Cima {Interview}

 Coming to you from the roads of southern Alabama is an unfamiliar sound from and unexpected face. Joshua Ryan to some, Cima to the rest. Don’t write him off as Asher Roth or Eminem just yet and don’t underestimate his rhyme skills. Keep on the lookout for this up-and-comer coming up from the Dirty South. He has yet to reach the peak of his success.

What is your name? How did you come up with your stage name?

Cima is a name some of my homeboys in my high school Spanish class started calling me when we’d rhyme. In Spanish, “Cima” translates to “The Peak”…it is the highest point…I had been called R.C. for years b/c of my initials….they started in one day w/  “A, R-Cima”….from there, “Cima” stuck…I dug it…

Tell me about where you’re from?

Alabama is a poor state with not very many large populated cities.  My town is Ft. Payne.  I tell people: “There ain’t a lot to do, but we do a lot”

How has being from a small town impacted you?

I think being a rapper from a small town has had a positive impact.  Not a whole lot goes on where I’m from.  It’s a slow, simple way of life, but it is all I know and something I am very much proud of.  Being a southerner has a sense of pride in its own. My town has made me who I am.

When did you start rapping? Have you always wanted to be a rapper?

I started writing & rapping in high school simply as entertainment for my peers and to pass time in class. I knew from a young age I wanted to perform but didn’t start taking it seriously until after high school.

Is anyone ever surprised that you’re a rapper?

EVERYONE! People who don’t know me just see me as an ordinary guy. I am an ordinary guy.  However, I have an extraordinary hustle.  Not everyone is a rapper.  People who don’t really know rap or hip-hop assume you have to be from a poverty stricken or broken home to make your way.  I was raised in a healthy, stable environment by both working parents and I’m still holding down. I guess I just don’t have the look of a rapper.

Target audience of your music?

Folks like me. Lower-middle, WORKING class people

Define your music style

I call it Southern Versatility.  (also the name of my 2nd mixtape)  I like using mostly southern rap beats, but my lyrics have more of a hip-hop feel on most of my songs. However, I am a southerner, so my delivery has more of a southern rap basis.

Ever performed anywhere cool? Favorite performance?

The coolest spot I’ve performed was actually a booking on a rooftop, right outside of Birmingham, AL.  As for my favorite place to perform, that’s easy: home. I get a lot of support from my hometown.  I always love putting on a great show for my city.

Coolest moment in your musical career?

Coolest moment so far has to be my first time on stage. I was 20 years old and a club close to home was hosting a freestyle competition. With a capacity of about 400 ppl, I entered against 12 other guys (me being the minority), and won. I was invited back and won the next 2 wks. I thought then, “Hey! I could do this!”

Ever collaborate with anyone?

If you’re talented in your genre and have dedication and a solid work ethic, I’m down to make magic. I’ve worked with many different artists!  From heavy metal bands, folk bands and rappers in my area to rappers and producers as far as DC, Illinois and Michigan.

People compare me to…?

I actually get told I have my own sound most of the time. I have heard  people say Eminem, though. I don’t see it but I suppose because we’re both white. But, it is an honor to be compared to such a talented artist

Obstacles you’ve had to overcome?

My 2 biggest obstacles: (1) Being an emcee from Ft Payne, AL. I realize the internet provides many routes of promotion, advertisement and marketing, but it is hard getting heard in a small town where the demand for hip hop artists is nonexistent. There isn’t a radio station that plays rap for over 50 miles. There’s only 1 venue in my town that allows my music.  I travel out of town to be heard.

(2) Managing my music while still holding a full time job and furthering my education.  I’m not quite at the level I’d like to be musically so I still work 40+ hours a week to get by financially. In a perfect world, music would be my only grind.

What inspires you?

 At age 19, I was introduced to the sounds of a fellow Alabama independent rapper by the name of MP. I had never heard an Alabama artist of that caliber. Another major influence has always been the country music group, Alabama. They’re from my home town, so to see a few local boys do it big has always inspired me. My biggest influence is my father. He was a drummer and I credit him for my rhythm and ear for music. He has always told me to do what makes me happy and what I’m passionate about.

Favorite artists? Or songs?

Tupac is my favorite rapper! A thug and a poet at the same time. To me, he is the definition of “real”. No other artist, in my opinion, will ever compare. He put real life into every song.

What do you do to stay motivated?

My motivation comes from my passion for music and the enjoyment I get from pursuing it.  I want to be heard so that drives me to work harder.

Future goals for yourself or your music?

My ultimate goal is to make a living off of music and reach as many listeners as possible. If I can do so independently, that would be all the better. A more immediate goal is to become more self-reliant with my production and sound.  I am in the process of learning how to produce, mix and master my own material.

Photo Credit: Benji Laney