Based out of Baltimore, Maryland, the multi-talented rap artist Swiflyfe is building back and giving back to his community and himself through the music he creates. As an up and coming businessman, Swiflyfe vows to educate through music one track at a time. Today, we have the honor of hearing from Swiflyfe directly and his perspective on life and music. I’m sure that you will find his experience rewarding.
When and where were you born?
I was born on January 2nd, 1987
What’s your full name?
Ricardo Mark Alfonso Garriques
Where did you get the name from?
Named after my father’s childhood friend who passed away.
What was your childhood like?
I had everything that I needed but not everything that I wanted, such as toys and games, I learned how to improvise or go without at a young age. My father was Jamaican, so I was raised very strictly, meaning, no television on school days. Certain places I couldn’t go and I had a certain time to get home from school. If I was late then, I was disciplined. I’m from the days where discipline by belt was very common.
I was in and out of schools during my elementary and middle school years because of fighting and trying to deal with my parent’s divorce, I calmed down and started to value life once I lost my uncle to a car accident and one of my brothers to the street life.
How many brothers and sisters do you have and how was your parental history?
Five brothers and two sisters, all born in Jamaica except for one sister who is American. Once my brothers and sisters were old enough to drive and travel, they moved out of Baltimore leaving me here with our father.
What made you start doing industry things and when did you start?
As a youth, I used to read poetry books. I remember reading a book of poetry written by Tupac Shakur. Although it was poetry, reading it gave me some perspective on wordplay. I started taking my poems and turning them into rap lyrics. In my mind, I found something different; something that I liked and I got a chance to speak my mind with a beat attached.
I started on a serious level at 22 years old. I wanted to be different and make different music. I started pursuing a music career with hopes of being discovered and signed, so I started participating at open mic events in my city.
Who were your greatest influences in the industry growing up and who influences you now?
Tupac Shakur, Nas, DMX, TI, Jadakiss influence me to tell my story behind a beat where people that never heard about me could listen, enjoy, and/or relate to my music. Today, my friends, kids, family, and rappers such as T.I.P influence me to be more than just a rapper, but a businessman, realtor, and mogul.
What are your greatest goals?
Graduating from trade school with a diesel certification. Raising my kids with the knowledge needed to survive in this world and most importantly being alive at 32 with this mindset to make, create, and build.
What’s to be expected of you in the future?
Hits after hits, music that can be enjoyed long after I’m gone, real estate investments, working communities, functional playgrounds, and a clothing line.
Have you ever opened for any headliners, if so who?
I’ve opened up for Freeway, Snoop release party, and Ernes from Making The Band. No big shows as of yet.
What makes you different from other artists?
I’m different from other artists because I make music not only for a purpose but something that you can also you can enjoy with your family. My goal is to take my born-given talents, turn them into revenue so that I can help fix problems instead of being one that causes them; Give back, build back, and create.
When and where were you born?
I was born on January 2nd, 1987
What’s your full name?
Ricardo Mark Alfonso Garriques
Where did you get the name from?
Named after my father’s childhood friend who passed away.
What was your childhood like?
I had everything that I needed but not everything that I wanted, such as toys and games, I learned how to improvise or go without at a young age. My father was Jamaican, so I was raised very strictly, meaning, no television on school days. Certain places I couldn’t go and I had a certain time to get home from school. If I was late then, I was disciplined. I’m from the days where discipline by belt was very common.
I was in and out of schools during my elementary and middle school years because of fighting and trying to deal with my parent’s divorce, I calmed down and started to value life once I lost my uncle to a car accident and one of my brothers to the street life.
How many brothers and sisters do you have and how was your parental history?
Five brothers and two sisters, all born in Jamaica except for one sister who is American. Once my brothers and sisters were old enough to drive and travel, they moved out of Baltimore leaving me here with our father.
What made you start doing industry things and when did you start?
As a youth, I used to read poetry books. I remember reading a book of poetry written by Tupac Shakur. Although it was poetry, reading it gave me some perspective on wordplay. I started taking my poems and turning them into rap lyrics. In my mind, I found something different; something that I liked and I got a chance to speak my mind with a beat attached.
I started on a serious level at 22 years old. I wanted to be different and make different music. I started pursuing a music career with hopes of being discovered and signed, so I started participating at open mic events in my city.
Who were your greatest influences in the industry growing up and who influences you now?
Tupac Shakur, Nas, DMX, TI, Jadakiss influence me to tell my story behind a beat where people that never heard about me could listen, enjoy, and/or relate to my music. Today, my friends, kids, family, and rappers such as T.I.P influence me to be more than just a rapper, but a businessman, realtor, and mogul.
What are your greatest goals?
Graduating from trade school with a diesel certification. Raising my kids with the knowledge needed to survive in this world and most importantly being alive at 32 with this mindset to make, create, and build.
What’s to be expected of you in the future?
Hits after hits, music that can be enjoyed long after I’m gone, real estate investments, working communities, functional playgrounds, and a clothing line.
Have you ever opened for any headliners, if so who?
I’ve opened up for Freeway, Snoop release party, and Ernes from Making The Band. No big shows as of yet.
What makes you different from other artists?
I’m different from other artists because I make music not only for a purpose but something that you can also you can enjoy with your family. My goal is to take my born-given talents, turn them into revenue so that I can help fix problems instead of being one that causes them; Give back, build back, and create.
Reverbnation Instagram Youtube
*On behalf of Warlock Asylum International News, I would like to thank Swiflyfe for taking the time to answer a few questions and share a part of his experience with our readers. We wish you all the best in your artistic and business endeavors.
