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Life & Work with Roger Carefree

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger Carefree.

Hi Roger, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, my name is Rodrigo Gonzalez Jr but most people know me by my stage name Roger Carefree. I’m an independent Hip-Hop artist based out of Houston, Texas. My musical roots began in Dallas where I was born but most of my musical growth occurred as an adolescent on the Southwest side of Houston. I was introduced to the culture at a very young age by my older brother Victor “Big Bzerk” Gonzalez who unfortunately passed away in 2009. I grew up being influenced by a wide variety of subgenres of Hip-Hop. From early East Coast grime to Mid West Chopper to West Coast Gangsta rap all the way down to the Dirty South. I’d like to think my music itself is a mesh and reflection of all these styles. Growing up my brother listened to a lot of DJ Screw and Swishahouse which are staples in my city so that was definitely a big influence as well. I actually preferred listening to a lot of my favorite music “Screwed and Chopped”. As I revealed in my previous interview with Voyage I began rapping with my brother and friends when I was about 9 or 10 years old just for fun. But it was something I grew to love. By then I didn’t know but the seeds had already been planted for my future. As I got older I began to record more and more music but really didn’t have any structure. I still wasn’t at a serious level. I knew what I wanted to do but I just didn’t know how I would do it. It was more of a pipe dream. So I just worked on perfecting my skills and finding my sound. But I never gave up on that dream. As time passed and things changed I found myself at a crossroads with what I truly wanted to do with my life. It was then I decided to put my foot down and wholeheartedly pursue my goals. Honestly, I just got tired of wondering what if and decided to put my thoughts into action. Since then I have connected and networked with many different creatives who share the same passion and vision as me. My goal was and still is to legitimize my efforts and become a force to be reckoned with and become a mainstay in the Hip-Hop industry. Since then I’ve been working consecutively for the past few years on building my catalog. I currently have 3 official mixtapes out and a large body of underground work as well. As well as a 4th mixtape and debut album that is currently in the works. All of these experiences combined have gotten me where I am today. As well as sheer willpower and the determination to never give up. I am the New Voice of Hip-Hop.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been smooth but worth it. It has made me stronger and more focused on achieving my goals. Some of the struggles I faced were my own identity and who I was as an artist. I wasn’t sure people would accept me. I knew I didn’t sound like any of my peers and wasn’t sure how others would perceive that. Over time, I grew to love myself and embrace those differences. That’s what sets me apart. I understand now my originalilty is one of my strengths. Also, I didn’t have any professional connections just a whole lot of ambition and pride. But with no plan of action, I wasn’t sure which direction my career would take. If it would even take off at all. All of these factors pushed me to find a way regardless of the obstacles. I guess you can say the pressure made diamonds. So I’m grateful for that.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I’m a professional Hip-Hop musician who specializes in creating artistic musical masterpieces that fans can enjoy for years to come. My aim is for my music to withstand the test of time. To be timeless. I’m best known for my unique approach and musical style. My candor and willingness to express myself freely allow me to connect with audiences on a more personal level. That’s what sets me apart. I’m most proud of my 3 projects/mixtapes I have released recently. Each one depicts a different side of me. Each one with its own unique vibe that represents my growth in every aspect of my life. To be able to share that perspective with others who can truly relate is what sets me apart. To be able to be an inspiration to others and help people with my music is what I’m most proud of. Because I doubted myself for a long time. Now I know this is who I was meant to be. The person the younger version of me saw in my head. And I’m still growing but that itself is a surreal feeling.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Nothing really I just hope that the readers can take something positive from my story and realize you can do whatever you put your mind to as long you truly know what you want out of life. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and chase your dreams. Because there’s a thin line between dreams and reality. I’m living my truth and plan to continue growing with my music and inspiring others. Also, I hope this interview will shed more light on who I am as an artist and overall a person. I hope readers enjoy this interview as much as my first one. If not more.

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Image Credits
Diana Morales

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