Today we’d like to introduce you to MC Bravado (Richard Croce).
Hi Richard, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m (MC Bravado) originally from NY but have lived in Baltimore for about a decade. Prior to jumping into music full-time, I was a High School English Teacher in Baltimore city. In Summer 2018, I had a chance to jump on Vans Warped Tour, and it seemed like the right time to “go all-in” with regards to pursuing a career in music; fortunately, I’ve been a full-time artist ever since. I’ve been fortunate in terms of press, collaborations, and festival/performance opportunities. These days, I’m co-owner of Label Necklace, a record label that resides at the intersection of Hip-Hop and Education; my partner in this venture, Brandon Lackey, also owns Lineup Room Recording Studio and mixes/executive produces my music. We’re also instructors and Program Coordinators in Beats Not Bullets, a nonprofit music education program here in Baltimore that’s run by a Baltimore legend: Kevin “Ogun” Beasley. We just received news that we’ll be curating and speaking on a panel at SXSW EDU 2022, so we’re very much looking forward to sharing more about that in addition to our upcoming releases on the music side.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Pursuing one’s artistry wholeheartedly can certainly be an arduous and lonely road to take. For me personally, it’s spelled the end and/or straining of many a relationship. There’s been plenty of self-doubt and plenty of monetary sacrifices required to finance independent artistic endeavors. Wearing the entrepreneur and artist hat can be less than glamorous and many aren’t capable of understanding what it entails or what it takes but accepting that you’ll probably be misunderstood is well worth it in exchange for the freedom that comes with being a working artist. Despite the hardships I’ve encountered, there isn’t anything else that I could possibly imagine doing with my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I (MC Bravado) specialize in a witty/heady and technical brand of lyricism that’s also visceral and honest. I don’t think anyone simultaneously combines those elements as well as I do. I’m probably best known for my most recent album, “The Living Game”, which features an appearance from Joell Ortiz (formerly of Shady Records and as seen on the “Hamilton” mixtape).
I’m most proud of the fact that I’m simply doing what I love day in and day out at a high level while holding onto and imparting my ideals. The fact that I’ve been able to marry my loves (music and education) while doing so in an authentic way allows me to say with conviction that it’s been a life well lived and the best is yet to come. I’m also proud of the fact that we were just in Rolling Stone lol. My parents, friends, etc. don’t know the significance of a lot of the publications we’ve been featured in or shows we’ve done, but that one was pretty undeniable.
Any big plans?
I want to continue to release my art at the highest possible level and to continue to build our label in a way that allows us to foster our values as artists and educators. I’m not overtly planning any big changes as I tend to keep them close to my chest or just lean into them when the universe is kind enough to bestow such blessings. You’ll continue to see me on your favorite outlets, at your favorite festivals, touring, etc. and I hope to get to know you too.
Contact Info:
- Email: MCBravadoMusic@gmail.com
- Website: www.MCBravado.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcbravado
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcbravado
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mcbravado
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mcbravado
- SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/mcbravado
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mcbravado
Image Credits
E. Brady Robinson
Mike Jon
