INDIANA ROME

After the first press of play on Dope Dealer and I heard the old school sample coupled with the sultry voices of vixens all I could say was “Yes Lord.” Pun completely intended. I’m not sure if the opening track has that title on purpose but once you turn on the latest offering from Indiana Rome, you will say the same.
When you turn on Dope Dealer, any expectations of knock off Mike Will or Lex Lugar beats with rhymes that are spoke by the Count or another Sesame Street character will be killed instantly. After the aforementioned first track, Rome takes us to church sampling Gospel classic “I’ve Been Changed.” Interjecting in between the trunk rattling instrumental and the emotional and soulful howl in the background, Rome creates an anthem by stating: “Preach, Tabernacle, I’m sending prayers up to heaven, I’m bringing hell right after.” “Tabernacle” follows the opener with such juxtaposition, such cocky modesty.

After a banger in “3 Cellphones” and a visit from the Thug Friends, a superb flip of Aaliyah’s “At Your Best,” is used for “Need A Fan,” featuring Aloha Mi’sho in what could be believed as the best supporting role of this audio film. Essential for your after hours playlist, this track should effortless slide in between your Trey Songz and Ty Dolla $ign but is also perfect for radio rotation (hear that 104.1?).

Rome returns to the old school flavor with a sample channeling an UGK-esque sound on “Be There,” before become a mainstay for a “Dime,” smoothing it out with horns on “Cloud 9,” before the turn up arrives with a track equipped for Bottoms Up on the Saint Orleans and Vega Heartbreak assisted “Scholarship.”
As you near the end of the project “Heaux X Get My Paper On” lures you into the impending drop, and supplemental “Heeeeyyy, Hoooo,” reminiscient of Naughty by Nature, but actually “looking for some freaks when the club close.” In a mixtape that can be played from start to finish, this is Bry featured joint is my favorite.

Flowing into track 13, you get an amazing stroll into Indiana Rome‘s aura before the bravado is brought down to earth for “World’s End.” Rockwell Knuckles explodes into the track for one of the project’s standout features.

Remember that earlier UGK reference? Indiana Rome shows that the Houston squad are influences as he brings forth “WWPCD,” short form of “What Would Pimp C Do?” In honor of Pimp we going to sip slow through the chopped and screwed track and end with the lyrical victory lap of “FFEL Alive.” Showing that STL has bars, Rome brings along Tef Poe, who has been on a lyrical rampage as of late, and Erick R for a fitting close.

Dope Dealer has something for every situation, every listener and more importantly is complete from top to bottom. With a discography that already holds some gems, Indiana Rome has released his diamond. - NEOCLEF.COM

From the streets of Indianapolis to some mo’ streets in St. Louis, Indian Rome is creating all type of footwork across the states and amongst our ears. After providing many classic sounds from his production company, Inhouse Productions, for local acts such as Tef Poe, Teresa Jenee, Black Spade, Indiana Rome has surfaced behind his own tunes to present us with his latest hardwork on his latest ep Dope Dealer.
Annnnddd as a matter of fact, yall missed Dope Dealer “Dollar Day” where Rome added 4 brand new songs for just $1 each. I mean or you can just go download the whole original damn album on Itunes, Amazon, orrrr Google Play. Here this shit on there (“Shit” not taking negatively whatsoever):
I’m proud of Rome, though. Call it simple, but he’s truly the definition of ‘hardwork pays off’…eh..let me let you read what he said himself:

I’ve come a long way bruh. when i started i had a radio shack performance mic that i put a sock over to filter it, used computer monitors, and i was recording in a program called acid. i wrote on all my cds with a sharpie, and my beats….well they werent as good as something you may hear from me now lol. i paid one time to perform……worst money i ever spent and i vowed never to hustle backwards again…….I’ve come a long damn way…smh…thank you Lord for seeing me through.
And he certainly helped our temporary-but-never-forgotten rise (lol) of Thug Friends. Yea that black bald head figga…
..but yea. I’m seeing that his own ultimate rise will inevitably come if he continues to put forth this exponential effort. More blessings to you mane.

- Jhonna. ( twigsdom ) - FOX AND TWIGS

When did you first realize music was your passion?

I realized I had a passion for music when I moved with my dad for a couple years when I was in like 7th, 8th grade. He wouldn’t allow rap music in the house. Strictly gospel. I loved music so much I snuck to listen to the radio, MTV, BET. Just so I could be up on what’s hot.

Growing up, what artists inspired you to do what you do today?

I’ve always loved music, was raised on so many different genres. My mom played Regina Bell, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker and Whitney Houston. My dad played gospel, Mississippi mass choir and James Cleveland. My uncle put on to UGK, 8 Ball and MJG, Master P, E-40. Then of course there’s Jay Z, Kanye, Outlast. All this is heard in my music.

What goals have you set for yourself and your career in 2014? And how do you plan on reaching them?

Work on my branding. The independent game is the new wave. Bypass the middle man and put it out yourself. So I need to be a house hold name, one fan at a time. More touring, more cross market collabs, more merchandizing. I want music to be my day and night.

You recently released your latest project, Dope Dealer. What was your inspiration behind the project?

I’ve released a lot of projects, solo and collabs. I’ve taken something from all these projects to get me prepared for this one. I’ve found that I’ve always lacked cohesiveness. Usually it’s just a bunch of hot songs, but the projects all over the place. I concentrated on walking that happy median. Hot songs that make up a complete body of work. So I stopped worrying about, “will this get play in the club” “will this get play in the club”? I just worried about the total project as a body of work.
Tell us a little more about the people you worked with on Dope Dealer. Was putting the project together a long process?

I haven’t dropped a solo project in almost two years. I’ve dropped numerous collaborations and random songs to keep my name buzzing and strengthen my pen though. So in that two years I’ve accumulated songs, so you can imagine what my reserves sound like and how many I have. I worked with some of the dopest artist I could reach out to that are all hungry as I am. Rockwell Knuckles, TEF Poe, Black Spade, Aloha Mi’Sho, Vega Heartbreak, Bryant Stewart, Saint Orleans and Moruf to name some. And also some additional production from Trifeckta and Jackpot hits.

Does the name of the project ‘Dope Dealer’ symbolize what you are?

“DOPE DEALER” does symbolize who I am. I’m dope. I’m addictive. My persona, my swag, how I talk, how I dress. Me being an individual is what I’m selling, hence the “dealer” portion. I’m selling being your self. I’ve seen the ills of selling drugs, murder, stealing. I choose to rap about my perspective of it all. Watching friends and family go through it all. So I don’t glorify the street life, but I do some narration.

If you had to pick a favorite song off Dope Dealer, which one would you pick? And why?

Favorite song? It changes. Right now its “Feel Alive” the bars I was spitting on that track are cold to me. This is a real life situation I saw and put in a song. The beat I made for it too, just crazy story telling joint. Yesterday it was “Heaux”, tomorrow it may be “ihustle”.

How do you look to inspire others through your music? And what message are you trying to get across?

I just want to do music and show people you don’t have to be a fictional character to do it. I hope I inspire someone to be them selves.

What ways in general does music inspire you and your everyday life

Music is life’s soundtrack. Music is in my life daily. I could wake up to something ratchet and amped, then I could end it with something soulful and harmonious.

Other than yourself, who are some artists you currently listen to? And who’s your all time favorite? Explain why.

I’m listening to the people around me, people in my circle. Which are mostly on my album. I still keep my ear to the streets for what’s new, even if it’s to make sure I don’t follow the trends. Too many artist to name that I think are the greatest. Stevie wonder, Anita baker, UGK, Jay, Ye, MJ etc.

Tupac or Biggie? Pick one and explain why.

Too close for me to call. I like them both. Music wise, I liked biggie better. I liked his flows and story telling. PAC was the total package with music, movies, and being revolutionary. He had all the tangibles outside of music. He was the peoples champ.

What will be the first thing you buy once you sign your first major record deal?

Nothing. This music grind is vicious. It takes money to make money. And to break into this game, you will find yourself doing with out, a lot. I just want to save it for a while and see how that feels to have no worries about anything financial. After that, then who know how wild I’m going to go. Lol.

Now that that’s out the way, let’s play a game. SMASH, MARRY, or KILL ha

Draya, Miracle Watts, or Kelly Rowland. Explain why. Ha

Smash Miracle, marry Kelly, kill Draya. Lol 
Miracle is just bad, that’s all lust. Kelly is royalty them destiny child checks will be coming long after anything the other two could muster. And kill Draya because…. idk lol cause I’m not going to kill Kelly.

What can we expect next from you? Any more visuals coming from Dope Dealer?

I have more on the way. I never stop recording and making beats. more traveling more music more marketing. I have two videos locked and loaded and shooting 3 more in the next couple weeks. I’m hoping to shoot a video for every song. - MUSIC VILLIAN

“This is the opportunity of a career – of a lifetime,” said Hot 104.1 Operations Manager Boogie D. “Whoever wins tonight will perform at Scottrade Center – the biggest stage in St. Louis.”
It was well after midnight Tuesday at The Loft nightclub.
Nerves were racing among the local artists in the final four for Super Jam Madness – the talent competition that came with the prize of opening the show for Super Jam 2014.
The annual summer concert series presented by the radio station has boasted some of the biggest names in R&B and hip-hop over the last six years – so many it’s easy to lose count. Two Chainz, T.I., Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, Miguel, Nelly and The St. Lunatics, Master P and Wale have been among them.
On this night, though, it would be names that plenty of people don’t know wishing and praying for their own place in Super Jam history when it moves to the Scottrade Center on June 21. The first three acts were announced on Monday afternoon.
And Indiana Rome, Mookie Tolliver, Nephari and Yak Boy Fresh were competing to be the fourth name announced on the bill, along with Juicy J, K. Michelle and Kendrick Lamar. They were being judged by a panel of four – Finsta of AMP STL, producer B. Money, Kevin Johnson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and myself.
The truth is, R&B singers Tolliver and Nephari had their work cut out for them.
They were up against two artists who have been grinding the St. Louis hip-hop scene for the past few years. Although at polar opposite ends of the hip-hop spectrum, both had an equal shot at a spot for different reasons.
The real competition was among the rappers.
But the singers should have looked at Super Jam Madness as a learning opportunity – mainly from their competitors Rome and Fresh – to see the importance and weight of creating hometown buzz by relentless local show appearances and honing one’s performance craft.
As far as the true battle goes, Yak Boy Fresh was up first.
He brought his own DJ, hype man and even his own super-sized vinyl backdrop. He came out with the look of any given pop star or boy band lead singer. But he also brought the confidence and swag of an R&B heartthrob coupled with the energy of a hip-hop artist who is dedicated to the craft, but with extreme crossover appeal.
In the five minutes he was given, Fresh did three selections – including a freestyle that gave his DJ (DJ Perception) some time to shine.
He had a flow that one couldn’t be mad at. It definitely had pop appeal, but Fresh didn’t neglect his North County (or “NoCo,” as he referred to it in his rhyme) roots. There was something “so St. Louis” and nothing corny about what might have come across as a gimmick at first sight.
Rome followed immediately afterwards on the stage and couldn’t be any more different in his approach to hip-hop.
He hit the stage wearing what he probably had on all day. And the only thing he brought with him was a crowd.
The Indianapolis native has built a local following as an underground hip-hop artist in St. Louis, and they rushed to the stage to show their support.
Dozens of fans, followers and fellow rappers nodded their heads, had their hands in the air and rapped along like they were watching a hip-hop icon deliver classics.
He jumped into the crowd of his colleagues and disciples and joined in the energy.
And when he jumped on top of the beat for his second selection “Cloud Nine,” Rome had the whole venue in his hands.
“He went all the way in,” host Staci Static said as Rome left the stage.
National recording artist Tinashe performed her debut single “2 On” as the scores were tallied. It was a two-horse race, but neck and neck in my opinion.
“Who is it?” “Who did y’all pick?” “Who you got?” strangers filed up and audaciously asked judges and station staff.
The suspense was palpable.
Indiana Rome walked away with the win. As “Cloud Nine” played in the background, he raised his hands and gave a “big up” to the sky. As the track continued and the audience grooved, one couldn’t help but anticipate how well the song would resonate with the Super Jam crowd when Rome makes his Super Jam debut at Scottrade. - THE ST LOUIS AMERICAN

St. Louis rapper Indiana Rome’s next stage isn’t necessarily the most expected step, but it’s where he’s headed.

The rising local favorite, who has lit up stages at the Pageant, the Gramophone, (blank) space and the Demo, has just booked one of St. Louis’ largest stages: Scottrade Center.

He’s performing there June 21 as part of the Hot 104.1 Super Jam concert on a bill with Kendrick Lamar, K. Michelle, Juicy J and others.

Rome won the opportunity recently at Hot 104.1’s Super Jam Madness competition. The finals were held at the Loft last week with Rome going up against rapper Yak Boy Fresh and singers Mookie Tolliver and Nephari (I was one of four judges at the finals).

The night of the finals, Rome says all he kept hearing was that Yak Boy Fresh was the one to watch out for.

“I didn’t know the other two but I knew Yak,” says Rome, an Indianapolis native who moved to St. Louis in 2000. He’s a member of the St. Louis rap collective known as the Force.

“I’d seen Yak Boy and I knew he would bring an army,” Rome says. “I knew he would be good. He’s always all over the stage and I knew to bring my A game.

“I wasn’t nervous. My nerves are gone now. That was in the early stages of my performances. I just wanted to get up there and show them I was supposed to be up there.”

Rome, who is cordial and friendly with Fresh (they did a Vatterott College tour together), felt he probably had an edge in the competition.

“When I put the word out there that I’d made it into the top four, all of a sudden all of my followers and fans I didn’t even know I had just started kicking in on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter,” he says. “That was dope. The confidence really kicks in. I definitely went in there with it on my back like I was going to win this. I wasn’t leaving there with a loss.”

A large group of fans and friends rushed to the stage when Rome performed his “Cloud 9” and “Primetime” at the Loft, practically creating their own hyped-up show.

“It wouldn’t have been as exciting if they weren’t involved,” Rome says. “That makes the best shows. You don’t want them to just stand against the wall and be cool.

“People in St. Louis throw around that the city doesn’t support, and I love proving that wrong. The city got behind me. They jumped up and they knew the words. My shows are usually packed. I don’t know what people are talking about.”

He says he doesn’t have many details on his Super Jam situation yet except that “it’s eight minutes or something of that nature. I don’t know if I get to do what I want to do. I want to have backup singers, a trumpet player and a DJ, a crazy show. Eight minutes is not a lot, but you can get a lot done.”

That show, for Rome, will be all about engaging the crowd, keeping its attention and making sure they leave knowing his name.

“I want to show I have quality. That’s where you gain followers, on the stage.”

Rome is currently working on his latest album “Dope Dealer,” as well as pushing his new single “#3 Cell Phone” and his upcoming video “Tabernacle.” He hopes to have “Dope Dealer,” which is the follow-up to 2012’s “Trilogy,” out by Super Jam.

“I’m not selling dope,” he says. “It’s about the fact I am dope — my personality. I’m a dope individual, the way I dress, the way I do things. People should always feel they’re dope.”
Kevin C. Johnson is the popular music critic and nightlife reporter at the Post-Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at kevincjohnson and add him on Facebook at kevincjohnsonstl. - STL TODAY