Today we’d like to introduce you to Rasheka “8Fifty Reddeyez” Williams.
Hi, Rasheka, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am 8Fifty Reddeyez, born Rasheka D. Williams in Tallahassee, Florida, I am a female hip-hop artist and songwriter who also has a degree in dentistry. I started my career as an artist at a young age. When I use to write poetry as a teenager, which lead to me becoming an inspiring hip-hop artist. I realized around the age of 16, I had a little talent.
It began with me writing poems for my friends or homemade postcards for family members, and that’s when I started changing my poetry into songs. A little later on in life, in 2011, I signed a three four-year contract with T-Pain Official Dj, DjLilboy’s: Next Up Records, which was a contract that became void. By the end of that contract, I had given up on music and went to dental school and that was my career for a couple of years, it was until December 24, 2020, when I went live on Facebook playing all my old music and someone from Denmark was like can I play your music, you should get back to making music.
So every day that young man would hit me up and say please release more music. I hit up a couple of producers and engineers I knew from back in the days that were like Reddeyez you’re back, for sure, let’s work. I was so motivated. But then, I contact Djlilboy who I knew had a quality sound recording studio to see if I can PAY for studio time.
I get a call from a mutual friend at 5 am saying he was speaking badly about me, so that’s when I said I’ll build my own studio. and six months later I have my own recording studio, where I also record other artists and produce my own music
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, not at all. For one it’s hard being a lesbian who happens to be a stud trying to release music in a male-dominated career. I was asked numerous times to change my image to get my music heard, and I said no. I told myself that my talents will speak for themselves and I will never change my appearance to satisfy someone else.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am 8Fifty Reddeyez. I am a recording hip-hop/rap artist. I engineer and produce my own music. My single from 2010 “A song for her” is the track that I am known for that got me to buzz around my city. I am most proud of me buying my own equipment and releasing my very own produced EP Album: ACTIVATED which can be found at: https://8fiftyreddeyez.bandcamp.com/album/activated
But other than music, I am proud of my dentistry degree. The dental school was intense. What sets me apart from others is my caring spirit. I am very passionate about everything I do. I put love in every situation, even if it’s a sad moment, I always say love will figure it out.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to others who are just getting started with their music career, or any career is to never give up. No matter how bumpy the road is, how many speed bumps or potholes you come across, there is a green light approaching, so keep going.
One thing I do wish I knew back then, that I know today, is to never sign a contract with someone who is not willing to invest and fulfill that contract. Save your money, start your own, build your own, and don’t rely on anyone. You can do it no matter how long it takes you, just keep going.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://8fiftyreddeyez.bandcamp.com/album/activated
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8fiftyreddeyez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReal8FiftyReddeyez
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/8fifty
