Chad Rico is a prime example of the limitless potential we possess as human beings. His infectious ambition is a rock bed of inspiration. Chad’s work as a rap artist and college professor definitely exceeds any and all expectations. Fortunately, I’ve had the blessed opportunity to hear some of Chad’s music and talk with him about the source of his motivational strivings as an educator and rap artist. I’m sure this is one interview that you will enjoy!
Warlock Asylum: I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions. However, for our readers who may not be familiar with your work, please introduce yourself. Who is Chad Rico?
Chad Rico: I am a mogul, an entrepreneur, and an artist. I’m also a math professor and world traveler, which all contributes to giving my content some unique perspectives.
Warlock Asylum: What inspired you to get involved in music, and more specifically as a rap artist?
Chad Rico: I have always written stories or poetry and music has always served as a way for me to express myself. I started writing stories and poems at the age of nine and playing the saxophone at age eleven. I listen to music more than I watch television, I truly love music and have always seen it as a wonderful way to express myself.
Warlock Asylum: You are definitely a fine example of someone who was able to transform their life through sheer determination and education. Today, you presently have a career as a college math professor. Please tell us about your career in teaching and what led you to take up the path of an educator?
Chad Rico: I was encouraged by my good friend Ronald Page, who is the first and only black tenured mathematics professor at City College of San Francisco. We were undergraduate college roommates that both went on to earn our master’s in mathematics. I was making strides in fashion and entertainment; he encouraged me, noting that teaching math on a collegiate level is an effective tool for progress among youth in our communities. I agreed and don’t regret the decision!
Our impact has been profound, and our reward is great! I have seen my students go on to attend prestigious four-year universities, take advantage of study abroad programs, and prepare for graduate study! Sharing my knowledge of mathematics, encouraging and successfully helping students do what they were always told they didn’t have the capacity to do, has not only changed their outlook on mathematics but also on their lives and the world! I spend a lot of time telling students to live their dreams. And guess what? These words remain a motivating factor to push on with my own dreams and goals in entertainment and fashion.
Warlock Asylum: Have you noticed any similarities between your life as a rap artist versus life as an educator?
Chad Rico: Well, I am the same person. However, in the classroom and on the mic I try to paint a picture everyone can relate to through my words. With mathematics, this is really hard to do. But, when people connect to the stories I tell, it is very humbling and satisfying. The same is true with music when people connect with the song it too is a very humbling experience.
Warlock Asylum: Another admirable quality of your person is the ambition you have demonstrated as an entrepreneur. You not only own a music company but are also in the clothing business. What is the source of your motivation and drive? Where did your ideas for both a music company and clothing line originate?
Chad Rico: Let’s not forget that I am also a film producer; we have some great work coming out soon! My influence is expression, both visually and verbally. We express so much of who we are through what we wear and what we say. I have always been into fashion although finances and availability didn’t always allow me to express exactly what I liked. That alone encouraged me to venture on my own. Luckily for me, I also had childhood friends who started their own clothing line which upon completing my undergraduate degree, they gave me the opportunity to manage. This experience provided me with the knowledge and experience I needed to start my own clothing line.
Warlock Asylum: Who are some of your musical influences?
Chad Rico: Snoop Dogg; I always liked how he sounded on tracks. I was influenced by Nas and Tupac for their diversity in content as well as their storytelling; and, Prince for the variety of sounds he brought through instrumentation; Lil Wayne for his metaphors and similes; and many more as I’ve studied music, both the instrumentals and the lyrics.
Warlock Asylum: What obstacles did you have to overcome in order to make your career as a rap artist possible?
Chad Rico: The most important obstacle to overcome at this point is not worrying about other people’s opinions. I learned that if you allow it, people will put you in a box that makes them feel comfortable. When you take a step out of that box it won’t make everyone comfortable sometimes not even you, but it’s essential in staying true to yourself and continuing to grow.
Warlock Asylum: Recently, I got a chance to see your music video for the song New Level. It’s a very impressive presentation. Can you give us a few details about the song and how the music video came about?
Chad Rico: We have an outstanding and comprehensive production company! When we found out we had access to an actual spaceship for the shoot location, I sat down with my film writers to come up with a treatment that was based around the song. So, we shot it more like a short film. I used to love the creative videos we saw in the late 90’s and the early part of the 2000’s. I wanted to bring that back, from traveling to planet Crunk to rescuing the damsels in distress to the space fight that took place and finishing it off with the victory party on the spaceship!
Warlock Asylum: What can we expect to see of Chad Rico in the next five years? Any upcoming projects?
Chad Rico: Grammys and Grammy nominations, you will also see albums and more eccentric videos. You will see more artists from the Gold & Gems label drop music with great influence and great vibes. Finally, you will see movies along with great fashion. We are here to stay and of course more music on the way!
Warlock Asylum: How can our readers keep abreast with your music and other artistic endeavors?
Chad Rico: Check out chadrico.com and click the Chad Rico logo. There you will find new music, all my social media platforms as well as upcoming performances.
*On behalf of Warlock Asylum International News, I would like to wish Chad Rico all the best in his artistic and educational endeavors. This has been a very inspiring conversation. Blessings.
Warlock Asylum: I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions. However, for our readers who may not be familiar with your work, please introduce yourself. Who is Chad Rico?
Chad Rico: I am a mogul, an entrepreneur, and an artist. I’m also a math professor and world traveler, which all contributes to giving my content some unique perspectives.
Warlock Asylum: What inspired you to get involved in music, and more specifically as a rap artist?
Chad Rico: I have always written stories or poetry and music has always served as a way for me to express myself. I started writing stories and poems at the age of nine and playing the saxophone at age eleven. I listen to music more than I watch television, I truly love music and have always seen it as a wonderful way to express myself.
Warlock Asylum: You are definitely a fine example of someone who was able to transform their life through sheer determination and education. Today, you presently have a career as a college math professor. Please tell us about your career in teaching and what led you to take up the path of an educator?
Chad Rico: I was encouraged by my good friend Ronald Page, who is the first and only black tenured mathematics professor at City College of San Francisco. We were undergraduate college roommates that both went on to earn our master’s in mathematics. I was making strides in fashion and entertainment; he encouraged me, noting that teaching math on a collegiate level is an effective tool for progress among youth in our communities. I agreed and don’t regret the decision!
Our impact has been profound, and our reward is great! I have seen my students go on to attend prestigious four-year universities, take advantage of study abroad programs, and prepare for graduate study! Sharing my knowledge of mathematics, encouraging and successfully helping students do what they were always told they didn’t have the capacity to do, has not only changed their outlook on mathematics but also on their lives and the world! I spend a lot of time telling students to live their dreams. And guess what? These words remain a motivating factor to push on with my own dreams and goals in entertainment and fashion.
Warlock Asylum: Have you noticed any similarities between your life as a rap artist versus life as an educator?
Chad Rico: Well, I am the same person. However, in the classroom and on the mic I try to paint a picture everyone can relate to through my words. With mathematics, this is really hard to do. But, when people connect to the stories I tell, it is very humbling and satisfying. The same is true with music when people connect with the song it too is a very humbling experience.
Warlock Asylum: Another admirable quality of your person is the ambition you have demonstrated as an entrepreneur. You not only own a music company but are also in the clothing business. What is the source of your motivation and drive? Where did your ideas for both a music company and clothing line originate?
Chad Rico: Let’s not forget that I am also a film producer; we have some great work coming out soon! My influence is expression, both visually and verbally. We express so much of who we are through what we wear and what we say. I have always been into fashion although finances and availability didn’t always allow me to express exactly what I liked. That alone encouraged me to venture on my own. Luckily for me, I also had childhood friends who started their own clothing line which upon completing my undergraduate degree, they gave me the opportunity to manage. This experience provided me with the knowledge and experience I needed to start my own clothing line.
Warlock Asylum: Who are some of your musical influences?
Chad Rico: Snoop Dogg; I always liked how he sounded on tracks. I was influenced by Nas and Tupac for their diversity in content as well as their storytelling; and, Prince for the variety of sounds he brought through instrumentation; Lil Wayne for his metaphors and similes; and many more as I’ve studied music, both the instrumentals and the lyrics.
Warlock Asylum: What obstacles did you have to overcome in order to make your career as a rap artist possible?
Chad Rico: The most important obstacle to overcome at this point is not worrying about other people’s opinions. I learned that if you allow it, people will put you in a box that makes them feel comfortable. When you take a step out of that box it won’t make everyone comfortable sometimes not even you, but it’s essential in staying true to yourself and continuing to grow.
Warlock Asylum: Recently, I got a chance to see your music video for the song New Level. It’s a very impressive presentation. Can you give us a few details about the song and how the music video came about?
Chad Rico: We have an outstanding and comprehensive production company! When we found out we had access to an actual spaceship for the shoot location, I sat down with my film writers to come up with a treatment that was based around the song. So, we shot it more like a short film. I used to love the creative videos we saw in the late 90’s and the early part of the 2000’s. I wanted to bring that back, from traveling to planet Crunk to rescuing the damsels in distress to the space fight that took place and finishing it off with the victory party on the spaceship!
Warlock Asylum: What can we expect to see of Chad Rico in the next five years? Any upcoming projects?
Chad Rico: Grammys and Grammy nominations, you will also see albums and more eccentric videos. You will see more artists from the Gold & Gems label drop music with great influence and great vibes. Finally, you will see movies along with great fashion. We are here to stay and of course more music on the way!
Warlock Asylum: How can our readers keep abreast with your music and other artistic endeavors?
Chad Rico: Check out chadrico.com and click the Chad Rico logo. There you will find new music, all my social media platforms as well as upcoming performances.
*On behalf of Warlock Asylum International News, I would like to wish Chad Rico all the best in his artistic and educational endeavors. This has been a very inspiring conversation. Blessings.
