Romey

Rap Mullet

What’s your favorite track on “I am King”?
I will never have a favorite track because I feel like they are all like my kids no one song is better than the other they all complement one another and make the entire body of work a classic. Don’t Behave was just the best radio/club joint on the album and that was an area that we as a label were ever strong in so we wanted to establish strong radio play out the gate to push the project and it exceeded expectations. 10 wks on Billboard Top 100 charts First Wisconsin artist of any musical genre to do so baby.lol!

So tell us about your time in NYC for your press day?
Big things! It was one of the most productive trips to ny I had ever been on it seemed like the whole city was served to me on a silver platter. I did about 13 interviews back to back it was very exciting to just talk about what I love to do. Shout to the big homie J Hatch for making NYC so magical its behind the scenes guys like him that create the platform for artists like me to be heard. him and the whole I standard staff go no stop for ya boy and I love him to death for that.

Any upcoming shows, when and where?
Of Course, I perform on August 26th in NY and on the 28th in Miami at the Coast 2 Coast music conference

Who are some of your influences?
My greatest musical influence would have to be Jay-Z cause it wasn’t until I heard his first album Reasonable Doubt that I would pursue rap as a career. Biggie Pac Nas Snoop Eminem Kanye, Twista all round out the great artist that I have studied over the years. I feel like no artists can become great until you’ve watched and learned from the best. It’s a proven fact I’m just happy to admit that I’m no exception.

If you weren’t in the entertainment business, what would you be doing?
whooooo I’m too scared to answer or think about this question.lol

I’d like to know a bit more about the creative approach to “I Am King”
I always try to show how talented and versatile I can be on each project. I also wanted to show my fans growth as an artist because I’m older I’m a father now you just the evolution of Romey and Get Rich Records as a whole. Then I wanted to make sure that I was living up to the title of the project every bar of every record.

And your whip, I must say that is quit the creative marketing strategy! What made you get your truck wrapped?
I was preparing for my first official tour and thought to myself what can I do to make this journey even more monumental so I took Optimus Prime lol that my trucks nickname hit my graphic design guy with my concept and a week later the Romey mobile was born. It was the ultimate investment because everyday I’m branding my name label and album simultaneously.

Where can we find you online?
www.iamromey.com, www.myspace.com/getrichrecords, www.twitter.com/romeymdwestking, www.youtube.com/romeytv

Let’s get your shout outs.
Big shout out to Rap mullet first and foremost. Then I would love to shout out the good folks over at Get Rich Records and iStandard.

- J Hatch

Mogul Status.com


How you doing Romey? You have a lot going on so tell us what's poppin for you right now!

Just doing a lot of traveling across the country breaking in new markets constantly making great music and enjoying being a father.


Man, "Don't Behave is on the Billboard charts now 8 weeks! That's incredible. Does the anticipation build with each week?

We actually on our 10th week and I feel blessed that my record could do what it did out the gate independently like that. It really does build with every week because you look see your name next to a Drake, Beyonce, Lady Gaga or even a Kenny Chesney and its just a truly euphoric feeling.


Aside from music and being the "King", what else should we be looking out for from you?

I'm really just getting the troops projects together I have a entire movement behind me so we just knocking out all my other artists albums while pushing the I Am King joint.



What's the next single to drop and do you think it will have as much success as "Don't Behave'?

I honestly don't know the whole album is getting a great response.


Talk about your favorite track from your album and why did you chose that one?

I will never have a favorite track because I feel like they are all like my kids no one song is better than the other they all complement one another and make the entire body of work a classic. Don't Behave was just the best radio/club joint on the album and that was an area that we as a label were ever strong in so we wanted to establish strong radio play out the gate to push the project and it exceeded expectations.


And the clothing line deal, what's the deal with that?

My man Rick Edwards recognized my talent back in 05 he flew out to Chicago to do a photo shoot with Twista for Makaveli Branded and a mutual friend set up a sit down at Ricks hotel I took him to Mac Arthurs to eat we hit the circle on the Westside just looking at cars and girls then we went to the Wild 100's where I'm from on the south side all the while we were listening to my music he thought it was incredible and the partnership was cemented. him being VP of Marketing at MB he felt my music as well as what I stand for as a person would be good to represent Tupac and the rest of the company fell in love with the movement and the rest is pretty much history. Shout outs to Makaveli Branded.


What's next on the list for The "Mid-West King"?

Continue to strive towards Mogul Status and broaden my Reign from Midwest to national baby.lol


How do you plan on repping your small home town, in the name of Hip-Hop?

Its all about being yourself and bringing unique talent to the table. Madison Wisconsin is my base and Chicago will forever be the origin. Wisconsin being an up tapped market with explosive talent makes its an advantage because hip hop always rewards what's fresh new and innovative and I feel like Get Rich Records as well as Mad Town Hip Hop is just that. Michael Jackson is from little ole Gary Indiana then you look @ Drake he's from Toronto or Lil Wayne being from New Orleans or even look at your favorite athletes like a Lebron from Akron, Ohio and Kobe from Lower Merion the thing that makes them global phenoms is the talent level is so high. And I feel like with the internet being what it is today it really gives artist from every where a more even playing field.


Where can we find you online?

www.iamromey.com www.myspace.com/getrichrecords www.twitter.com/romeymdwestking www.youtube.com/romeytv


Any shout outs?

Shout out to every hustler or entrepreneur trying to reach mogul status Get Rich Records staff record label and crew.
- J Hatch

What's good Romey? Tell the people a little about your movement.

What's Good Coast 2 Coast. Get Rich Records is the movement and lifestyle "I Am King" is the album and "Don't Behave" is the single.

Your aka is the Midwest King, strong title, when did you get the name and why did it stick?

The title is self proclaimed by yours truly because I felt like on the underground & mixtape then on a national scale I would accomplish more than any artist where I'm from. It's no different than T.I saying he was the King of the South he later went on to prove it but he also let it be known that was his goal out the gate. It's no disrespect to any other midwest artist in any way I just have lofty goals for myself. in a couple years I also foresee me taking the Midwest off the title.

You have the #14 record on Billboard as we speak, a banger called 'Don't Behave', how did an independent artist break the top 20 on billboard charts? How does it feel to really move units and get recognized?

I heard that the greatest artist go to the greatest lengths to get there talent heard and I feel like I epitomize that saying. because I toured all over the nation in my wrap truck establishing relationships with stores all over and performing in the strongest markets then take into account what I already accomplished as indie and the fact that Don't Behave is a total smash mixed together explains the success of the record. I also think my business savvy was really put on display to distribute my music like a major. if you are a true artist there is no greater feeling than success and being acknowledged for your craft not even pussy compares to it imagine me being in little bitty Madison WI and I get a call from some Billboard Exec and he's questioning me up and down about the artist Romey and Get Rich Records and this song called "Don't Behave" then end the conversation by saying well congratulations your record debuted on the Billboard charts thats a moment in my career I will never forget.

'I am King' is the new street album, what was your creative approach and what can people expect to experience?

My creative approach was live up to the title of the album on every single song. I wanted to make a statement that I'm one of the most versatile artists to come into the game. when you go with a title like that it's pretty self explanatory what you on.

You recently got nominated for a UMA for 'Breakthrough Artist of The Year', when you found out what were your immediate thoughts and why do you think you deserve the title?

When I first found out my man J Hatch and the Big Homie Rick sent me a email and text at the same time congratulating me then my inbox start getting flooded by pretty much all the people in the industry I know so I finally when on the UMA site and seen my name and I was totally speechless. It was a humbling experience for I respect so many of the artist that have been apart of UMA's and be added to that list is a huge honor because the underground scene is the backbone of hip hop. I think this has been a breakthrough year for me and I've worked extremely hard to get to this point in my career. Like Drake said on Winner " I Deserve this shit"

You have been featured in The Source 4 times, what were the features and why do you think people recognize you as a special artist?

Well I am the first artist to ever get "Unsigned Hype, Off The Radar, Independence Day and Tale of The Tape Columns in the The Source. I think people hear my music and then they meet me and they really get to see that who I am and what I do musically are one in the same and execs, writers and fans gravitate to what they can feel and relate to and me being 100 percent real about who I am makes alot of opportunities happen for me I guess.

What's next on the agenda for Romey?

I'm currently booking the dates for the second leg of the "I Am King" tour working on my new album and developing the rest of my artist in the Get Rich Stable: B-Ezee, Unit-7, YGR, Big Ten, and Tierney Chamberlain.

Where can we find you online?
www.iamromey.com, www.youtube.com/romeytv, www.myspace.com/getrichrecords
www.twitter.com/romeymdwestking - J hatch

NextRomeyOctober 24, 2006 12:00:00 AM CDT | by melaniecShare
Play Single There is no better school when it comes to Hip-Hop than that of experience and no better a location for that school than the streets of Chicago. Having pulled from all regions and coasts, one thing that can be said for your Chi-Town rappers is they always wear a different coat to their home-town associates. From the tonguistic Twista, to the cognizant Common and to the lyrical Lupe, each persona embodies a different dynamic encouraging the stability and recognized diversity of their city.

Romey is no different. Rapping from an early age having studied the works of the masters, Rakim & KRS One, he looks like he is ready to find an available spot and make sure his name stays as constant as his contemporaries and his teachers. With an ability to recognize the areas that an unsigned artist needs to work at it is only a matter of time before he finds a situation appropriate to his needs.

With multiple mixtapes to his credit, an endorsement from Makaveli and having opened for nearly every major artist who has swept through the windy city, Romey gets into just what makes him and his state unique with us here at HipHopDX. Filling our MYSPACE artist of the month spot, he talks future plans and gang culture giving us an insight to what life before the dotted line is really all about.

Can you give us a brief background on how you got into rapping?

I got into rapping at an early age. I would listen to all the old school rappers from my uncles tape collection. I use to spend hours studying all the greats; Rakim, LL, KRS One, Run DMC, then once I got into junior high I just start battling and performing in talent shows and any other place I could perform, so I started trying to be a rapper very young.

Chicago has a serious gang presence which most of the US is unfamiliar with, how easy is it to get caught up in street life in Chicago?

It's virtually impossible for you to come up in the Chi and not be in a gang or affiliated with one. The gangs are so organized to the point where if you from this block you with this gang and even if you’re not in that gang, if your guys you grew up with it, get into it, you’re going to ride with them so you can't escape the street life. Basically, even if you are not in a gang where you from determines what people think you are.

Hailing from Chicago, home to Lupe, Common, Twista, Naledge etc etc, how do you differentiate and set yourself apart from all the others coming out of there?

Chicago is a huge melting pot and we in the middle of the country so we have an advantage being able to catch all the hot music from all the other regions; that's why you have all these talented artists from the land but we all have our own unique styles. What separates me from the other Chicago artist is I bring that smooth successful Chicago hustlers story to forefront. I'm in the process of making that transition from the street game to the rap game and it's unfolding right in front of my hometown.

As an unsigned artist, what are the hardest obstacles to overcome?

The biggest obstacle is distinguishing yourself from all the mediocre music that's out. Also getting your music on commercial radio and getting the DJ’s to play your songs in the club is an obstacle. In this game, you definitely have to pay your dues.

What have you done to encourage your buzz, both regionally and nationally?

Regionally I am the # 1 unsigned rapper on myspace.com in the Midwest. I have done mixtapes with DJ G-Spot & Sean Mac, I am out in the streets with my street team passing out flyers, I am doing shows all the time, and I have networked with local businesses and influential people in this region to build my brand. Nationally I have worked with Atlantic Records Director of A&R, Sickamore with two Mixtapes Goodfellas and The Chicago Takeover CD/DVD. I’m over 30,000 sold out the trunk, hand to hand, grass root hustle. I have been featured in numerous websites, magazines, and other media services. I am The Source magazines Unsigned Hype artist in the SEPT/OCT issue, I am a Makaveli Branded sponsored artist and I have been doing shows in other regions.

You have worked with some of the best of the best when it comes to production, No ID, Kanye, do you prefer to work with a producer and build a track together or would you rather go through multiple beat cds to find what you are looking for?

It really doesn't matter because any true artists know the right or wrong track for them whether it was made today or ten years ago. My in house producers Unit-7 and The Studio Beatz know my flavor so whether I'm in the studio with them or they sending me a beat tape, I always get hot music accustomed to my style.

Do you get involved in production?

I most definitely give my input on tracks from time to time. If I don't like the drums or the baseline or different sounds in a track, I speak up because you nev - J Hatch

DREAM BIG HUSTLE HARD QUESTIONS:

Thanks for your time Romey. How you doing?
Not a prob. I’m doing great thanks for asking.

You live in Wisconsin, a state not well known for rap music. Is it hard putting your state on the hip hop map?
Yes I do Live in Madison Wisconsin. I don’t think it’s been hard @ all because hip hop always rewards what’s fresh new and innovative and I feel like the Get Rich Records Movement is all the above. You look at Drake, he’s from Toronto or Lil Wayne being from New Orleans or even look at your favorite athletes like a Lebron from Akron, Ohio and Kobe from Lower Merion the thing that makes them global phenomena’s is the talent level is so high. I feel like with the internet being what it is today it really gives artist from everywhere a more even playing field. So to answer the question, no, I don’t think it’ll be hard at all. lol
Your truck is wrapped with your logo, face and all. I mean, it’s crazy! What made you go that angle?
I was preparing my first official tour and thought to myself what can I do to make this journey even more monumental so I took Optimus Prime lol that my trucks nickname hit my graphic design guy with my concept and a week later the Romey mobile was born. It was the ultimate investment because everyday I’m branding my name label and album simultaneously.
What was your creative approach toward the Mix tape? Any featured artist?
I think the approach was craft songs that validate the title of the project. I feel like the consistency and versatility throughout makes a pretty big statement. I think this being my first official album I wanted to put together a record that people from all different walks of life can enjoy and relate too. There’s music catered to the streets, frats & sororities, clubs I mean you name it it’s on this project. I kept all the features really close knit for the most part. My inhouse producer Unit-7 did 80 percent of the project my man Dj Pain 1 contributed three Reign day productions, Young Boyz, and Music Tech all delivered bangers too. Rap wise we got my artist B-Ezee Unit-7 and Boo Veli sparring with me throughout then J. Stills Devante and Project 718 adding those memorable hooks and choruses just make it such a versatile and well rounded album. The team effort from everybody I mentioned makes this project special cause it’s nothing like making beautiful music with people you genuinely care for.



J Stills has an incredible voice. How did you two connect?

My artist B-Ezee actually set the whole sit down up I heard a lot of collaborations he was doing throughout the state of Wisconsin and his hooks were phenomenal we finally hooked up back stage last summer at the Dane County Fair and we just clicked instantly. We have an album were worth of material together since then actually me being back and forth to New York and him working down in Racine it makes it hard for us to get up with each other but we are like brothers and to make music with captain hook on this level is an honor he’s an amazing talent.



You’ve been rhyming for some time now, who or what can you state are your influences? My greatest musical influence would have to be Jay-Z cause it wasn’t until I heard his first album Reasonable Doubt that I would pursue rap as a career. Biggie Pac Nas Snoop Eminem Kanye, Twista all round out the great artist that I have studied over the years. I feel like no artists can become great until you’ve watched and learned from the best. It’s a proven fact I’m just happy to admit that I’m no exception.

Talk about “Don’t Behave” success on the Billboard charts. Is this expected or a complete shock? I get speechless when I think about the success of “Don’t Behave”. To be able to move units like this without a major label backing my project just speaks volumes about my craft business savvy and personnel at Get Rich Records. Then the record is just a flat out hit I’m extremely happy about what the record is doing but I always Dream Big & Hustle hard so I’m really not all that surprised.

Mid West King, you definitely Dream Big and Hustle Hard. What’s next on the list? Continue to work on music do shows and most importantly Dream Big and Hustle Hard.

Where can we find you online? www.iamromey.com, www.myspace.com/getrichrecords, www.twitter.com/romeymdwestking, www.youtube.com/romeytv,
Let’s get your shout outs!
Shout outs to my whole squad Get Rich Records B-Ezee, Unit-7, Big Ten, Boo Veli, YGR, Tierney, both Steve O’s Rick, Stef G - J Hatch

Romey AKA The Mid West King, what have you been up to?

Why yes I am.lol! I’ve been on my lifetime grind as of late non stop recording touring and promoting my new street album titled “I Am King” and I also find time to do interviews as well.lol

How did you get the name Mid West King?

Me and Sickamore came out with a street album/DVD in 07 called the Chicago Takeover and the moniker just came during that project I just felt like in my heart since that point I have consistently made the best music in my region on the mixtape/underground scene. Really this is no different from the T.I situation the MK tag is self proclaimed and now that my Imprint Get Rich Records is really starting to function like a well oiled machine hopefully the rest of the country will start to feel the same way.

“Don’t Behave” is lighting up the Billboard charts! Why do you think that song is so popular?

I think the track was a hit record way before I laid vocals to it honestly. My Producer Unit-7 delivered an incredible Beat and J. Stills came with an amazing hook that was catchy and creative and very radio friendly. We were playing this record in country bars to hood clubs and were getting the same response and when I opened up for Ludacris on Halloween I formally introduced the record to my fans and that was the ultimate indicator that this song might be a winner.
Your new mix tape, “I am King” is home to this banging track, tell us a bit about the entire project.

I think the songs validate the title of the project. I feel like the consistency and versatility throughout makes a pretty big statement. I think this being my first official album I wanted to put together a record that people from all different walks of life can enjoy and relate too. There’s music catered to the streets, frats & sororities, clubs I mean you name it it’s on this project.

What producers and artist are featured on “I Am King”?

We have my In-house producer Unit-7 who did the bulk of the project. Dj Pain 1 who produced “Jeezy Don’t Do It” on the Recession album laced the album with three joints. Reigny Day Productions Music Tech & the Youngboyz both contributed bangers to the album also. My Artist B-Ezee aka the Fresh Prince & Boo Veli made appearances, R&B Vocalist Project 718 & Devante came thru and blessed the project with great singing too.

Any particular sound you look for when choosing beats?

I only pick the beats that talk to me first. The way I select tracks and come up with concepts for my records is truly a god given ability. And more often than not I’ll listen to a track for months before I even craft the song. I have such a love and appreciation for hip hop and music in general so I’m always gonna aim to make the most beautiful music I can possibly make every time I step in the booth.

Who would you like to work with right now as far as producers go?

In a perfect world I would love to go the studio and have beat tapes from Kanye, Dr. Dre, No I.D and Timbaland. I’m working towards creating that perfect world as we speak.lol

How wild is your whip?! It’s pretty fly! What made you decide to get your truck wrapped?

Thank you. I was aiming for something eye catching!lol! it was actually quite simple I asked myself what would be the best way to look fly and brand my name album and record label and from there the Romey Mobile was born.

Your future looks bright. What’s next for the Mid West King?

The next thing I plan on doing is make history I think it’s important for me to keep striving for greatness and widen the range of my kingdom

And we can find you online....

of course my Url’s are www.iamromey.com, www.myspace.com/getrichrecords, www.twitter.com/romeymdwestking, www.youtube.com/romeytv,

How about your shout-outs, got any?

I just wanna shout out the whole get rich records label and staff. Oh and I standard for taking out the time to interview ya boy!
- J Hatch

HOOD GROWN QUESTIONS:
Hey Romey, thanks for taking the time to sit with me. How you doing?
No prob it’s truly a blessing to be interviewed about my music. I’m doing great in light of the circumstances surrounding me my peoples getting locked up left and right, a lot death from close family and friends but despite all of that my career, musically has never been better.
How does “I Am King” compare to your previous projects?
I honestly can’t compare it to previous projects because the Romey you hear on records or interviews now is so much more polished than the younger Ro. I mean everything from track selection musical arrangement mixing & engineering is so much more advanced its almost unfair because the projects before never had this type of platform. Lyrically, I feel like each mixtape has always been consistently good. I feel like the machine I have set in place behind this one (the fact that this is the first record with all original material and the success of my first single “Don’t Behave”) make this one the biggest project. I will never say one song or album is better than another. I let my close peers and fans choose favorites but I love all my work the same, they are like my children some songs may get more attention than others but they are family and they come together to make great bodies of work collectively.
I hear you have a branding deal with Makaveli Branded clothing, sweet! How did that collaboration happen?
My manager at the time Rick Edwards, recognized my talent back in ’05, he flew out to Chicago to do a photo shoot with Twista for Makaveli Branded and a mutual friend set up a sit down at Ricks hotel I took him to Mac Arthurs to eat we hit the circle on the Westside just looking at cars and girls then we went to the Wild 100’s where I’m from on the south side all the while we were listening to my music he thought it was incredible and the partnership was cemented. Him being VP of Marketing at MB he felt my music as well as what I stand for as a person would be good to represent Tupac and the rest of the company fell in love with the movement and the rest is pretty much history. Shout to Roccett too, we both have been representing the Tupac brand for years and we both take that blessing as a responsibility and tremendous honor.
What producers and artist do you have on the mix tape”?
I kept all the features really close knit for the most part. My in-house producer Unit-7 did 80 percent of the project my man DJ Pain 1 contributed three Reign day productions, Young Boyz, and Music Tech all delivered bangers too. Rap wise we got my artist B-Ezee Unit-7 and Boo Veli sparring with me throughout then J. Stills Devante and Project 718 adding those memorable hooks and choruses just make it such a versatile and well rounded album. The team effort from everybody I mentioned makes this project special cause it’s nothing like making beautiful music with people you genuinely care for.


Your whip is crazy! What made you get your truck wrapped?
I was preparing my first official tour and thought to myself what can I do to make this journey even more monumental so I took Optimus Prime lol that my trucks nickname hit my graphic design guy with my concept and a week later the Romey mobile was born. It was the ultimate investment because everyday I’m branding my name label and album simultaneously.
Is that strictly the tour vehicle, what’s the reaction you get from the public?
I always got the superstar treatment even when I was on the block I stayed in the flyest of whips but now that people see the music taking off and the movement growing the response has been amazing. I see people take pictures of it while driving on the highway little kids always run up to the truck for autographs this whole grind is just I don’t have a word to describe it.
Your coming from a place not too well known for Hip-Hop, how do you plan on marking your territory?
I’m just touring my region and planting the Get Rich flag where ever I go it makes me feel good to come from Chicago then move to Madison Wisconsin as a teen. When I seen Lebron become MVP and come little bitty Akron Ohio it really inspired me to do the same with hip hop. Just know I plan on continually using my talent to grow throughout my territory and beyond.
What’s next on the list for The “Mid-West King”?
ummmm lets see.lol but nah I just plan on staying busy and working hard and remaining humble as I climb this success ladder and if Grammy’s and platinum plaques come with that then expect all of the above from the Midwest King baby.
Where can we find you online? www.iamromey.com, www.myspace.com/getrichrecords, www.youtube.com, www.twitter.com/romeymdwestking
Any shout outs?
Big Shout out to Hood Grown for taking time with a real hood grown hustler such as myself. Then I just wanna shout out Get Rich Records G’s & R’s all day every day my staff and personnel is the reason I’ve made it this far real talk.
- J Hatch

HOOD GROWN QUESTIONS:
Hey Romey, thanks for taking the time to sit with me. How you doing?
No prob it’s truly a blessing to be interviewed about my music. I’m doing great in light of the circumstances surrounding me my peoples getting locked up left and right, a lot death from close family and friends but despite all of that my career, musically has never been better.
How does “I Am King” compare to your previous projects?
I honestly can’t compare it to previous projects because the Romey you hear on records or interviews now is so much more polished than the younger Ro. I mean everything from track selection musical arrangement mixing & engineering is so much more advanced its almost unfair because the projects before never had this type of platform. Lyrically, I feel like each mixtape has always been consistently good. I feel like the machine I have set in place behind this one (the fact that this is the first record with all original material and the success of my first single “Don’t Behave”) make this one the biggest project. I will never say one song or album is better than another. I let my close peers and fans choose favorites but I love all my work the same, they are like my children some songs may get more attention than others but they are family and they come together to make great bodies of work collectively.
I hear you have a branding deal with Makaveli Branded clothing, sweet! How did that collaboration happen?
My manager at the time Rick Edwards, recognized my talent back in ’05, he flew out to Chicago to do a photo shoot with Twista for Makaveli Branded and a mutual friend set up a sit down at Ricks hotel I took him to Mac Arthurs to eat we hit the circle on the Westside just looking at cars and girls then we went to the Wild 100’s where I’m from on the south side all the while we were listening to my music he thought it was incredible and the partnership was cemented. Him being VP of Marketing at MB he felt my music as well as what I stand for as a person would be good to represent Tupac and the rest of the company fell in love with the movement and the rest is pretty much history. Shout to Roccett too, we both have been representing the Tupac brand for years and we both take that blessing as a responsibility and tremendous honor.
What producers and artist do you have on the mix tape”?
I kept all the features really close knit for the most part. My in-house producer Unit-7 did 80 percent of the project my man DJ Pain 1 contributed three Reign day productions, Young Boyz, and Music Tech all delivered bangers too. Rap wise we got my artist B-Ezee Unit-7 and Boo Veli sparring with me throughout then J. Stills Devante and Project 718 adding those memorable hooks and choruses just make it such a versatile and well rounded album. The team effort from everybody I mentioned makes this project special cause it’s nothing like making beautiful music with people you genuinely care for.


Your whip is crazy! What made you get your truck wrapped?
I was preparing my first official tour and thought to myself what can I do to make this journey even more monumental so I took Optimus Prime lol that my trucks nickname hit my graphic design guy with my concept and a week later the Romey mobile was born. It was the ultimate investment because everyday I’m branding my name label and album simultaneously.
Is that strictly the tour vehicle, what’s the reaction you get from the public?
I always got the superstar treatment even when I was on the block I stayed in the flyest of whips but now that people see the music taking off and the movement growing the response has been amazing. I see people take pictures of it while driving on the highway little kids always run up to the truck for autographs this whole grind is just I don’t have a word to describe it.
Your coming from a place not too well known for Hip-Hop, how do you plan on marking your territory?
I’m just touring my region and planting the Get Rich flag where ever I go it makes me feel good to come from Chicago then move to Madison Wisconsin as a teen. When I seen Lebron become MVP and come little bitty Akron Ohio it really inspired me to do the same with hip hop. Just know I plan on continually using my talent to grow throughout my territory and beyond.
What’s next on the list for The “Mid-West King”?
ummmm lets see.lol but nah I just plan on staying busy and working hard and remaining humble as I climb this success ladder and if Grammy’s and platinum plaques come with that then expect all of the above from the Midwest King baby.
Where can we find you online? www.iamromey.com, www.myspace.com/getrichrecords, www.youtube.com, www.twitter.com/romeymdwestking
Any shout outs?
Big Shout out to Hood Grown for taking time with a real hood grown hustler such as myself. Then I just wanna shout out Get Rich Records G’s & R’s all day every day my staff and personnel is the reason I’ve made it this far real talk.
- J Hatch

HIPHOPLIVES
Who is “The Mid West King”?
The Midwest King is Verse #1 on the new song off my album I Put That On Everything “When you combine the coldest lyrics and the hottest flows/ blood sweat and tears mixed with my heart and soul/ B.I.G. swag mixed Kanye's passion/ Doug E. Fresh stage presence in todays fashion/ u get the main with the 6"7 frame/ who ain't scared to let u know what's on his mind like Game/ showed three times the dedication like Drama n Lil Wayne/ with a style and a sound all his own like T-pain/ with the influence like pac perfectionist like the Doc/ he is to get rich what Jay is to the Roc/ that inspirational figure who came str8 from the block/ and now refers to himself as hip-hops barack/ w 50 cent ambition plus eminem vision/ to beat any beat to a pulp w precision/ I'm the new edition but I'm ain't Mike Bivens/ to hip-hops elite just as long as I'm living/" That's what it is and that's how I feel point blank period.
Your new mix tape, “I am King” has some dope tracks, what’s the concept behind this project? The concept was extremely simple and that was to prove that I’m worthy of such a title every bar on every song on this street album.
Are there any artist or producers that you’d like to work with?
I would really love to work with Kanye West he’s one of my hometown hero’s and his love and passion for music is unmatched and I think we both share that same approach to music.

J Stills lends his voice to “Don’t Behave”, how did you guys connect?
My artist B-Ezee actually set the whole sit down up I heard a lot of collaborations he was doing throughout the state of Wisconsin and his hooks were phenomenal we finally hooked up back stage last summer at the Dane County Fair and we just clicked instantly. We have an album worth of material together since then actually me being back and forth to New York and him working down in Racine it makes it hard for us to get up with each other but we are like brothers and to make music with captain hook on this level is an honor he’s an amazing talent.

“Don’t Behave” is holding down and an impressive six weeks on the Billboard charts. That’s fly! Whats going through your mind right now?
Were actually on are seventh week we landed #14 on Top 100 & #8 on R&B Hip Hop charts.lol! Out of all the records I’ve made in my career it would be this one that takes off and introduces me to the masses. I just sit back and think WoW I’m the first indie artist from out of Wisconsin to what I’m doing and it just makes me feel really blessed that man chose me as a trailblazer.

I hear you have a branding deal with Makaveli Branded clothing, how’d you land that?
My manager at the time Rick Edwards recognized my talent back in 05 he flew out to Chicago to do a photo shoot with Twista for Makaveli Branded and a mutual friend set up a sit down at Ricks hotel I took him to Mac Arthurs to eat we hit the circle on the Westside just looking at cars and girls then we went to the Wild 100’s where I’m from on the south side all the while we were listening to my music he thought it was incredible and the partnership was cemented. him being VP of Marketing at MB he felt my music as well as what I stand for as a person would be good to represent Tupac and the rest of the company fell in love with the movement and the rest is pretty much history.


So you have a clothing sponsorship, a dope ass mix tape, a hot single and a wrapped truck. You go hard! What’s up with the truck?
What Jeezy say on the Rihanna record “Go Hard or Go Home” lol that’s exactly how I feel. Aw the Romey Mobile is just me coming up with the flyest way to brand Romey Get Rich Records and this “I Am King” album all at the same time.

It seems like you’ve done it all good sir! What’s next on your to do list?
I’m definitely accomplished for an Indie artist. I see a historic deal being signed in the immediate future.

Where can we find you online? www.iamromey.com, www.myspace.com/getrichrecords, www.youtube.com, www.twitter.com/romeymdwestking

Let’s get those shout outs!
Shout out to Hip Hop Lives for taking time to interview yours truly and I always gotta rep for my whole Get Rich Records faculty for always believing in me and helping me get to this stage in my career.

- J Hatch