Richie Sosa
Driven, determined, creative and ambitious are four words that could most definitely describe the unstoppable force know as Richie Sosa. Born Omar West Forbes on April 8th, 1983 to strong willed single mother of three, Anne Marie Forbes. His mother, Anne, fueled the influence of struggle which is notably apparent within Sosa’s music. Sosa was raised in the humbling atmosphere of a lower class neighborhood within the east end of Toronto. Sosa’s rough childhood forced him to develop an unfathomable hunger for success. Drawing inspiration from New York legends Kool G Rap, big Daddy Kane, and the late great big L, Richie Sosa decided his relation to the music went beyond being a fan and decided to join the game. With the weight of the city’s reputation on his shoulders, Sosa set out to takeover the entertainment industry. One of Sosa’s main goals is to set and raise the bar of excellence within the industry. Cocky as it may seem he prides himself on the consistency, and quality of his music. Another one of Sosa’s goals is to diversify himself as an artist and entertainer. Sosa recognizes the fact that it is important for him to separate himself from the status quo of average Rappers.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
While Sosa has appeared on various mixtapes and several big remixes including Drake's "City Is Mine" Remix, he only just recently released his own solo project - Count Money Vol. 1 - The First Million. The mixtape features a variety of freestyles, dubplates and original exclusives as well as a large supporting cast. Sosa sat down with HipHopCanada.com to discuss his mixtape, his aspirations as an artist and what to expect from him next. Check it out!
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yeah play live all the time, and I love it nigga.
Your musical influences
Busta Rhymes, Heltah Skeltah, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Soundsmith Productions, Nas, Styles P, Canibus, and my boy Big Norm.
