Brooklyn-based hip-hop artist Matty Rico has been on our radar for a while. So far he’s released two LPs and just premiered his newest single, smooth “So Gone,” which is destined to be your favorite late-night drive soundtrack from now on. We’ve caught up with the rising star to talk about hid ode to Chicago, socially-aware lyrics and the craziest show he ever played.

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Homebase: Brooklyn, NY

What’s your story so far?

I’ve been traveling and making music for the past three years. Spent a lot of time in South America and Mexico. Haven’t released much, but I’ve been seeing and hearing, trying to understand different people. I think it’s important for me. I lived in LA and now my place is in Brooklyn. And I’m from Chicago, so I’ve never been able to slow things down until this point. And there’s never been a rush to make a situation happen until I wanted it to. But now I’m ready. I’m ready to let it all go.

Does music run in your family?

My family definitely always appreciated music, but I ended up being the first and only musician. I don’t think they really knew how to nurture that side of me initially. I would play sports, do well at school, play video games, all the normal shit...But music was always calling me in some way. I had to seek it out a little more on my own. I stared drumming at church fellowship, then I joined a jazz band, and then it was producing and writing songs in my basement.

What was the moment you decided that music was your biggest passion?

I bombed it at my high school talent show. I was supposed to rap a verse that I wrote and I just forgot every lyric. I looked at the senior, Von, who let me rock with him and I was like, man this is never happening again. I couldn’t wait to get back on stage.

You’re multiracial. Does it enhance your creative process, as you’ve potentially got more influences?

It definitely helps having knowledge of a lot of the shit my parents would listen to. From Hector Lavoe to Earth, Wind, & Fire. It was all being absorbed before I even knew it.

Should we consider "Sweet Home Chicago" a spin-off or a sequel to "Empire State of Mind"? And what made you write this song?

Na haha. It was more of a response to how crazy it was in Chicago when I wrote it. I wanted to highlight the beauty of the city, but also not ignore the demons we carry. It’s actually a pretty dark song when you listen to all the verses. I was visiting Chicago from LA and kept leaving with a bit of survivor’s remorse.   

How socially aware do you let your lyrics be?

I’ve been trying to practice awareness in my personal life. So whether it’s politically charged or more internal, I want that to drive the music as seamlessly as i can.

One of your latest songs is "3AM Freestyle." Is it safe to assume that nighttime is your time?

Night time is the only time.

How often do you get to freestyle? Do you get nervous?

Freestyling is how the best songs are written. When you overwrite, it bleeds through and the song loses something.

You just released your new single “So Gone.” What can you tell us about it?

“So Gone” is really just me battling with vices. Constantly pushing and pulling someone in and out just enough to keep around. It’s supposed to channel a night time binge.

What’s the craziest show you’ve had so far?

Shout out Guadalajara, Mexico. That shit was lit. That was a hyped up crowd. Crazy energy down there and the women were on one too.

The most inspiring thing is…

Regrets.

5 fast fun facts about Matty Rico. Go!

Obsessed with BURRITOS.

I binge watch shows to get them over with and then don't watch any TV.

DC vs. Marvel? Who cares. Give me all of them.

Deli sandwich connoisseur: try a toasted roll with Turkey, egg, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato

I always go to sleep with a back-up water. Two glasses better than one.