Hailing from Ogden, Utah, Razakel, is not the sweet girl next door. She is the self proclaimed “Jodi Arias of your area” as her lyrics suggest.
With a strong fan base Razakel has a unique sound with sick beats and a badass group to boot. Razakel is fierce, intimidating, sexy and a seriously talented woman; she is honest and unflinching and awesomely down to earth.
As a dark and deliciously unfiltered female rapper who completely kills the mic, Wicked Horror’s Nicola Odeku was eager to learn all she could about this force to be reckoned with.
When and how did you first become interested in the rap/heavy metal scene?
I’ve always enjoyed rap in general, it wasn’t necessarily my favorite but I liked it. It was about 2006 that I really started enjoying it more than usual. I have always been a writer, whether it was stories or short poems, even actually storytelling. One night I downloaded a beat and I was like, “I think I can do this.” I wasn’t really aware of any other female doing what I was wanting to introduce so I went on a hunt to see what was out there, and guess what? There was absolutely NO ONE. Not anyone worth mentioning anyway, that’s when I knew I could offer something different and create an established name for myself. I started collaborating with various artists from the underground and before I knew it, my fan base was growing and I was evolving. It was only a matter of time before the right people started to notice.
Who are your favorite artists, dead or alive?
Selena, Kumbia Kings, Left Eye, The Weeknd, Tinashe, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Backstreet Boys, Nsync, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Da Brat, Brittany Spears, Kesha, Deftones, Slipknot, Mushroomhead, GHOST, Crosses, believe me, I like a lot, it’s hard to pinpoint, but this can go on forever and ever…
If you could collab with anyone who would it be?
I’d love to collab with Brotha Lynch Hung, so many people say I remind them of the female Brotha Lynch and that’s like the biggest compliment EVER. Other than that no one else from this genre. Everyone has been recycled and I’ve lost interest.
Was it a struggle to get yourself heard? I saw a picture quote on one of your sites with “Only Bitches Go Far in Life”, did you have to show you really meant business before anyone really took notice?
It actually wasn’t a struggle to get heard, I was literally doing this type of music for less than 6 months before my name started to get out, back then, alot of females weren’t doing this. As opposed to now, it’s nothing new. I got noticed and signed to Serial Killin Records in a little less than a year and THAT’S when things started to pop. I needed that backing and support to push me farther. I knew back then I would be successful, but once I got signed everything went beyond my expectations. To this day I’m still mind blown, and we haven’t even really gotten started yet. That’s so scary to realize. Of course I had to put that ‘bitch’ front to everyone when I first came out [because] most people [would] see female rappers and only be interested in the flashy “look at me, I can’t rap, I have no desire or talent doing this but I’m pretty, I have boobs, and I talk about sex.” I had to set myself apart and not fall into that stereotypical niche. Looks fade, wrinkles come in, but music, GOOD MUSIC lasts forever. I want to be known for my skills and dedication, not because of my looks or because I’m a woman. Forget that, I know I’m good enough to hang with the men.
Do you ever write anything and think “Okay maybe this is a bit hardcore, I’ll censor it down” or do you always just say what you feel?
There’s always times when I question some of the things I say (Laughs) But I can’t second guess myself. I keep it blunt, no hinting or beating around the bush. It’s up front and straight to the point for a reason. I entertain, and the best way for me to do it is to just say what I think and express how it feels. Draw you into the darkness. Some of the things I say are vile and repulsive but you cannot deny the fact that it grabs your attention. I am the guilty pleasure among this genre.
Is Serial Killin Records like a family to you? You seem content in your team. I read there are eight members of the SKR, is it difficult at times being the only woman?
SKR is my family, my love child and more than words can express. It’s deeper than just some music label. I’ve earned my stripes, I know I’m an important asset and I know I can help push the rest of the team. Yes, eight all together. SickTanicK, Two Clipz, Stitch Mouth, Majik Duce, Tapewerm, Reverend Fang Gory and Texas Microphone Massacre. All unique and amazing musical artists, I’m honored to rep this label with these guys. I’m honestly not the only woman of SKR, these guys have amazing girlfriends/wives who are a part of this family as well.
You live some would call an “alternative lifestyle”, have you always been into this way of dressing and expressing yourself?
Yes I have. Not all of my life obviously, but when I hit about 16-17 and became more open to the real world, yes, it was easier for me to find and become “myself.” People would be surprised as to how completely normal I really am. Some people think I sacrifice children and praise Satan like he was Justin Bieber, in reality, I’m sitting in my jammies LISTENING to Justin Bieber. I swear I’m normal!
Not only music but you have tons of merchandise available! You have an obvious loyal fan base behind you and are going from strength to strength, do you encounter any hardcore haters or infamous Internet trolls?
There’s ALWAYS haters and trolls, has to be. But I honestly couldn’t name one off the top of my head because I honestly don’t have the time or effort to care. I’m strictly working for myself and my fans. The way I see it, if someone has something negative to say about me it’s only because they have absolutely nothing to say about themselves. How else are they going to get some attention? I am glad to be the scapegoat, I always look at it in the most positive way. Besides, how boring would it be if EVERYONE liked me? Forget that, bring the hate, I crave it, it pushes me. It’s a fair balance. I wouldn’t change a thing.
As someone who has an interest in serial killers, and from one “fan” to another, is there any particular killer that you find yourself watching and reading about more than others? (I find it funny that the first line I heard you say was “I’m the Jodi Arias of your area” because I have watched every documentary and YouTube video I can about her!)
I’m a serial killer junkie in general, it’s not necessarily glorifying the crimes they committed it’s just something that grabs my interest. Some people like horror movies, music, sports, I’m just intrigued by True Crime. Richard Ramirez is my favorite, no matter how much I know and learn, I’m always digging for more.
What’s next for Razakel and SKR?
Right now, I am working on my new solo album called “Death Becomes Her, Death Becomes to Me.” It will be a mix of horror rap and horror pop. When I say horror pop I don’t mean Britney Spears meets horror movies, I mean CATCHY, dark, evil, shocking songs that will get stuck in your head and always be popular. There will be the typical rap type influenced songs of course, then there will be other catchy, popular songs like “Cherry Red” or “Backpack.” This album will be the most unique from anything I have ever released. I NEED a challenge, I want to step out of my comfort zone and solidify what makes me different from any other artist, what better way to do it than create a whole new sound? Some fans just love the rap, some just love the singing, and this album will be split into both. Luckily I love doing both.
Also, here this August (2015), I will be headlining my 4th national tour with my label mate Tapewerm. It’s called the “I SKReam You SKReam” Tour, we are currently booking dates right now! I’m excited to get back on the road and see/meet my fans that mean to the most to me.
After tour, our annual music festival will be in the works for the month of September. Then the rest of my year will be dedicated to my side group project with SickTanicK called Team Death, we are already tossing up ideas for the new album, it will be mind blowing.
Much love to everyone who took the time to read this interview! I may not be your cup of tea, but you can always give me a try! Thanks to Wicked Horror for reaching out to me, you have a new fan for sure, thank you so much for all your hard work and good luck with everything you do. I hope to meet you again.
Check out Razakel‘s video to “Cherry Red” below and let us know your thoughts in the comments box below!
