Q. Good day, Rick Ciddy! We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. The first thing we want to know is, how did you come up with your artist name, and what does it represent to you?
A. I started a label when I was 12. I called it Boss City Records. My name at the time was Young Rick because I’ve been called Lil Rick since I was a kid, named after my father. Some dude in Chicago hit me on MySpace back then and told me he already had a label called Boss City. So I just added “Ciddy” to my name. That’s how I got Rick Ciddy. I added the two D’s so I could separate myself from Chopper City in New Orleans. I’ve been “Ciddy” ever since.
Q. What has your journey as an artist been like up to this point?
A. My journey has been crazy, not going to lie. Like a roller coaster but fun at the same time. Music saved me from the streets, even when I was in the streets. I always knew I’d rather be in a booth than a cell, so that helped me save myself from a lot of BS—even through the BS. I’ve had great opportunities along the way, like being part of the film “All Eyez on Me” and many other things. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m still grateful and blessed for where I have been.
Q. What makes your music different from what listeners might hear from other artists in your genre?
A. What makes my music different from my competition's is that my music is going to teach you something, for sure. It makes you listen to what I’m saying and see things from a broader perspective. It’s not trap, and it’s not gangsta, but it still gives you that vibe. It’s player music.
Q. What was the moment that made you realize you wanted to pursue music seriously?
A. The day I moved to Vegas—July 28, 2001. It was my birthday the day before we moved from Milwaukee to Vegas. My mom couldn’t afford to do anything for my birthday, so I asked if she could buy me the Lil Romeo and Lil Bow Wow CDs. She didn’t let me listen to rap because of the swearing, so I knew she wouldn’t mind buying those CDs since they didn’t curse. When I realized we were close in age, it made me think I could rap too. And it’s been on ever since.
Q. What message or energy are you trying to bring to listeners through your music?
A. I want to give people motivation to be their best self, regardless of what they’ve been through or what they’re going through. Always believe you’re the shit—broke or rich, it doesn't matter. You can’t stay down forever.
── Rick Ciddy highlights an artist identity shaped by early entrepreneurship, a name that evolved through branding adjustments, and a strong drive to stand out within hip-hop culture. His path reflects a balance between life challenges and creative direction, where music became a stabilizing force and a means of personal redirection away from negative environments. His creative direction centers on delivering uplifting, perspective-driven music intended to inspire confidence, resilience, and self-improvement among listeners.
