about the production of the track, “One” which felt like early Wu-Tang production, a la “36 Chambers”, with the haunting background strings. I would have pressed him on the track “Red Baron” with the resident artist going on an ego trip, powered by the Spirit, saying, “Can we change our ways/in these last and urgent days?” I think we would have had some interesting discussions about “Long Kiss Goodbye” a tale about being young and in love, including being (too) young in the spirit. Two of my favorites would be “As In the Days of Noe”, with xylophones reminiscent of early ‘90’s Native Tongues production and “I Still Got this Praise.”

What separates Red Baron from others I’ve heard is not simply the subject matter, but the lyricism and the delivery. The album is both hopeful and direct about redemption and all of the opportunities for redemption through the spirit. It doesn’t profess an easy road to salvation, but a realistic look at the world and the behaviors the someone on the path exhibits. Red Baron’s voice sounds like an American version of Kardinal Official. The production here is strong. There are strings, violins and guitars, reminiscent of Fishbone in their heyday. There are a few missteps in my mind, including the mic levels which, at times frustrated me as much as Bahamadia’s. Also, the vocal support from guest vocalist Epiphany is much stronger on “If this Sense were Common” than “”Long Kiss Goodbye.” But, these are minor items on a solid outing.

Now LD Fam, this does not mean that you now need to flood the LowDown office mailbox with much more. If I am provided bluegrass, heavy metal, whatever I likely will review it once and then move back to my wheelhouse, evidenced on other albums I’ve covered here.

As for Red Baron, the album is well worth the listen, the burn and all of that. I enjoyed it thoroughly. You can find Red’s album at most of the local record stores here, as well as on his site: http://www.paintedred.net .

My name is Kinetic and I approve this album.
KINETIC – ATLANTA LOW DOWN (OCT 12, 2005)

Red Baron participated in the Hip-Hop Unplugged Music Industry Showcase Wed. March 24, 2010

Wednesday March 24, 2010, yours truly and Tomeka Carroll participated in Better Dayz Entertainment’s Hip-Hop Unplugged Music Industry Showcase. The showcase took place at Crash Mansion in New York City. I was one of five contestants competing in front of a panel of celebrity judges, including, EPMD, Dj Scratch, Lenny S (VP of A&R at Def Jam) and Mtv Correspondent Sway. The Lord blessed. I got a great response both from the judges and the crowd! Eric Sermon said he loved Have Plenty, and that it’s message needed to be heard that night, including by him. Parish said the lyrics really grabbed him and moved him. Dj Scratch said he loved it and it was the most inspirational song he’s heard in the past 15 years! Sway said he could listen to it all day and just “absorb it.” Lenny S, also had kind words for the song. Though your favorite red rapper did not leave as the evening’s winner, he viewed his participation as a mission accomplished.