Name: r.O.b (Realist One Breathin’)

Age: 25

Occupation: “Making my dreams a reality.”

Mixtapes: Higher Learning: The 90’s Tape Hosted by Don Cannon (2011), CircaXVV (TBA)

Has worked with: Don Cannon, Curtis Williams (Two-9), Dee Goods, Dom O Briggs, and more.

Imagine being told as a child that you wouldn’t even live to see the age of nine. For r.O.b, or Realist One Breathin’, the breathing complication he was born with was destined to end the artist’s life at a young age. Three open heart surgeries later, the 25-year old rapper is alive and prospering well throughout his music and his career. Often compared to J. Cole and influenced by artists such as Nas, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, r.O.b has been working harder than many upcoming artists will ever work. With the delivery of his upcoming mixtape CircaXXV set to be released before the end of the year, the rapper also has his previous tape Higher Learning: The 90’s Tape in his collection, hosted by renowned producer and DJ, Don Cannon. The 90’s Tape stands as r.O.b’s tribute to the decade that made him first fall in love with hip-hop and consists of his own original lines over classic beats such as Outkast’s “Elevators”, Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s “T.R.O.Y.”, and even NaS’ “Represent.”

An enthusiastic and animated performer, r.O.b has recently been taking over the Tri-state area in shows such as The Come Up in Jersey City, the Well Done Festival in Brooklyn, and even the Hybrid Festival in Philadelphia. “Besides that I’ve recently performed at Tammany Hall for the “Def Punk Society” show, Public Assembly for “First Look Sessions”… I think they don’t want me back there after that one I was jumping on speakers and all that plus I bring my own bottle of beer in, but what’s a performance without entertainment?”

While we wait for r.O.b to release his mixtape CircaXXV¸ the New York rapper drops his visuals for his first single off of the tape, “Hometown.” His next visual will be for the song “Impaired Vision”, directed by Larry Arace who also shot his video for “H.O.C (Heart Of The City).” Speaking on his upcoming mixtape, r.O.b states, “It’s a great complete body of work that I am so proud of. I’ve finally reached a point where I’m in complete understanding on who I am as an artist and where my music is headed, really excited for the people to hear it.”

To stay updated on information about r.O.b such as his upcoming performances or when he’ll release new music, make sure you follow him on Twitter (@FuturisticRO) and log onto his website (http://iamfuturistic.com).

Editor: Ms. Zilla

Credits:

Rita Johnson (Photo 1)