A Bronx-based artist is going out with a bang with the release of a new album and one final performance.
For the past ten years, Richard Pigkaso has been making a name for himself in the Bronx’s music scene. When looking back at his start, Pigkaso says it was his friends that really got him into making his own music.
“It was mostly out of curiosity from a lot of my friends in college that were like part of these internship programs and taking up audio production and learning instruments in college. One of my friends invited me to a studio session, so I went to the session and I kind of just fell in love with it,” said Pigkaso. “I was already into poetry because of my sister, she was one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to music. I thought, ‘Let me spit some bars.’ It led to a very beautiful 10-year career so far.”
When it came to honing his sound, he drew inspiration from his favorite rappers, such as MF Doom and Pharoahe Monch, while also incorporating styles from Eminem, Busta Rhymes and Redman.
“In the beginning, my rhyme style was not too polished, I would try my best to rhyme like basic words, but then it evolved into a spiritual type of style,” said Pigkaso.
As a Bronx musician, Pigkaso feels privileged to have made any mark on the Bronx’s vast music scene.
“It’s the birthplace of everything, just the birthplace of hip hop. The fact it was the birthplace of the culture that gave the kids in the neighborhood that are Black and Hispanic have an identity,” said Pigkaso. “It’s something really beautiful and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Pigkaso’s upcoming album, “Lusus Naturae 3: You’re Beautiful Gorgeous,” which Pigkaso describes as a concept album and the third and final installment of his “Lusus Naturae” album series. The album, which translates to “Freak of Nature” in Latin, draws from Pigkaso’s own feelings of being an outcast, but he says it also closes the chapter of fighting the two demons inside of him.
The album features 18 tracks, including the singles “Wanna Play With My Yo-yo” and “Ready Set GO,” which Pigkaso released earlier this fall.
With the release of this new album, Pigkaso isn’t just completing a trilogy of albums; he’s hanging up his hat on the music industry for good.
“I feel like I just achieved everything I wanted in music. It was never to try to be a millionaire. I was never trying to sell out stadiums. It was like this musical journey was more for myself to show that I could do something and I did something that was beyond what was expected of myself,” said Pigkaso.
That’s why when it came to this final album, Pigkaso wants to put it all out there, no stone left unturned, no question unanswered.
“For every track, I wanted to make sure that everything was exactly what I wanted to say. I didn’t want secrets. I didn’t want questions. Every single track on this album is, this is what I’m saying,” said Pigkaso. “Oh, you didn’t get what I’m saying? This is the next track. Oh, you didn’t hear what I’m saying on this one? Listen to the next track. It kind of almost falls like a bit of a storyline within the album.”
On Nov. 9, Pigkaso will host a listening party for the album at Nov. 23, Pigkaso will hold his final performance at the Bronx Brewery as a part of The Fox and King’s 13th Anniversary party. Though he’s not sure where life will take him next after closing this chapter, he’s optimistic about what’s to come.
“I don’t know what this world is going to take me to next, but whatever it is, I’m looking forward to it,” said Pigkaso.
“Lusus Naturae 3: You’re Beautiful Gorgeous” will be released on Nov. 15 wherever you stream music and is available for preorder at www.richardpigkaso.com. You can follow Pigkaso on Instagram @richieluvsyoyos.
