Robb Bank$ is a young emcee from South Florida who got his start the way a lot of young artists are doing today--through social media. Originally calling himself "Tumblr God," the blogging/social networking became a launching pad for Bank$'s music the way it has for other artists who've gotten big outside of the standard music industry in recent years. He first drew attention with the release of his Calendars mixtape last year, which featured beats from Clams Casino among others. Since then, he's dropped some singles, including "Like That," a collaboration with fellow Florida rapper Spaceghostpurrp, and has done features on tracks with other members of Spaceghostpurrp's Raider Klan. His long-awaited first album Year Of The Savage has yet to appear, though it's promised for this summer, but back at the beginning of the year he dropped a new single previewing the album, called "I'm That Nigga." Bank$'s style reflects his free-spirited soul and his desire to make himself a household name, much like acclaimed Neo-expressionist painter Jean- Michael Basquiat, who inspired his twitter name, @BankSquiat. With his internet buzz and rapidly growing following, I can see that he's on his way to bringing this goal to fruition. Bank$ performed at a "secret" warehouse location in Richmond back on March 30 courtesy of Slapdash and Suburban District's own Octavion Xcellence, and before he performed, I got a chance to ask him a few questions. Here are the results of that conversation:
How are you Robb Bank$? Tell RVA Mag a little about yourself.
What’s happening, it’s Robb Bank$, Savage Life, Broward County, South Florida, SS [Savage Stunnas], we’re here in the DMV touring. We have Karma Loop TV in the building as well.
Tell me a little about what you have going on coming up.
I’m working on a couple of things right now, hopefully in the months it will drop. Year Of The Savage is still on the way. Be on the lookout.
Who in this Industry would you consider an influence on you?
Bank$: People like Gucci Mane and Webbie, but Gucci is the main person. I will listen to his mixtapes and albums for inspiration on my music.
What releases do you have out?
I actually had a project with a duo I was in but It didn’t work out. But I have one solo mixtape called Calendars.
What is the meaning behind Calendars?
It’s just me writing about my experiences and growing up in Broward County. I wrote about everything I went through in the past 3-4 years.
What are your next moves when you leave here?
Getting money. Chasing this paper. That’s all that matters. Period.
Where can we find you online?
I do not have an Official Facebook. All the Robb Bank$ pages are fake. You can reach me on twitter at @Banksqiuat or Instagram at RobbBanks4301 or robbatussin.tumblr.com.