Ricky Rique is an R&B artist from Virginia currently based in New York City. As his music is influenced by various artists of the 90s and 2000s, we hear glimmers of inspiration including Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, NSYNC, Rihanna, 112, and Drake.
Returning with his enthralling, recently released single, “Use 2 Love You,” we hear glimmers of summertime ambiance reign supreme from the instrumentation at hand. Instantly prompting listeners to sway to the jauntiness locked into the beat, Ricky Rique has us hypnotized with the infectious energy served up on this bop.
The sizzling elements come to us at the perfect time, as we mentally and physically transport ourselves to the warmth that the sunshine radiates, all in the name of creating memories we won’t forget. Known for his R&B finesse that he sprinkles upon his musical creations, we admire the more blatant delivery that his vocalization delivers as we pick up on hues of Hip-hop throughout “Use 2 Love You.”
Complimenting his soothing croons within the buildup between verses to chorus, this is where we find Ricky Rique thrive in his natural element. Driving home the spellbinding repetition that he utilizes in order to instill captivating lyrical motifs, “Use 2 Love You,” is the type of track that we can get used to having on repeat.
Scattering a well-rounded zest over the bolstered foundation before us, Ricky Rique has us sweating in the midst of summer, to what he showcases best.
Thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic Ricky Rique, and congratulations on the release of your most recent single, “Use 2 Love You.” With such a bubbly soundscape steering the feel-good energy of the instrumentation, your lyrics suggest otherwise. Could you please shine a light on the inspiration behind the narrative of this song?
Thank you. It means a lot. So when I heard the beat it made me want to just dance around immediately. As I heard the beat more and more, I kept hearing “I used to love”. So I tapped into that a little more. Which led to me creating this track now.
How does “Use 2 Love You” fit into themes previously offered up throughout your music catalog? Did you notice you took the same creative journey to fashion this track that you usually do for other songs?
Actually, this song was the second song I ever recorded. I made it in the studio during the lockdown. I wasn’t satisfied with it when I recorded it at first. It had a lot of elements I knew needed fixing but I knew I wanted to eventually recreate this song.
What are you hoping that your audience can take away from the themes and messaging of this song? What does “Use 2 Love You” say about you as an artist and your music as a whole?
What I want my audience to take away from “Use 2 Love You” is that it is okay to be sad and even reminisce over someone or a situation that may have damaged them. I want to be vulnerable and real about how I feel/felt inside my music. I want my audience to realize this life is a journey. I want to be an example that even though I am reflecting on a previous relationship, I am so much happier looking back on what doesn't serve me anymore.
What has been the best piece of advice that you’ve been given throughout your career as an artist so far?
The best piece of advice I ever received is not to expect everyone to like your music. When I first started making music, I expected everyone and their mamas to enjoy my sound and my subject matter. I got offended when I did not hear proper feedback or interest in me even making music in general. I’m learning that I just need to stay in my lane and continue to do what I absolutely love. Which is making music and singing.
What's next for you?
I want to start performing more as the pandemic seems to slowly fade out. I want to be able to showcase my craft to the masses. I would love to do collaborations with other artists just starting off like me.