Q&A With Rising Michigan Based Underground Hip Hop Artist Rudy Williams

Let me ask you Rudy Williams, how long have you been a Hip Hop artist?

I have been doing music my whole life, but started producing Hip Hop and Rap music when I was around 16. I’m 34 now, so a long time.

What specific area are you from?

I’m from outside of Detroit, and now live in Northern Michigan in Traverse City.

Also, how did you get your emcee name?

When I was younger, my Mom used to call me “Rudy” when I was rude or acting up, and my middle name is William, so I just took Rudy Williams as an alias. One year I was opening for Ghostface, and Cappadonna called me “Rudy WiLL” and that stuck with me. Now, a lot of my close friends call me Rudy WiLL.

We notice your style is super original and more on the modern boombap/trap twist! Let us know how your style if different than all the rap artists out there!

I would say because I was down south from 18-24 when I first left Michigan. Developing my lyrical delivery was definitely influenced by many southern artists, but my heart was always with East Coast and Boom Bap. I think my sound is just a natural outcome of the different regions that raised me.

Bro, your new album “Scriptures of the Art: Presented in Stereo” is absolute FIRE!!! Please breakdown the creative process behind this album.

Much appreciated! I wanted to drop something timeless that had a good variety over my production. I wanted to build this EP from scratch and handle everything. The art, production, features, and theme are all part of the vision. I was super humbled to get the features that I did on there. I’m a true fan of Hip Hop music, these are just artists that I really like to listen to. KXNG Crooked jumping on the EP was super special to me, because I was very close to opening for Slaughterhouse on a national tour one year, but didn’t get to finish the tour due to reasons out of my control. This dream has been years in the making, nothing overnight. Ty Farris is an incredible talent from Detroit, which I will always consider home. I wanted to showcase our sound in Michigan, and he absolutely killed it. Elcamino, is one of my favorite artists out there. I love everything the kids from Buffalo are doing and how they are helping shift true Hip Hop culture back to what it used to be. Salute to Griselda and GXFR’s whole team and movement.

If you were not a rapper, what career path would you have taken?

I wasn’t always a “rapper”. So I’ve already taken steps financially to build a platform on my own, to where I don’t need anybody’s help releasing music. Ultimately, I’m already living my dream. I purchased water frontage property in Michigan and am also into commercial construction. I will continue both commercial Construction and Real Estate.

Do you remember the day/time when you realized you wanted to become an Hip Hop artist? Was there and special person in your life that influenced you to become an Hip Hop artist?

Yes, for sure. I would definitely say when I was young and was supposed to open up for Wu-Tang and Cappadonna in my home city. I didn’t end up getting the opening slot, and felt robbed. I was in between backstage and the bathrooms and Cappadonna and I crossed paths the night of the show. I had a chance to meet him and told him I was really hoping to open for him, but was robbed on the slot. When he came out on stage, he called out my name and pulled me up on stage to perform a freestyle. I cant describe what that felt like yo! I knew that was what I wanted to do. Much love to Cappa! Wu-Tang forever.

How does social media play a role in your success? How are fans/supporters helping your movement?

It plays a HUGE role because it gives people a direct link to my product, without any middle man. It never used to be like this in the past when record labels ruled. So, I like to take advantage of that. In the past, I would have to pass out flyers, tapes, cd’s etc. Now, you can click a button to get someone’s attention.

Your TOP 5 in Hip Hop….Deal or Alive?

Gangstarr, Mobb Deep, MF DOOM, Jay Z, Eminem. Sorry but I HAVE to add Sean Price.

With this being an underground hip hop site, we always ask this important question. What is your definition of “underground hip hop”?

I would say any Hip Hop or Rap music that is authentically original, and pays homage to the original elements of the culture.

Where can people find you on the Internet? Drop all the vital links.

All of my product and music is at RudyWiLL.com. You can find me on IG @itsrudywill and TW @RudyWiLL. If you want videos, my channel is Rudy Williams TV on YouTube. Peace from the illest in the North.