With music being a common form of emotional expression and healing, it takes courage to be vulnerable and share one’s internal world to the public. For up and coming Atlanta-based rapper, RodThaGreat, being genuine and authentic to oneself is the most important part of the songwriting process. He’s unafraid to shed light on what’s on his mind. Much of his work focuses on embracing both light and dark thoughts, contrary to the mainstream narrative of needing to be constantly positive.  So far the young independent artist has released two EPs, his freshman EP “Dark Nights of the Soul” that was released in May 2020 and sophomore EP “The Art of Slumber”, released in October 2021.

The road to authenticity hasn’t always been easy for the young introspective rapper.  “At the beginning stages of my artistry, I didn’t quite sound like myself. I dumbed down a lot of my lyrics to try and sound mainstream so it can appeal to more people. Although it wasn’t terrible and was decent, I wasn’t being true to who I was. I used to go to the studio with some upperclassmen when I was 15 and oftentimes I would show them what I wrote. One night this one homie of mine told me to just be me. Don’t try to be no one else except for ME. After that I vowed to be true to myself through my music, and to not care about negative opinions about it. I knew as long as I’m being myself, I would always attract the thing I’m meant for, and if I hadn’t had that interaction, I would have achieved a lot of the things that I have achieved and a lot of doors wouldn’t be open as they are now.” 

RodThaGreat credits his older cousin for inspiring the start of his music career. He’d recall listening to his music on repeat on his iPod. “I thought that (my cousin) was better than most professional artists that were on the radio. I still feel the same way.” He cites Ye, Nas and Kendrick Lamar,the usual hiphop icons, as archetypes for the way he thinks about writing songs, but also finds inspiration from books, images, and events from his everyday life. He emphasizes, “even going outside to take a good look at the world, behaviors, and people for inspiration. Mostly books inspire me more than anything.”

RodThaGreat’s artist name is a manifestation of his ambitions and how he envisions his music career to play out. “My goals are to elevate minds, and to touch the souls of as many people as I can through art. I aim to be the greatest in my craft and I can see myself creating nothing but masterpieces in the future.” He’s already collaborating with his team of producers who’ve helped him with his sophomore EP and has established a partnership with Sony Entertainment.

When asked if he has any other talents or future plans, RodThaGreat replies, “I would love to write and direct movies after. Even be in some.”

He is currently working on creating a music video for his single “Fever Dream” to start.

You can stream RodThaGreat’s music on all digital platforms.

Follow him on social media @rodthagreatt