Ryeisha Berrain is taking over the hip-hop world as Rye Rye, teaming with some of the brightest and biggest stars in the music business.
Her new album, Go! Pop! Bang!, was released last week and is full of upbeat tracks featuring artists M.I.A., Akon and Robyn.
Her single "Boom Boom" brought her attention at the recent NewNowNext awards on the Logo Channel and she even dabbled a little in acting this year with 21 Jump Street.
Rye Rye broke it down to Windy City Times about the new music and more.
Windy City Times: Hi, Rye! Where are you calling in from?
Rye Rye: Baltimore.
WCT: Of course—that's where you are from and I heard your music described as a Baltimore sound. What does that mean, exactly?
Rye Rye: Baltimore is its own type of music. You are from Chicago, right?
WCT: Yes.
Rye Rye: Well, you guys have house music. We have Baltimore club music. We use a lot of heavy beats. It is dance music but it is more heavy. It is grimier, but it is similar to house music like you have there.
WCT: It seems like good music to blast in your car on a summer day.
Rye Rye: Yeah, it is crazy.
WCT: The new album is finally being released. There are several tracks with M.I.A. on there. How did you meet her in the first place?
Rye Rye: She came to Baltimore to work with Blaqstarr. He called me to the studio and said someone wanted to meet me. When I got there it was M.I.A. and DJ Diplo so that is how I met her.
WCT: She has been a fan of your work and you are on her music label now.
Rye Rye: Yes. When I first met her I didn't know anything about her. For me it was learning about who her and Diplo were. Then when I heard her music I said, "Shit, we do almost the same thing!"
WCT: Did you see her on the Super Bowl?
Rye Rye: No, actually I missed it. I was flying but I heard about it.
WCT: I like the track "Never Will Be Mine" with Robyn. You have some similarities with sounding alike.
Rye Rye: Yeah, I feel like Robyn did more house music before and now she is more Euro. That song will make you dance.
WCT: How was it performing on the NewNowNext Awards?
Rye Rye: It was awesome. I didn't really know I was performing. I saw someone mentioning it on Twitter but I didn't know about it. Eventually I thought it was a cool idea because I am a big gay lover. I love gay people. They are the most fun people in the world so when I found out I was doing that show I was truly excited. It turned out to be great and I got good feedback. People said I stole the show. It was dope!
WCT: Speaking of your LGBT friends, you did the Club Skirts Dinah party also.
Rye Rye: Yes, it was so much fun to be a part of it.
WCT: You should come do a festival here in Chicago this summer.
Rye Rye: I know. I can't wait to come back. Every time I come there it is so cold so the summer sounds good.
WCT: Did you enjoy doing some acting in the movie 21 Jump Street?
Rye Rye: Yes; it was fun, actually. I was a little scared at first because I had never acted before. I was nervous but it was a great experience. Everyone was like me—down-to-earth—so it was cool.
WCT: You did the theme song with Esthero. I am such a fan of hers.
Rye Rye: I hadn't met her before and didn't know her music. They sent me the idea to do the theme song. At the time when I did it I had no idea who would be singing it or anything. I did my part and waited for it to come out. I love her now!
WCT: So it was put together later?
Rye Rye: Yes; we didn't go into the studio together.
WCT: That's how it is these days.
Rye Rye: It happens all the time. Me and Robyn did that separate, too.
WCT: I am sure you are ready for the new album to come out finally. It has been a long process.
Rye Rye: Yeah, it has been a minute. I want people to run out and get it.
WCT: I like your eye shadow, by the way…
Rye Rye: Why thank you!
Speaking of makeup, purchase the album at www.ryeryemusic.com/order and receive her specially branded nail polish.
