Coming out of an area that isn’t exactly known for a specific sound in hip-hop can be a tough roadblock in the path of success but often prompts some rappers to work a little harder than the rest to get their just recognition. Roland “Ro Spit” Coit is one of those rappers and he won’t stop until you know his name.
Born and raised in Pontiac, MI, Ro Spit is an upcoming rap artist and DJ as well as young entrepreneur who’s helping to define a fresh new sound in the Michigan music scene while making his climb to the top. Not only multi-talented but a multi-tasker, Ro co-owns and runs elite sneaker store, Burn Rubber, specializing in original sneakers and street wear.
And then there’s The OH S#!T Project an effort, released late 2009, defined by Ro as “more than a mixtape, not quite an album.” The stellar musical project featured the likes of Curtains, Marvwon, Stretch Money, R&B sensation Monica Blaire, G.O.OD Music’s Big Sean, and the legendary Bun B just to name a few. Since the release, Ro Spit has been performing songs from OH S#!T all around and outside the MI area and has even hit the stage and opened for renowned acts such as The Clipse, Wale, Talib Kweli, and The Cool Kids.
Between making music, rockin’ shows, promoting himself as an artist, and running his own business, Ro’s name has been creating a serious buzz around the city of Detroit as well as online; something that shouldn’t come as a surprise since hard work is proven to definitely pay off.
When did you decide to pursue a career in the music industry?
Ro Spit: I started out as a DJ in like 1999. Always being around emcees and privately wanting to be an emcee made me take a shot at rapping. After being on the underground circuit for a while, I saw that you can make a career out of being a rapper, it just depends on what you consider “successful.” There are thousands of emcees that tour the world and make an honest living. They may not be going platinum or on MTV, but they are living off of rap. After realizing I had talent, that’s when I decided to pursue a career in the music industry.
When people think of the Detroit sound, they automatically think of Eminem, D12, Royce Da 5’9, etc. Would you say that your music falls into that category or does it have a lane of its own?
Ro Spit: Great question. I think my music fits into multiple categories. In this area, we all have one thing in common and that’s bars (laughs). It’s a focus on lyrics definitely. There are so many great emcees in the Detroit/Michigan area. Being that you just named two of the dopest emcees in the world, it’s only right that there’s a hint of what they do in my music. I’ve looked up to those cats for years. But at the same time, I gotta be me. I have to create my own lane, that’s what makes me special. But to me, rap is “slick talk” and who does it the best? (laughs) and there’s some slick talkers in The D.
How would you describe your sound?
Ro Spit: I don’t think I have a sound. I have a lot of different sides and different types of music that I love. Also, I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I can do musically. I love alternative music, rock, R&B, and all types of hip-hop. I really try my best not to put myself in a box.
Who are your musical influences?
Ro Spit: Detroit Hip-Hop old and new, Luther Vandross, Jay-Z, Tupac, Biggie, Pharrell [Williams], Anita Baker, Prince, Michael Jackson, Nas, Maroon 5. It’s so many, but those are the first couple to come to my brain.
Why did you decide to make your music available for free downloads instead of for sale?
Ro Spit: At the time that we made that decision, it was more about people hearing the music. We wanted to make people’s excuses minimal. We didn’t want that to be the reason for a person just hearing about me to not check it out. I think it was a good move because I have a lot of new listeners. It’s not always about the money.
You recently shot a video for your rendition of Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” entitled “Renaissance State of Mind.” Do you feel that it’s a renaissance happening in the Detroit music scene?
Ro Spit: Yes, I do feel that to an extent. There is a lot more unity now than there’s been in past years. Nowadays, more artists are working together instead of trying to charge a fee for collaborations. Sometimes, there is a reason to charge somebody for a verse or a show, but if both people have something to bring to the table, you gotta come together and make big things happen. It’s only going to make it better for us all.
Who would you give your right arm to work with?
Ro Spit: Pharrell Williams
You’re an all-around business man, before we wrap, speak on Burn Rubber for a sec.
Ro Spit: Burn Rubber is the best sneaker boutique in the entire free world. No Lol. That’s really it; we sell limited edition sneakers and clothing & accessories. There’s no other place like it on Earth. Check it out at
www.burnrubberdetroit.com
What are some of your upcoming projects?
Ro Spit: I have two projects that I’m working on. The first project is completely produced by my man 14kt of Aside Worldwide and it’s called Ro’s Gold. After that, I have an album completely produced by my man Koen Beats fromthe Netherlands. That project is called The Closest Thing To Him. That’s my focus right now.
Any shout outs?
Ro Spit: Shout out to Michigan, Detroit city, Team Ro Spit, and anybody that has ever heard my music, whether they liked it or not, and of course anybody that has ever supported me and my dreams in any type of way. Thank ya’ll, I humbly appreciate everything
For more info on Ro Spit and to download The OH S#!T Project, check out at his official website: www.rospit.com
