Written By: Jayme Face
Ricky Rebel is an amazing talent first discovered by Michael Jackson and then signed by Madonna’s label! You first heard him in No Authority and now he’s shaking things up with his latest solo album “The New Alpha” proving it’s okay to be who you are!
upfrontNY: Tell us about your new album “The New Alpha”.
Ricky Rebel: My new album explores four main themes: Power, Sex, Superficiality, and Love. I wanted to make a record that helped to empower people. I saw a trend happening of victimhood mentality and thought that there is some nobility in that. I have always been a strong leader and wanted to teach my fans how to “Alpha” up and take control of their own lives.
upfrontNY: How is this project different from previous ones?
Ricky Rebel: This project is the most political record I have ever made. I feel like pop and politics have merged thanks to our populist president. I think any artist who isn’t throwing their hat in the ring right now to express their point of view politically speaking is either scared or simply not intelligent enough to have a point of view on the complex issues. I have been doing my homework.
upfrontNY: Tell us about working with Tommy Jo Ratliff and how that collaboration came about.
Ricky Rebel: Tommy and I met on social media. We saw eye-to-eye on many philosophical and political issues and that’s how we first connected. I asked him if he’d like to play on my record and he said that he’d love to. He is a remarkable musician.
upfrontNY: How are you fighting the toxic war on masculinity?
Ricky Rebel: I am letting people know that it is possible for a man to wear makeup and women’s clothing and not be gender fluid, queer and/or non-binary. I am all man, every day. I wear clothes and makeup to express my creativity not my gender. By showing people this new balanced version of a man, I am ultimately demonstrating a new type of masculinity, The New Alpha.
upfrontNY: You are openly bisexual, what do you say to those who react negatively?
Ricky Rebel: I think it’s sad when people are still hung up on sexuality in 2018. Religion is probably the main reason for that. Animals are gay. It’s a natural phenomenon and people need to just worry about their own sex lives not the sex lives of others.
upfrontNY: When you were in No Authority you had been told to be ashamed of who you were by some in the industry, what would you tell your younger self?
Ricky Rebel: I would tell my younger self to accentuate your differences. One day, those differences will be your biggest strength. People like authenticity more than anything else. Don’t fake the funk and get rid of all the people, managers, producers, etc, in your life who try to bring you down for being gay or “different.”
upfrontNY: You have worked with so many amazing artists, such as Michael Jackson and Madonna, what are some of the key things you have learned from them?
Ricky Rebel: I remember dancing in front of Michael Jackson at the Neverland Ranch and it was one of the coolest memories of my life. He told me that I had a lot of nerve. Madonna taught me that being uncool is sometimes the coolest thing you can be. It’s an honor to have been discovered and mentored by the greatest entertainers of all time.
upfrontNY: Who would you love to work with that you haven’t worked with yet?
Ricky Rebel: I’d love to cut a record with Pharell Williams. I feel like we would make some cool music together. I also want to work with Kanye West. His tracks are amazing.
upfrontNY: You are a singer and dancer, but have also walked in fashion week, how was that shifting gears?
Ricky Rebel: Walking the catwalk is a performance. I’ve been known to unleash the “Rebel Leg” at certain fashion shows and red carpets (If my pants aren’t too tight). I lift my leg up in the air and hold it for all of the photographers. It’s a wild and fun experience.
upfrontNY: What is something fans might be surprised to hear about you?
Ricky Rebel: I am kind of a homebody. There’s a part of me that loves to just hang out at home, be with my man and watch “Family Guy”. I am human.
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