As we cool down from the hottest summer in RVA history, the city is still heating up with outdoor activities and the sound of new local music, something that will always be exciting regardless of the temperature. That music scene has always been fueled by a blue collar approach alongside a twist of big city optimism, just like Richmond itself, and perhaps no one embodies this better than the confident and industrious local rapper known as Peter $un.
As we cool down from the hottest summer in RVA history, the city is still heating up with outdoor activities and the sound of new local music, something that will always be exciting regardless of the temperature. That music scene has always been fueled by a blue collar approach alongside a twist of big city optimism, just like Richmond itself, and perhaps no one embodies this better than the confident and industrious local rapper known as Peter $un.
This article was featured in RVAMag #26: Fall 2016. You can read all of issue #26 here or pick it up at local shops around RVA right now.
From the West End Of Henrico, this twenty-something rapper stands out as one of the brightest stars of the local hip-hop scene. His moving beats and piercing lyrics have helped him establish the Peter $un brand of music, a style that’s deeply resonated with fans across the country. As his internet buzz continues to rise, the exceptional performer has been quick to capitalize on his following with frequent music releases that only further electrifies his fanbase. Now, he’s looking to go one step further with a constantly growing touring schedule that stretches from Virginia Beach to California Beach, with plenty of sold-out shows in between.
In between stops on his extensive touring schedule, we caught up with Peter $un at a restaurant in Lakeside to gain some insight into his rise, musical philosophy, and personal energy. The curious and perceptive side of this humble rapper quickly came out in our interview, giving us some clarification to his own singular flair, while also informing us that he has only begun to scratch the surface on what Peter $un is… and what he can be.
Making a name for yourself is hard enough in this city it seems. How does it feel to be on the road selling out shows across the U.S.?
I had never experienced people singing the songs back to me, you know what I’m saying? There were six or seven people who were in the crowds singing my song. To me. Here, it’s hasn’t happened to me once. It’s crazy motivational because they’re 16-24 years old and they are all mixed in together to come out and have a good time. It’s seems like here sometimes people pay to go to a show just to bob their heads or just come to see one person. But it’s the entertainer’s job to capture the audience. I think that’s what made this tour successful. These people pay their money or their parent’s money to come see me, so the pressure is there for me to kill it.
You give everything you release to the public an eccentric name. Where did the focus on giving specific names to your material?
I always did that. It just evolved more as I got older and made music. I always did it that way because when I make the music, it’s the mood of that song. One day, I was drinking Modelo and came up with the “Modelo” demo. I get a lot of inspiration from books. I just bought three books today, one about Buddhism. I like the teaching, but I don’t claim one religion. I don’t follow one religion — I take from different religions and if certain beliefs resonate with me, I’ll apply it to my everyday life. My main goal is to be a revolutionary leader in the next civil war.
What’s so intriguing about being a revolutionary leader?
I watch endless documentaries on Fidel Castro and Cesar Chavez. They stood for something, cared about and took pride in their culture, and they fought for it. I felt like that was admirable for anybody that’s willing to die for what they believe in. I wake up every day and think about music and what music I’m going to get done.
Aside from starting the revolution, how did you get into making music?
I started writing poetry when I was 8, more like words and ideas constantly. I was more into sports at the time until I got to high school. I would start doing freestyles and people really encouraged it. Eventually, I started recording and I was able to hear myself and giving people my vibe and they were catching it.
When you’re in the studio and the engineer puts on the beat, how do you know what style you’ll approach it with?
It’s like a women. You gotta talk to them and treat them a certain way. Some things can’t be rapped. [There] has to be a setting, mood, and time for certain approaches. There are certain vibes you have to capture.
Is the frequency of your music releases strategic or is it just something you do
I record a lot, just because I have something to say. If I’m writing, it’s because I have something to say. I like to put out the music the way I do at the time I do, because I feel like people needed it at that moment. I just want to change people’s perspective of listening to music.
Where do you reach for inspiration when recording your music?
I reach to my four-year-old son for inspiration. Just past experiences, from my point of view, my friends’ point of view, and my parents’ stories. It’s not important to only tell my story, but others as well. I want to make everyone aware of the struggles of our people. I want to let people know we’re all humans and bring us together, like the hippies did.
You’ve always given off that hippie vibe. What makes you want to represent that and Black culture?
Because there aren’t enough people doing it, and if they are, they’re not representing us right. The older generation is sitting up in their fancy houses, driving their cars, eating their fancy food, and not going through it right now. I’m going through it. I feel like this generation I can speak for, because I’m in it.
Where does the title to your new release, Paradise Is A Day Away, come from?
It’s applies to normal day living. Right now, nothing is guaranteed. The whole basis of the project is to capture the sound of a person’s full day on Earth. You could wake up in a sour mood and by the end of the day, it’s a party. I consider it “a day of art.” We created the whole album in-house between Dj Gringo’s spot and my partner Tae’s. We’ve been recording the album since we were making Sunset Castle.
When people look back ten years from now, how do you want to be viewed?
Peter $un is just a vibe. Instead of sugarcoating things, I tell you things as clear as possible. I try to make my music sound good so that you can vibe to it, but tell you something deep at the same time. I want people to be in a mood when they listen to me and enjoy the person I am.
