Introducing on-air personality & reality star turned Singer Ruba‘s new music video for his single “Turn It Up“! Watch & Check out our short Q&A below.
Tell us about your new single & video “Turn It Up”. What is your creative process when developing new material?
My new single “Turn It Up” is a fun song that I co wrote with some really dope writers AJ and Chris Holyfiled, and which the track was done by B Howard. I like writing music that is very applicable to the time and space that I’m in,so years from now I’ll listen back know exactly where I was mentally. Almost like a “Audio-biography” My creative process totally depends one how exactly I’m feeling, or if the track completely moves me.
How would you describe your sound?
I honestly think that my sound is all my own…. I already have a very distinctive speaking voice so on a record you know exactly who it is. Of course I was inspired by the great Michael Jackson because if it wasn’t for him I wouldnt be able to do the things that Im doing now.
Your dreadlocks are definitely a signature look for you, and even the legendary Prince took notice. Any hair care tips, or favorite products for our natural readers?
First off thank you so much! Let me just say that the upkeep on my hair is INSANE! So many people think that people who have dread/dreadlocks don’t do anything with their hair but let me tell you it’s a lot to deal with but I love it. I do a hot oil treatments with coconut oil once a month and I get my hair re twisted twice a month. My go to product right now is Mixed Chicks!
What influences your fashion choices, any favorite designers?
I’m not a minimalist what so ever! I live by the saying “Balls to the wall” I love fashion I feel as it expresses who a person is without that particular person having to say anything. I try not to get into the names of the clothes and or Designers but the quality of the pieces. I will say that Lor-e Phillips who is the co founder of Will I Am’s clothing line and who is a person I work extremely close to with my imaging is pretty effin dope!
As a host you have interviewed quite a few celebrities from Star Trek’s Chris Pine, Glee’s Cory Monteith and even asked Sandra Bullock to prom. Who has been your favorite person to interview?
That’s such a tough question, I’ve interviewed so many people and I’ve had a great experience with all of them and have learned so much from them, but I will say that two stand out interviews I’ve had was with Hugh Jackman and LaToya Jackson in my eyes they have been in the industry for years and still manage to stay so completely grounded and gracious, it was very refreshing to experience that.
You can also be seen on OWN’s reality show “Flex & Shanice. Tell us about that experience and filming with your family.
Woooooah yeah! Let me just say I’m having a blast filming this reality show! We film a lot in my house so there’s no privacy what so ever, but it comes with the territory. My family is absolutely INSANE (In a good way). A house filled with 9 people under one roof need I say more? Trust me you guys are definitely going to want to tune in. The full season of “Flex and Shanice” : All In The Family show premiers Saturdays on OWN this fall.
What are your career ambitions/goals for the future? Any passion projects?
I’m going to realease my EP in late 2014 expect some really dope music. I plan on touring all over the world with my music. I am going to be the youngest male Talk Show host ever and many more great things in the future.
Follow Ruba on Twitter @IamRubasworld