RANDY – “THE ONE AND ONLY”
(r&b, neo-soul, hip-hop, urban funk)
By Shanta Hendry aka Riccola



Simply put this new artist has a lot going on; he is a producer, arranger, vocalist and all around entertainer. While interviewing this newcomer I could feel his love and passion for his music. Randy seems to have his goals set and is moving towards his future. This is the interview with the charming, down to earth, lovable Scorpio.

Riccola: So Randy, tell me about your new project.

Randy: This project was a long time in the making; it took about 4 to 5 years. It has 19 cuts – 17 tracks and 2 intros. I wrote 16 or 17 of the songs myself, with credits to Matthew "Vudu" McAllister as producer. So, that I why I titled the album “The One and Only”.

Riccola: How would you describe your album?

Randy: This album has something for everyone; it talks about love, being a backup man to a married woman, old school and hip-hop. I wanted to make songs that would show my vocal abilities because I feel that my voice has grown tremendously over the years; and I feel that this album will show my vocal capabilities.

Riccola: Tell me about some of the tracks on this album?

Randy: All of the songs deal with different life situations. The cut titled “Don’t Rush” deals with relationships – it tells about how the female in the relationship has become possessive and aggressive; and the song simply says don’t rush the situation, let things happen on its own. There is also a song called “Backup Man” which deals with a guy messing around and being a backup man to a married woman. All of the songs deal with life.

Riccola: Wait – before I hear about any more tracks; tell me about the single “Boxers and Thongs”.

Randy: (Laughs) this is the first single – it is an upbeat club tune that is usually misunderstood. Most people think that I am talking about people dancing around in just their underwear; but that’s not it at all. It does have to do with underwear of course, but everyone is fully covered at the bottom; but when the bottoms are removed behind closed doors there are usually boxers and thongs that appear. There is also a remix that takes a turn from the usual remixes – this one is a slower version of the song.

Riccola: Who are some of the people who have helped you along this journey?

Randy: Of course my family, my long time friend and associate Marlowe Whitlow, Marcus Strother, Matthew “Vudu” McAllister, and Frank Higgins just to name a few; but there has been several people who have helped.

Riccola: What do you want listeners to get from your music?

Randy: What I really want is for people to listen to my vocals and understand what I am singing about; and feel my passion through my music.

Riccola: Now that we have talked about the album for a bit; I want to get to know about Randy.

Randy: I am a laid back, people person, and I think this has gotten me a long way in my life because I can usually get along and communicate well with people. I am charming and down to earth. I consider myself to be a man’s worst nightmare and a woman’s dream.

Riccola: Why do you say that?

Randy: Because I have learned a lot from my mother on how ladies would like to be treated and I practice what I have been taught.

Riccola: When did you know that you wanted to be in the music business?

Randy: I have been singing all of my life; but it was when I opened for Yolanda Adams at the age of 13 that is when I definitely knew that this was my calling. The overwhelming response encouraged me to proceed with my dreams of becoming an R&B singer. I knew I had to get busy and do my thing.

Riccola: What do you think can be done to help boost the careers of unknown artist?

Randy: I am glad that you asked that questions. Proper promotions and marketing are the keys to a successful artist. If you can get with the right people to put your material out, that is the biggest thing that can happen for an artist; but it takes money.

Riccola: For my final question – I would like to know what are some of your future goal?

Randy: When I finally make it big; my main goal is to invest in real estate. I want to build housing for low-income families and get a couple of franchises. In other words, become a businessman.




After listening to this album and talking with this young brother; I can definitely say that he has skills that are bursting at the seams. Every song demonstrates the many different sides of this artist. This is absolutely a heading bobbing, booty rocking, sing along album that must be heard. If I had to put money on a new artist—this would definitely be one of them. The whole album is tight, excellent arrangements, lyrics and vocals.