Andrew Medina likes “older” music — R&B and rap.
“Stuff from the ’90s,” he explains. “You know, Eminem’s old albums.”
When you’re a Staples sophomore, the ’90s are ancient history.
Andrew is better known — on YouTube, anyway — as Rada. The name comes from his old Coleytown Middle School choir, Camerata.
Rada
“I can somewhat sing,” Rada says. “But I’m more of a rapper.”
Which is why these days his music consists of writing and rapping.
“I was raised on rap,” Rada reports. “My parents listened to it, so I was into it from a young age.”
He appreciates rap’s “freedom to say what you want. You can get anything out of your system.”
Two months ago Rada made his first recording, in a Queens studio. His 3 remixes include “Bonita Appelbaum,” by A Tribe Called Quest.
“The other stuff isn’t as old,” he says.
Ouch.
The recording process was stressful, Rada notes. “I had to do it over and over to get it perfect. There’s all kinds of voiceovers and background stuff.”
Reaction at Staples has been very positive, he says. Students like it. And his English teacher, Dan Geraghty, asked Rada to rap for the class.
“I don’t think I have a style — I just capture the beat,” Rada says. “Maybe I’m like Drake.”
Rada adds: “I don’t rap about ghetto topics, guns or degrading women. I was never into that.”
His songs are about “situations I get myself into, being with my friends, being with my girlfriend.”
He tries to erase the stereotype that all rap is negative. “It can be motivational, inspirational,” he says.
Rada hopes to take his music far, professionally. He’s starting locally — with a performance June 19 at Toquet Hall. It will be his 1st show.
“I’m nervous,” he admits. “But I’m getting lots of support.”
Everyone is invited.
Even rap fans old enough to remember the ’90s.
(Click here for Rada’s YouTube channel.)
