RLPson returns this year with his latest track “You,” which released mid March this past month on Thursday, March 14th. I had the pleasure of meeting Ronnie in collaboration, where the first impression of his versatility and quality of music was undeniably great. He’s been making music since 2019, pre-pandemic times with a handful of singles under his belt; however, it wasn’t until 2020 where it seems that his music started taking shape into something greater—especially in the post-pandemic era. His most recent full-length project COLORS ARE VIVD, is like a concoction of Juice WRLD and BIGBABYGUCCI in terms of flow, where Ronnie channels this creative, infectious hypnotic state of mind. RLPson will be joining the lineup to perform at Matt Cinematic Universe II later this year in August, as well as anticipating the release of his next major project in the summer.

Matt: “You” is your most recent single having been released mid March. What do you think sets this project apart from your past work?

RLPson: This project was really fun to work on. It gave me a new perspective of what I could really make as an artist. With that being said, “You” is a transition into pop music that makes this track so different. The feelings I put into this song goes a long way, with the mix of beat drops and fun rhythms that fill the listeners ears with feelings of euphoria. This track will be on my album that I’m hopefully dropping sometime in the summer.

Matt: Take us through your recording process for the track. Has there been anything that has changed since your recording your last full-length project, COLORS ARE VIVID? If so, what’s different this time around?

RLPson: Whenever I go to the studio, I surround my emotions with positive energy, even if I am making a sad song. This energy puts me in a freestyle state where I come up with a hook first and the rest is all freestyle. I take inspiration from Juice WRLD when I create music, where I let myself go and have fun with it. As far as recording, every project is different. COLORS ARE VIVID was me trusting myself fully with the process of making art. My new album, which is still yet to be announced, will take you on a journey of vibrations. This time around it’s more of an experimental process of me fully committing to an idea, and I know the public will like it.

Matt: The cover art for “You” focuses on the eyes of a person unknown, fading into small color puddles of blue and orange. Do these colors or woman figure mean anything for your future projects? Or do they exist within the means of this track?

RLPson: The cover art for "You" reflects strictly to the song, but not the album. It’s meant to represent a hidden picture of a woman you never thought you would be with. The song greatly reflects that, as the lyrics say "It was always you.”

Matt: Can you talk to us more about the process behind the creation of the cover art? Was the cover art created with the use of AI technology?

RLPson: Yes, the cover art was made by AI technology, which I find very fascinating. I use AI for a lot of my cover arts. The cover art for COLORS ARE VIVID was made by AI. I believe it is a great tool to turn your thoughts into a deeply imposed image. I have a background in creating my own cover arts, but I happen to find AI very quick and easy with no hassle.

Matt: What is your process and thoughts on the benefits/challenges behind utilizing AI technology in your art?

RLPson: When I create an AI image I let my thoughts move freely when creating the prompt. The scenario for "You" was “a mysterious girl covered in paint with beautiful and bright colors.” I went through at least 5 different iterations before finally finding the right one. Some challenges I have faced are going through at least 10 iterations before settling. I am very picky when it comes to picking something that the public will see forever, and I almost feel that you always have to be.

Matt: Since RLPson hasn’t done too many shows in the past, what do you think fans can expect from your performance once you do get on stage in the future? What other elements do you want to incorporate into your live performances?

RLPSon: I am a big enthusiast of putting on a show every time I perform. Even though I have not done a lot of them, I find that even more enjoyable when I do. My fans can expect what they paid to come see, I always interact with the crowd and love to see everyone hopping up and down to something I created. There is no better feeling than that. I promise to do a lot more shows in the future and go on tour very soon after the album drops. I want to start incorporating more stage design when I perform, and the aesthetic and feel of the recent project that I drop, whatever that may be.

Matt: “You” utilizes a lot of synth leads, and exists within this space of nostalgia and synth wave. Will RLPson’s next project exist within the same sound?

RLPSon: Yes! I am glad you asked that question. My next album will be nothing but this—heavy on the synth leads and extrovert feel. This next album is an experimental album at its highest quality. My transition into the pop world will never be forgotten. I worked really hard on this album with careful beat selection to give the audience a journey they won't regret listening to.

Matt: The sound of RLPson seems to have been growing and evolving over the last couple of years since pre-pandemic times. What are some of the things you’ve learned over the years to bring you in this direction with “You?”

RLPson: I learned to trust myself, and to be open to new ideas of flow than to have the same one on every project. If you go back and listen to every single one of my projects they all sound different. Every project in itself is its own theme. With that being said, it comes with time and experience to what the audience feels. I find it fun to go beyond my potential of not just being a hip-hop artist, but to being a pop or even R&B artist. I don't want to be limited to one style, and to be able to hop on anything. This new album is coming very soon, and features a couple rock songs in there, which shows I am able to touch any genre.

Matt: “You” seems to focus on this idea of this of a lost love, someone that you missed out on at a point in life. What was your writing process like for this track?

RLPson: "You" is not to be taken personally for me. It’s more to whoever can relate. The writing process was all freestyle and whatever I was feeling at the moment. I didn't feel sad in this process while making this, but instead I felt happy. It's that point in a movie where you realize the girl that was meant for you was right in front of you the whole time. You would just want to go find her and confess your love. That is what "You" is meant to represent.

Matt: When your audience listens to “You,” what do you want them to take away from the track? What do you want them to take away from RLPSon’s music?

RLPson: I want them to take away the fact that the one you think is the one is not always the case. We as human beings tend to latch onto the ones that bring us the most happiness, which doesn't mean it is always good for us. There will always be other options and other opportunities to meet someone else, so why trap yourself? My music takes you on journeys. My music is a bold statement to unleash the true power within yourself and feel euphoric with every listen. COLORS ARE VIVID really captures that perfectly.

Matt: Are there any other projects you are working outside of your music RLPson? What are you hoping to accomplish in 2024?

RLPson: No other projects as of now outside of RLPson. I have put all my attention and efforts into this new album that hopefully is dropping in the summer, and I know the audience will love. In 2024, I am here to make a statement. I am here to put my name in everyone's mouths. Much more content coming from me, with the addition of singles and also collaborations as well. I hope to inspire and convince people that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it. Outside of music, I am also an actor. I have been in three movies so far—working on the fourth, and I currently own my own retail business called Unscaved Clothing. I tend to push myself to the limits and do other things that connects me to other art forms. I am an artist, and a visionary on other forms of artistic value.

Matt: Lastly, why should people care about RLPson?

RLPson: People should care about RLPson because he is simply not like everyone else. This makes his music way more eager to listen to than another rapper or artist who sounds the same on every track, especially in San Antonio, TX. I challenge myself and make a way for everyone to love my music and not just a specific audience. I inspire and create euphoria that not a lot of people can do.

The Deep End with RLPson on “You”