Artist Spotlight: RB KIDD
Born Roderick Brooks, the rapper is from the west-side Detroit neighborhood of Schoolcraft. He took his stage name from his initials (RB) plus an acronym: Kicking In Doors Daily, or KIDD. From an early age, he learned the power of perseverance, working through struggles, and not taking no for an answer. Among his inspirations is Kobe Bryant, as noted in another album track, “Black Mamba.”
We sat down with RB KIDD to talk about their creative journey, inspirations, and what’s next.
The Loud Magazine: How did you get started in music?
RB KIDD: Growing up, my older brother and his friends were into HIP HOP, and they would be rapping and freestyling for fun, but I found a love and passion for music full-time.
The Loud Magazine: What inspired you to become a musician?
RB KIDD: The hip hop culture, the style, and being able to have freedom on a record.
The Loud Magazine: Can you tell us a bit about your background and upbringing?
RB KIDD: I’m from Detroit Michigan west side is where I grew up and raised by a single mother of 3, where watching MTV/bet etc and hanging around my older bro and friends rapping shaped me into what I wanted to do for rest of my life.
The Loud Magazine: What's your favorite memory related to music?
RB KIDD: Meeting Proof from D12, he was at the height of his career with his group and Eminem. He’d just got off stage and was talking to a DJ. I got back stage. He took time out of his schedule, which his body was rushing him to get back to the hotel, but he told me to know who you are as an artist and be confident.
The Loud Magazine: What's your favorite song to play live?
RB KIDD: Top of the world.
The Loud Magazine: What genre of music do you identify with, and why?
RB KIDD: A lot of genres I can relate to, but hip hop is number one, and because we can tap into other genres by sampling and recreating a record.
The Loud Magazine: Have you ever been influenced by a particular era of music (e.g., 80s, 90s)?
RB KIDD: Yeah, ’90s music was more raw
The Loud Magazine: How do you balance your own unique sound with influences from others?
RB KIDD: By being competitive with myself and just making sure I do better than the last. That keeps me in my own lane.
The Loud Magazine: Do you have a favorite album or artist that influences your work?
RB KIDD: Yeah, Rick Ross, he's consistent with his hustle, music, and staying relevant.
The Loud Magazine: What's the most challenging part of being a musician?
RB KIDD: Connecting with the right people.
