Fresh off tour with Curren$y, DMV native Premo Rice (@premorice) is not slowing down. In fact, he just dropped an album called Bad Muhf–ka, which shows just how much of one he truly is. It’s a 13-track statement piece that’s part smooth flex, part blueprint for the self-made. With this project, Premo proves he’s further solidifying his status as one of hip-hop’s most consistent stars.
During an interview with Remixd Magazine, Premo Rice described his process for creating the album, witnessing trends come and go, what he’s learned from being on tour with Curren$y, and more.
“This album was 10 years in the making,” Rice tells Remixd Magazine. “It’s basically an audiobook on how to boost your self-esteem.”
From the opening track “Star Status,” which he produced himself, Premo sets the tone for a project packed with motivation, laid-back confidence, and sharp flows.
In addition, known for balancing business and bars, Rice runs his own label called Live Forever Records, with the goal of building something bigger than himself.
With features from Gauxstman and ANKHLEJOHN and tour dates lined up for his Sucka Free Tour, Premo Rice is entering a new era of defining the game.
Read below for the full interview with Premo Rice.
Interview with Premo Rice
Remixd Magazine: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. I’m looking forward to learning more about you. Let’s start with the obvious. Who is Premo Rice for people who may not know?
Premo Rice: Just a neighborhood player, kicking a lot of game for the people who need it in this world.
Where are you from?
PG County, Maryland—Oxon Hill, to be exact.
When did you decide you wanted to do music?
I’ve been doing music all my life, since I was a kid. I started on the drum set at church at three years old. I did that for a lot of years, then started playing other instruments to expand my knowledge.
What instruments?
Percussion, drum set, trumpet, and I was okay on the French horn, a little bit. Just those three though.
That’s cool. Do you incorporate those instruments into your music, or how big of a role do they play?
Not really the instruments. It’s more the musical knowledge I have. I think I’m a great student of music, understanding the theory.
Let’s talk about your album ‘Bad Muhf–ka.’ It’s a bold title. What message did you want to send by naming it that?
Exactly what it means. I feel like I’m one of those guys who does extraordinary things. I’ve been told by people, like [my] uncle, “You a bad motherf–ker,” stuff like that. It was based on that kind of experience. That’s where I was in life making that album.
‘Bad Muhf–ka’ album
What was your mindset stepping into this creatively?
A lot of my stuff is laid back, so this time I wanted to be more uptempo. It was summertime, and I knew I was coming out for the summer, so I wanted it to sound like something that would live in your summer.
I think the opening track “Star Status” really sets the tone. How has your sound evolved from your last project?
I made that beat too. I was trying to mesh with the beat and elevate. I’ve got a lot of flows. This whole album was 10 years in the making.
What do you credit your signature sound to? Did anything or anyone help shape it?
I can’t say anyone shaped it. A few people sparked ideas. My music teacher growing up gave me a lot of knowledge. When I was making beats, two guys, Snare Jordan, who helped shape the DMV sound, and another guy, Rob Bow, we used to bounce ideas off each other. Life really inspired my sound.
My music teacher, my mom, my family inspired me musically. My parents divorced when I was 14, and my mom stepped up. That inspired me. Seeing her hold it down for three kids.
Musical inspirations
That’s powerful. What kind of music did you grow up on?
A lot. My mom played old school. I spent a lot of time at my grandmother’s house in Northwest DC—Go-Go music, Three 6 Mafia, UGK. All the Southern rappers used to come to the Go-Go’s and rap with the bands. That was what I was into.
I know you’re independent, which means you also handle the business side. How do you balance the business and the art?
It’s not even a balance, you just do it. You learn to multitask. If you want to make money by yourself, you figure it out. I live by a saying: “You are what you think about every day.” That helped me put business and music together. It’s a big multitask.
Right. You also have your label, Live Forever Records. What does it stand for?
Just that, live forever. We want the brand to outlive us. My music, the brand. It’s all about legacy. Keep going, never give up.
You just got off the road with Curren$y and now you’re gearing up for another tour. What did you learn from being on tour?
How to run a tour. We do everything. Buy the venue, curate the show, promote it. I don’t need a booking agent. I’ve learned how to manage money better and flip it smarter. Every dollar you see is our dollar. Be make it happen ourselves.
I learned stage presence from Curren$y. I’m still improving as a performer. The business side we’ve got down, but I picked up a lot of stage tricks from him. How to engage the crowd. His merch game, too. He showed me how powerful that is. He’s a great guy. His team embraced me. I can call them anytime.
What’s next?
If someone has never heard a Premo Rice song, what track would you play for them from this album?
“Star Status” or “Summertime Rice.” I made those beats, and they’re my favorites.
What’s next for you after this project?
I’m not trying to prove anything, but I think eventually people will recognize I’ve got one of the best catalogs in rap. I’m a slow burner. Always climbing, never declining.
With over 10 years in the game, how do you avoid the pressure to follow trends?
I’ve always been different. Even as a kid, I avoided trends. When I came in, everything was turned up. OG Maco, “B–ch You Guessed It.” I stayed smooth. I was doing something nobody else was. A lot of people are trying to talk like that now, but I was the first to do it.
What city are you most excited to hit on the upcoming tour?
We just did Texas. I’m excited for Atlanta, it’s always a good time. And DC. I’m performing at the Howard Theatre. It’s a legendary spot. I paid for it myself, didn’t go through a label. I think I’m doing something historical.
