Strange Music has published an interview they conducted with Rittz.

It this interview Rittz discusses his inspiration for his new album, new ideas or concepts he used during the record of the album and more.

You can read the interview below.

To truly be top of the line, one must be able to juggle both work and his or her personal life – a difficult task Rittz has mastered.

Rittz has come a long way in his career, leading him to be one of the best rappers on the Strange Music label. With Top of the Line on the way, the Atlanta chopper sat down with us to discuss his methods of putting together his latest monster of an album, along with describing the processes and people he worked with along the way.

Where did you get the inspiration for your new album, Top of the Line?

Top of the Line came from my boy, Chico – my best friend. My last album, we were literally watching the Mayweather fight and my boy had a camera. They were outside and Chico just started talkin’ shit like, “Y’all ain’t fuckin’ with Rittz, y’all ain’t top of the line!”. We’re Top Of The Line. I was just thinking, that’s a great album title.

As far as rapping goes, I’m top tier. I don’t mean that in a cocky or arrogant way, but I feel that I’ve put in the time to say that. I feel like I put out the crème de la crème. So, I’m going to deliver that every time. This is as good as it gets with my music. Shout out to Chico.

Did you try any new ideas or concepts while putting this album together?

Of course. It all starts with the production with me. I wanted it to sound like Lalo Schifrin over down-south drums. Lalo Schifrin did the Bruce Lee Enter The Dragon soundtrack and a lot of soundtracks from the 70’s. I wanted all of these retro vibes from back in the day to go over down-south drums.

I tell people that and they first ask, “Okay, who the fuck is Lalo Schifrin, and you’re out of your mind”. So, this dude Heartbeatz started just sending me tracks. He would send me like 5 a day. I’ve never met a producer this aggressive. Then, when I talked to Seven, I told him what I wanted and he was like, “I’ve got you man!” (laughs). Literally, he knew EXACTLY what I was talking about, just nailing it. He knew the vibe I was going for with this whole album. I wanted it to be that classic and timeless feel, and I think I achieved that.

Absolutely. We heard something about you changing the style of how you put your projects together. Can you talk on that a bit?

Normally, I would have beats for a year. I would ride around and listen to them. This time, I hit up Seven last minute.

I started on my regular routine, but kind of fell off. I had a lot of things going on. Right as I was about to go into the studio, my dog died – he was 13 years old. I had to spend like 20 days on the floor with him while he was dying and had to cancel all of my studio time. That was like my son, because we don’t have any kids at home. So I had to cancel all of my studio time, then, I go do Denver on New Year’s and lost my voice. Then I had to cancel that studio time.

During all of this, I was trying to write songs. I wrote this album during the worst time I’ve had in my whole life. I can honestly say that. Not to bum anyone out, but it’s the truth. My dog’s dead, my girl cries every night before bed, but guess what, you’ve got to go record 8 songs now. It’s been a really big challenge for me. I think all of that made me overcome, and at the end of the day, we have a great project.

Websites:

• @therealRITTZ