When we show support to our favorite artists, we knowingly put our trust into them. We trust that the music they put out for us to enjoy is not only their best efforts but also a product of their own creation. Rico Nevotion, the multi-talented R&B Singer/Writer/Actor/President & CEO of Diamond Effect Records has toured all over the world and has even opened for such big name acts such as Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Anthony Hamilton and many others. Rico sat down with Parlé Magazine to set the record straight and let us know that he’s 100% with everything he brings.
Parlé Magazine: Can you give us a little background about yourself for those who may not know you?
Rico Nevotion: Music has always been a part of my life growing up. I was born in Memphis, TN, but moved to Minnesota when I was in my teens. I started off as a dancer when I was younger, I was the youngest performer to dance for Prince when he came out to Minneapolis, MN. When I got older, I transitioned into writing and singing as a way to overcome a lot of trouble I was going through. I wanted to be living proof that there’s more to life than what you’re going through. I make it my duty to spread love with my music. I lost my younger brother when he was 16 to gang violence. He had great aspirations; he could’ve been in the NFL by now. There were college scouts already trying to recruit him. I want people to look at me and know that there is hope out there for them.
Parlé: How would you describe your music?
Rico: A lot people have compared me to Brian McKnight or R. Kelly. Both have been mentors to me musically. I love the way they’re able to write and tell stories with their music. I put on a show for my fans who come to see me live, they not only hear the music when I’m singing it but I also put on a performance so they can feel it.
Parlé: As an artist, do you feel it’s your responsibility to provide a sense of social consciousness with your music?
Rico: Definitely. If it wasn’t for music I wouldn’t be here. Music is one of the only forms of communication regardless of language that can reach anyone. It doesn’t matter how you grew up or what you’ve gone through, music is one of the things that everybody can relate to and that’s what I’m doing with my music.
Parlé: What have you learned so far being in the music business?
Rico: It’s not all about the money, women and fame. Yes it all looks good on TV, but if you’re doing it for those reasons then you’re going to give it up pretty easily because those things don’t come overnight. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes that many people are not aware of.
Parlé: Are you currently working on any new projects right now?
Rico: There’s no release date as of yet but I’m working on my new album A Bad Chapter In a Good Book. I’ve released two singles from the album that people can check out, “Breathe” which has a video out and the second single is called, “Anyway I Want.” “Breathe” has more of a Pop music feel to it, it’s about a meeting a woman that takes your breath away. The video has been getting a lot of good responses.
Parlé: What can the readers and fans expect from this new album?
Rico: This album is going to have a lot of different energy, the main thing I want to stress with this album is that regardless of what you’ve been through in life, that doesn’t make it who you are. We all go through rough periods in our lives. A lot of times it takes those bad parts to make the good ones great. The album will be uplifting and fun but it’ll also have some seriousness to it at the same time.
Parlé: Will there be any guest appearances on the new album?
Rico: I’m actually working on a project with Lil’ Flip and a reggae artist by the name of Ru Bwoy O , who’s featured on the song “Anyway I Want.”
Parlé: How have the fans been treating you?
Rico: A lot of fans have been showing me love. I get so many letters with people telling me how I’ve changed their lives and gave them hope knowing that even if you’re from the streets that doesn’t mean you have to stay there. I want my fans and readers to know, never give up.
Parlé: Artists who claim to be from the streets tend to continue to glorify that lifestyle even after becoming successful, having lived that type of lifestyle, what are your thoughts on that?
Rico: I think that’s where everyone goes wrong. It’s not a crime to be from the streets, it’s a crime for me to glorify it. I don’t glorify it. The goal should be to try to get out of the hood and do better. A lot of these artists claim they’re about that life and how they have love for the hood but as soon as they get enough money they move out. I go back to the hood to show people, especially kids, that there is a better way out there for them. I don’t do it to show off, I do it to try to get other people out.
Parlé: Are you connected to social media?
Rico: My main website is www.diamondeffectrecords.com
www.facebook.com/officialriconevotion
Instagram and Twitter are both @RicoNevotion.
Parlé: Do you have any last words?
Rico: Ask yourself “Why I am doing this?” because it’ll play a big part in how you go about achieving your dreams. As an artist you have to be flexible, don’t put yourself in a box and don’t be another copy of what’s already out there. It’s okay to be inspired by other artists but you need to be yourself.
