Write-up by: Zach Serrano
The Atlanta rap scene is universally known for delivering young and versatile artists to the music spotlight. From Cobb County (about 30 minutes outside ATL) arrives the newest addition, Robolu who is making waves with his new album B.M.W. that dropped just this last year. Lyrical and fluid, Robolu (or Big Rob) finds his lyrical flow on tracks like “Moon Walk” and “Outro”, while being prepared to deliver some heavy punches on songs like GARY PAYTON, his newest single. Nuance recently reached out to Robolu about his start in music, the ATL underground scene, and what effect he wants his art to have.
Q: I understand you reside in Atlanta, but you were born or originally from Nigeria?
A: I’m from Cobb County, which is like 30 min outside Atlanta. I’m the only one of my siblings that was born in the America , so growing up was like being back home (Nigeria).
Q: When did you start rapping and when did that translate to making full tracks?
A: I’ve been creating my whole life but I started getting attention for my music in high school when I was in a group, but things got monetized in 2016. So I guess thats when I started doing it full time.
Q:What is something that the Atlanta rap scene offers for younger artists?
A: For younger artists the scene offers inclusion that’s free of judgment. It’s OK to be whoever you want creatively. You can be the most “street n*gga” and can also be the most flamboyant artsy person, or just a hybrid of both. As long as you make good art you’ll be accepted, as long as you don’t feel entitled.
Q: Where do you think the underground scene is headed?
A: I think the underground scene is headed into a genre less direction free of traditional nuance. People are being the purest version of themselves, getting attention for it, all while inspiring others to do the same which in turn makes it more free and creative. So yeah, kinda like my last answer it’s just becoming more inclusive and becoming a boiling pot of every type of person shamelessly doing whatever they want regardless of who’s looking or not.
Q: If there was a certain artists energy that you could emulate who would it be? Who’s attitude speaks the most to you?
ALBUM ARTWORK FOR B.M.W.
A: For the most part I try to make sure my energy is coming from a pure place within myself so I can’t say I would like to emulate anyone else’s. I do admire the energy Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade brought into their music and onto Africa. I’m trying to have that same effect.
Q: You are also a dope vocalist when you sing in parts of your tracks. When did that become part of your music and writing process? Or has it always been that way?
A: Thank you bro, I haven’t been doing it forever but over time I just realized you don’t have to be the most traditional singer with the most dynamic range, you just have to find your tone and I think I found that a couple years ago and continued to build and experiment on it …auto tune also helps a lot lol.
Q: What can people expect next from you? Any projects or visuals in the works?
A: To say the least, you can expect a lot of new music in every aspect.
Stream Robolu’s new album B.M.W. now on Spotify or Apple Music.