Ro$ama’s Musical Journey from Freestyling to My Forte

Before establishing a studio, Ro$ama’s early foray into music began with a PlayStation, a cassette recorder, and a group of childhood friends in Paris, Texas. The game 50 Cent: Blood in the Sand provided instrumentals after completion. Ro$ama recalled aligning the television with the recorder, pressing play, and starting his freestyles at age nine. ‘It didn’t matter what beat it was,’ he shared.

Music soon became integral to family gatherings, with informal freestyle battles becoming a tradition. ‘At family reunions, they expected me to rap,’ Ro$ama chuckled, reminiscing about the requests that persist to this day.

A Family Name Finds Its Sound

The influence of those early sessions resonates in My Forte, his solo album. The title is a nod to musical skill and his mother’s surname. ‘Forte is my mama’s last name,’ Ro$ama explained, detailing how the word’s musical connotation and its familial link opened a path for an album connecting varied themes and personal insights. The 20-track collection allows him to explore reflection, showcase his skills, and tell regional stories, aligning with his goal to demonstrate versatility.

Writing Backward, Landing Forward

Ro$ama’s musical ambitions were shaped by artists viewing rap as a talent proving space. Influences included Lil Wayne, T.I., DMX, and others. He particularly admired Wayne’s wordplay. ‘I love how he made you think,’ Ro$ama said, and challenged himself to surpass Wayne. Ro$ama’s unique writing process begins with choosing a beat that sets an emotional tone. However, his bars often unfold backward, originating from their climax. ‘I write backwards,’ he explained, building momentum to reach a pre-determined punchline, making his verses feel architectural and impactful.

Two Sides of the Story

The track ‘E.T.’ showcases Ro$ama’s craftsmanship. A beat switch in the song creates a dynamic contrast while maintaining narrative continuity. ‘I can pop it and keep the story going,’ Ro$ama said, referring to the transition. Another song, ’93,’ addresses themes from his hometown, while ‘E.T.’ balances personal reflections with broader stories. His lived experiences seep into each song, even while aiming to display his skills. Ro$ama’s competitive nature also extends to film music, such as his work on ‘BEAST MODE (Godzilla x Kong).’ Collaborating with BigXthaPlug, he intended to surpass his counterpart’s verse and integrate the film’s energy into his performance.

From the Room to the Center

The 6WA project expanded Ro$ama’s presence, enabling wider audience recognition. ‘I felt like I was in the room, but people didn’t notice me,’ he stated. Released under 600 Entertainment, 6WA marked his collaboration with BigXthaPlug, MurdaGang PB, and Yung Hood. Ro$ama equated the project to a preseason trial, establishing expectations for the future. His appearance at Rolling Loud highlighted this transformation, reversing roles by bringing BigXthaPlug out during his own performance.

With My Forte, Ro$ama invites listeners to experience the breadth of his artistry, developed since early cassette-tape sessions. ‘I can do everything,’ he asserted, ‘I’m coming for everything.’

For more insights, contact Newsweek editors Mark Muir and Anthony Murray.