“Trillest M-tha F***ing DJ Ever”
– Bun-B
When Texas’ slowed down and soulful underground movement went mainstream in 2005, millions of CD’s by Texas artists flew off the shelves as MTV and even the New York Times co-signed the Lone Star State. Meanwhile, every mixtape (Mix-cd) Rapid Ric dropped (Z-Ro’s Greatest Verses, Whut It Dew 1-5, Afta Da Relays, Mixtape Messiah 7, King of the Trill, and Chalie Boy's Versatyle Child series) boosted his star higher as Texas stayed hot on Atlanta heels as the next big thing in Southern hip-hop music.
Rapid Ric’s Whut it Dew series (the first of which was hosted by Chamillionaire prior to his platinum debut album) has solidified his niche as a trendsetter and tastemaker by progressing Texas’ regional underground sound. In 2006, the 25-year-old set himself even farther apart from his peers by establishing a mixtape crew, The Whut it Dew Family. The 5 MC- 1 DJ crew which consisted of Chalie Boy, Magno, Da Ryno, Mr. Blakes, Gerald G, Black Mike, and Ric himself, was known as the group showcasing the most raw and unsigned southern talent.
Furthering the self-made legacy of legendary DJ Screw, Swishahouse’s Michael Watts, Chamillitary and Slim Thug’s Boss Hogg Outlaws; Rapid Ric mans the pipeline of the Lone Star State's top and future artists.
“He’s a phenomenal DJ, one of my personal favorites. His song selection, remixes, cuts and scratches are off the hook.” – Paul Wall
Unlike most mixtape DJ’s, Rapid Ric also spins at live events, including all of Hot 93’s concerts, two Austin weeklies, a monthly event with a band, and frequent New York City gigs. For the Past 3 years he has been Chamillionaire’s official tour DJ both nationally and overseas. Other Texas greats have used Ric as their show dj including, Devin the Dude in 2007, Bun B in 2007, as well as Slim Thug during his Dub Car-show tour in late 2006. Rapid Ric has also spun at every Texas Relays' event and including but not limited to: the 2006 NBA All Star Game Jam Session in Houston, as well as the upcoming one in Dallas, Texas in 2010.
One of too few DJ’s focused on actual mixing, Rapid Ric is currently working on projects with newly signed Jive record's rapper/singer Chalie Boy; as well as Z-Ro, DJ Skratch Bastid, as well as Chamillitary Entertainment. He has garnered praise from The Source, XXL, Scratch, Ozone, Complex, Hip Hop Connection in England … from numerous Mixtape Mondays on MTV to New York Times coverage and full-page local features in the Austin Chronicle and American-Statesman. Hip Hop blogs are heavily familiar with the works of Rapid Ric, not just as a mixtape dj, but as a producer as well.
Rapid Ric spends his weekdays, when he is not on tour, in his new studio DMG at the Ballpark. The 2500 sq/ft complex located in Downtown Houston is where the "Mechanic" does most of his recording, mixing, and musical prep for his artist, Gerald G.
While recording his fully self-produced, debut-solo album “Whut It Dew”, Rapid Ric has worked with Lil Boosie, Z-Ro, SPM, Chalie Boy, Devin the Dude, B.O.B., Killer Mike, Lil Flip, Lil Keke and many more. While a release date is still no yet set for this project, there is still much anticipation.
As regular radio dj mixer on Austin's Emmis-owned KDHT "Hot" 93.3 FM for the past five years, Ric’s weekly mix shows, club appearances, and promotional events are what grounds him to his community. A dj who is popularly known for playing the grimiest and most hard-core southern hip hop is also known as a people's dj. No event; public or private, has been out of grasp for Rapid Ric's dj abilities. Formal events, live music venues, and even celebrity wedding planners have used DJ Rapid Ric as there primary source for entertainment.
The evolution of the "Whut It Dew" phrase in to popular southern and west coast vernacular shows how Rapid Ric has his hand on the pulse of the new generation of music and culture.