Marcus “Ritmo” Figueroa – Origins

Published

5 years ago

April 23, 2019

Southern California musician Ritmo ‘speaks’ with his guitar through instrumental album ‘Affectivity’

LOS ANGELES, CA – A magical thing happened when Marcus “Ritmo” Figueroa first picked up the guitar. As a child, he was always a fan of music and felt a burning ambition for something more. When he was given a guitar and found a natural ability to make music, it was like he had discovered his purpose in life.

Fast-forward about 15 years and Ritmo is living in Los Angeles, California where he writes and creates music for films and television. Often working as a session guitarist for other artists throughout Southern California – something he loves to do – he spends most of his time using his unique gifts, talents and abilities to meld music with film. Most recently, he had the opportunity to write the score on a forthcoming film called “On His Own” and he’s anxious to find the next big project on which to showcase his skills as a composer.

“My goal is to basically be able to compose for TV and film for the rest of my life,” he said. “Every song I compose, I want people to get a feeling of the emotion when I play my guitar. I really get lost in that, and my goal is to let the audience paint their own pictures to my music.”

Ritmo – which means “rhythm” in Spanish – said he has always loved instrumentalists who could go beyond merely playing the music written on the sheet and into developing a sound that is definitively signature and unique. He points to world-renowned guitarist David Gilmour as inspiration and said the same way Gilmour “speaks with his guitar” is the same way he hopes to use his music to connect with people.

“That’s what I’m trying to accomplish too,” he said. “People can definitely pick my music out from the crowd now, and I hold that dear. I have that one-of-a-kind signature sound which most people would probably say is chill or vibey or ambient.”

That signature sound is put on full display with a new album set to drop April 28. Called “Affectivity,” the album is one that Ritmo intends to elicit an emotional reaction from the listener.

“That’s why I personally make music, to make sure my instrumentals connect with an audience on an extremely emotional level,” he said. “I want to truly connect. I want to have someone have a reaction from it, whether that’s good or bad. I definitely make music that will cater to both extremes of emotions. But mostly, I’m touching the masses with my music and helping them feel how I felt when I was making it. That’s why a lot of people describe what I do as atmospheric or ambient.”

In addition to making music for films and TV and in between serving as a session guitarist for other artists, Ritmo said he loves working with the hip-hop community and hopes that he can collaborate with more artists within that genre going forward. He said he has also opened for a number of bands throughout Southern California and is planning to have some live performances throughout the summer.

To listen to Ritmo’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/therealritmo/
https://twitter.com/terealrithmo
https://soundcloud.com/mritmo
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2d5uOMJoIeuGCaBT7rPG6D?si=Ow_bkKJISdGCwyawAqIuBw

Music

(Video) Bathgate – Honestly Speaking Produced by Str8Bangaz @IAMBATHGATE

Published

1 week ago

August 28, 2024

Welsh

Harlem’s own Bathgate returns with a captivating new visual for his single “Honestly Speaking,” a standout track from his latest project, “Celebrated Failures 2” EP. Produced by Str8Bangaz, “Honestly Speaking” is a raw, unfiltered reflection of Bathgate’s journey, filled with sharp lyricism and gritty storytelling that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

The music video elevates the track’s message, blending Bathgate’s commanding presence with striking visuals that bring his words to life. The visual experience mirrors the authenticity and depth found in his music, solidifying Bathgate’s place in the hip hop landscape as a voice that demands to be heard.

Celebrated Failures 2 is available now, and “Honestly Speaking” is the perfect introduction to the project, showcasing Bathgate’s ability to turn personal trials into powerful art. You can stream the EP directly via Bandcamp.
Stay connected with Bathgate on social media:

Instagram: @THEREALBATHGATE
X: @IAMBATHGATE
Don’t miss out on this visual and the entire EP, which continues to solidify Bathgate’s legacy in Harlem and beyond

Music

(Video) HoodTrophy Bino – “By Your Side” @binngobino

Published

1 week ago

August 28, 2024

Welsh

Hoodtrophy Bino just dropped a heart melting new video for “By Your Side” from his new album HoodTrophy. This emotional track serves as a love letter to his daughter Milliani and his family, showcasing the artist’s personal journey and deep family connections as he embarks on a new chapter in his career and life.

The music video for “By Your Side” was filmed in Chicago where Bino received the Community Awareness Award at the Tylerman Social Awareness Film Festival – one of the 61 awards that his documentary HoodTrophy Bino: Breaking the Generational Curse, has received so far in the festival circuit. Even the video shoot became a family affair, with Bino’s extended family in attendance including his 86-year-old grandmother, a former Black Panther member, whose presence added a powerful generational dimension to the project.

“By Your Side” stands as a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the resilience of the human spirit. Through his music and visual storytelling, HoodTrophy Bino continues to bridge personal narrative with broader themes of social justice, creating work that is both intimately touching and universally relevant. In a separate but related achievement, Bino’s documentary won Best Short Documentary at the Black August Film Festival. This annual event, which began as a prison-based observance, commemorates Black freedom fighters and political prisoners while highlighting Black resistance against racial oppression. The festival’s origins can be traced back to 1979 when it was initiated by the Black Guerilla Family in San Quentin State Prison – the same institution where Bino’s father is currently serving a life sentence.

Hoodtropy Bino is gearing up to release his second full-length and is currently on a North American tour with Bravo the Bagchaser followed by 19 tour dates with Soulja Boy.

Music

(Video) Bugsy Da God – “Dropping Hammers”

Published

3 weeks ago

August 19, 2024

Welsh

Napalm Recordings artist Bugsy Da God has just unleashed the highly anticipated visual for the single, “Dropping Hammers.” produced by platinum Wu-Tang producer True Master, this the lead single from Bugsy’s new album Global Advocation.

This 🔥 visual is Directed by the legendary Dom Pachino, the video captures the raw and gritty essence of true hip-hop, with a cinematic flair that showcases the intense energy Bugsy Da God is known for, this visual pays powerful homage to the streets that shaped them, delivering a visual and sonic experience that’s both authentic and hard-hitting.

For fans of Wu-Tang and real hip-hop, this is a visual you don’t want to miss.

Tap in with Bugsy on Instagram @Officialbugsydagod and Facebook.com/franky.bugziano.5
to stay updated on his latest moves.

Don’t forget to grab your copy of Global Advocation on CD at Napalm Music.