We talk to young Ghanaian Rapper RBD about his first solo album coming off the back of his jointly releases project Addicts Anonymous with rapper Koo Kusi. In this interview, the rapper recounts his creative process on this album and how he was able to secure features from already established rappers like Kojo Cue, Kirani Ayat and Arethejay.

Spark: Having worked on a joint album before, what was the most surprising challenge you faced transitioning to a solo project?

RBD: Self-doubt. With Addicts Anonymous, I had the luxury of running my ideas by KooKusi whenever doubt crept in. But Eventually I had to get back to working alone because it’s not like this was the first time. I did Guess Who EP and Still Guessing EP on my own so I just had to mentally get back into that bag. Additionally, there were a number of collaborations on this album so those songs also helped a lot.

Spark: Collaboration often means compromise. As a solo artist, what kind of freedom did you experience that changed your creative process?

RBD: For creative freedom, nothing really changed in that department. For me, collaboration should not constitute an inhibition of my creative control as much as it should mean enhancing it. What changed for me was the maturity in my craft and the benefit of the wisdom I had gained from collaborating with other artists, since my last two solo projects. All these have greatly impacted my creative process.

Spark: If your album were a movie, what would the plotline be, and which track would play during the climactic moment?

RBD: I think the plot would probably be a young lawyer hustling to make ends meet at the office during the day, and a passionate rapper by night, who is juggling these two demanding careers. But in his quest to become a master of compartmentalization, both careers start wearing him down, and in the end he has to choose between one of them. What will he do? The track playing in the climactic moment is “Kakai” by Shatta Wale. Nah, I’m just kidding. The track playing in that climactic moment is “Crossroads”, the fifth song on the album.

Spark: Tell me about the song with Arathejay.

RBD: Heartbreak. One of my favorite songs on the tape. You know, this album was actually supposed to come out in 2024, with “Heartbreak” being the lead single on it. But plans had to change due to Addicts Anonymous. But I digress… Heartbreak is a song about how emotional pain can be a blessing in disguise, by fueling your drive and causing you to become a better person. It’s also a song about knowing when to leave any situation or person that is bad for you.

Spark: How did you get Ko-Jo Cue and Kirani Ayat on the project?

RBD: With Ko-Jo Cue, I have been in contact with him since I put out my Guess Who EP. He has been a solid mentor and guide since I resumed this music thing. I guess a collab was always meant to happen – the issue had been more of the right song and the right timing for it. And so, when I sent him that open verse on Flowers, we both just kinda knew this was the one. With Ayat, that was all KooKusi. I sent KooKusi an open verse on Crossroads and he sent a verse back but insisted that the song was missing that Ayat touch. Because you know, Ayat has got the ability to make a song sound very spiritual and cultural. And when you listen to the beat of the song, it’s hard to argue with that logic. So Kusi sent the song to Ayat and he sent his verse back that same day.

Spark: Why did you have to write a Stella 2? Do you miss her that much?

RBD: My verse and hook on Heartbreak with AratheJay, is actually about Stella. So best believe I do not miss her. I just love torturing her…wherever she is. Haha but jokes aside, sometimes when I make a song, it’s not entirely for just me, but for the people that I feel can also relate and benefit from my experiences. Also, I needed some melodic tracks on the album because I didn’t want it to sound too rappity-rap. However, now that you mention it, I think I should stop making songs about her so that I don’t give off the wrong impression. I will definitely stop after Stella 7.0.

Spark: With the shift from a joint project to a solo endeavor, how do you anticipate the marketing strategy will differ, and what unique challenges do you foresee in promoting yourself as a solo artist this time around?

RBD: A myriad of challenges. But I have learned that it always comes down to money and connections. So now, I’m not too bothered about marketing. I will market the album the best way I can, get the people I can to listen to it. ‘Cause I know in time, when I establish the right connections and make enough money, promo wouldn’t really be my headache.

Spark: Do you feel this solo album is a continuation of your journey, or does it mark a completely fresh start for RBD as an artist?

RBD: Definitely a continuation of my journey. But it is also a reflection on the past. I always say we are all a summation of our past experiences. RUDE is about the life experiences that have shaped the artist I am today, especially experiences from my law practice; my rap career; and my love life. Those are the ones that have impacted me the most.