Rayven Justice is the Bay Area’s finest.
The R&B singer-songwriter hails from Oakland, California, a place where the majority of urban music comprises of street rappers.
The “Between Your Thighs” artist came up alongside blood brother Raymen Justice as R&B duo Justice Brothers, but it was in 2014 when his brother was shot and murdered that he decided to pursue the music full-heartedly.
Fast forward to 2019, Rayven returns with his brand new record titled “Straight Up” featuring Bay area elites E-40 and Mozzy.
AllHipHop: Growing up in your household, were you in the streets? Away from the streets?
Rayven Justice: It was a bit of both, but I was more so trying to find my place and how I wanted my life to be. I didn’t jump into anything. I wasn’t in any gangs or nothing, I had a lot of friends that were. My brother ended up getting into some stuff. He was actually the same way: he was in it, but he was a brilliant student at the same time. He made A’s and B’s. He did great in school, he wanted to go to college.
But as far as me, I found music. When I did, I devoted myself to it. I locked in on it. I just remember becoming a loner because I was popular in high school, but I made myself a loner. I got my iPod and I’d just listen to Donell Jones, DeVante, Pretty Ricky, Pleasure P just all the guys that was doing it at the time. Absorbed their knowledge. I didn’t have a vocal coach so I’d practice singing, just listening to their music. That’s just how I really molded myself into becoming who I am as far as those guys too. A lot legends helped me out. Shouts out to all the legends for real.
AllHipHop: Talk about linking with E-40 & Mozzy on “Straight Up.”
Rayven Justice: Shout out Mozzy, shout out 40 man! We definitely came together on that joint. I had Mozzy on it first. The first record that we came together on was called “No Choice,” and it was a success. We got 11 million views on the video, the video‘s out now. Then he reached out for his second album that came out right after that, on another joint we did called “Tear Me Down.” Then after that, me and him just talked.
We came together and said “man we might as well do a project.” So then I was in Atlanta at the time, his manager reached out “yo let’s just put some stuff together, we gon’ send you these beats.” They sent me a bunch of beats, I knocked out a bunch of hooks. Sent them back. Mozzy heard ‘em, he knocked his parts out. Hey, keep ya’ll ears open! We made some gems, know that. [chuckles]
AllHipHop: Who in your opinion is the King of R&B?
Rayven Justice: Chris Brown really, he’s still in the lead with that. I don’t feel like nobody took it. It’s going to take a lot to take that crown, so salute to Chris. We’re all kings in our own right, of course. But he’s definitely the guy that’s been holding it down these last years. [laughs] Straight up.
AllHipHop: On “Madden,” you say “you never had s##t.” How is life now compared to back then?
Rayven Justice: I’m more solidified in the industry. I’ve done my 10,000 hours as far as being an artist, and now I’m familiar. That’s really a bigger thing. A lot of people are saluting me these days. It’s a lot more respect. A lot of major artists are reaching out even more now than before. I was on the radio back in those days. It’s just amazing. I’m working with people that as a kid coming up, I never thought I’d meet. It’s a dream come true. Living the dream, it’s a blessing.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?
Rayven Justice: Some weed, something to drink. and some snacks. Some Doritos, some gummies. That’s about it, I don’t need a lot. But I’ve been in some studios where they be having cookies.
AllHipHop: Paramount?
Rayven Justice: Exactly! I love that. Come there, they gon’ make sure you good. Shout out Paramount.
AllHipHop: Is there anything else you want to let us know?
Rayven Justice: New music coming soon. New projects coming soon. Just keep ya’ll ears peeled for this new Mozzy and Ravyen Justice. I also did a joint album with Too Short, so be prepared for that.