A look at NY artist R.A.V.A.G.E
My styles fluctuate like the Dow Jones average
While they stay savage
My cassette change shape and transform like ravage or rumble
Make the earth crumble and separate
Get into your head like a metal plate
This extract from a Hiero verse paints a pretty accurate description of artist R.A.V.A.G.E. R.A.V.A.G.E. aka the MeccaGodZilla, much like Tajali's "cassette", changes shape and transforms. Talented graphic artist, articulate lyricist, and producer with a fine-tuned ear; these are the many hats worn by the born and raised New Yorker.
Unrelenting motivation, this would be the most predominant quality I would use to describe R.A.V.A.G.E. With several projects in the works and appearances where you can experience his creativity for yourself, there's no need to promote him here, his site RavageNRumble.com already does a good job. My goal is to make a little (painless) incision that allows us to slip just a mere millimetre or two beneath the surface in order to get a better idea of exactly what R.A.V.A.G.E represents.
Its no news that everyone (and their mother) consider themselves 'artists' these days, we're all a singer or a dancer or a rapper...or all three! And amongst the lot of us that consider ourselves jacks of one (or more) of these trades, there's no lack of talent...that IS, once the Paris Hiltons and Kevin Federlines are weeded out. So, in this competitive, over skilled world, what sets a true artist apart from the rest?
DEDICATION.
A hard-working individual, R.A.V.A.G.E. has an inviting character which draws people to him. His gentle demeanour and genuine interest in others have enabled him to create bonds with people in various domains, which in turn create opportunities for him to showcase one or all of his talents for a variety of audiences. He seems to wish success unto his peers, as much as he wishes it for himself. This benevolent attitude inadvertently propels him toward achievement simply because his generous nature attracts him to involvement in collaborations with others. Lucky enough to have had the opportunity to be mentored by artists he strongly admires, R.A.V.A.G.E. has worked closely with MF Grimm, a fellow New Yorker, as well as M1 of Dead Prez.
Driven by passion, R.A.V.A.G.E. is moved by the world around him, choosing to act on his thoughts rather than let them slip away. Much of his art touches on the issue of police brutality and the abuse of power; playing on the term COP as an acronym for Corruption Of Power. Images of pig-faced, muscle-bound police bring to light his objections to the brutality that occurs in NYC and reflect the feelings of those who have fallen victim to such inhumane behaviour. They are an artist's rendition of how a few bad apples can ruin an entire system.
Though emotionally invested in these issues, R.A.V.A.G.E. maintains a positive outlook. Undefeated by those challenges presented to him by his surroundings, the possibility of failure, and his, as well as his community's, socio-economic state. In fact, he chose a name that alludes to destruction, more specifically, the destruction of convention. He has stated that "convention tends to destroy many minds that have potential to be great minds", and he's made it one of his goals to re-establish the uniqueness and individuality that convention has stripped from many artists.
This rebellion against stringency defines his character and more precisely, his name, R.A.V.A.G.E : Restoring Artistic Vision And Growth to Entertainment.
