Today we’d like to introduce you to Rico Xann.
Hi Rico, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Wynwood before it took off to what it is now. Growing up, I always turned to music to guide me. My neighborhood wasn’t that safe sometimes so my parents would keep us indoors a lot, lol, so I use to love playing Tlc, Whitney, Britney, some Usher, JLo, or Brandy in my room on my cassette or CD player.
I’d connect a lot with the music and it was my escape. I always knew I had a passion & connection for music but I started off as a dancer and would write songs privately. I didn’t have formal dance training, I’d used to just watch The Box on MTV, record the videos on the VHS, and would just study the choreography over and over again until I broke the tapes, haha Darren’s dance grooves were my favorite.
I couldn’t get to express myself much, I grew up in the Pentecostal Christian church. So it was hard to really be me. I wanted to be a diva like Beyoncé, Janet, or Britney. But smooth like usher, Michael Jackson, *NSYNC or boys 2 men. I knew I was different but it took me a long time before I can begin to live in my truth. I had to overcome lots of obstacles to get to where I’m at now. From bullying for being a flamboyant dancer, depression from not being able to live authentically, personal relationships that were toxic, and self-doubt.
I started to take music seriously with my older sister Jekasole. In 2012 and we started a Christian duo named J4D, we’d both write together for the ministry, perform at different churches and I loved every minute of it because the music was what I love and I got to praise god through it. Later down the line, I began to feel guilty about the secret life that I couldn’t speak of because I was afraid of staining my family’s name in the church. I wanted to write R&B pop songs about boys, love, and fun stuff.
I wanted to date men and stop hiding. I knew I couldn’t continue and eventually, the truth came out. I couldn’t hide who I was anymore and although I still had my good faith. I was asked to step down from my duties as a church member. My sister didn’t want me to leave the group but I decided it was best because she’s so great at it. And I knew I wanted to take another route with my musical genres and become the little diva I always wanted to be.
I began to work on my music and took more professional dance classes. I was so scared to record my first solo song alone that I flew out to Vegas with my bestie to be as far away from Miami as possible lol I then released my first song in Early 2018 “committed” which received lots of positive reactions and I was so proud of myself for trusting myself. my second “Free” featuring my sister Jekasole in the Fall of 2018 and Bounce Back in 2020.
I took two years off to work on myself, find my sound and become re-inspired again. Had to bounce back from the events of 2020. My new project is going to be my first EP that’s called “Suenos De Amor” it’s going to be in Spanglish which I’m excited about. It also pays homage to the music I grew up with and shaped me to become the artist I am today. It’s out later in THE FALL
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?
I’d say it’s definitely been a roller coaster at times. But we live and we learn and it’s those moments that help push us to grow.
Definitely struggling with my sexuality was a big issue, overcoming depression and being bullied. Not being able to fully be me and having to censor the things I do, act or say. Learning who I was as a person and made mistakes along the way.
My parents split when I was young and had to spend holidays in different households. Dancing and music really helped me get through the most difficult times.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a recording artist, a dancer, and a filmmaker. I’m mainly known for my dancing, music, and creating short films. I specialize in storytelling through all of them. I mainly specialize in Hip-Hop/Jazz Funk, I write Bilingual R&B/Pop Songs, and the films I create a deal with the arts because I love musicals.
I am most proud of my Short film “Defining Greatness” & my song “Free” with my sister Jekasole. Defining greatness was about taking on mental health issues, toxic masculinity, and breaking through obstacles to find greatness in yourself. It was very personal to me and “Free” because I love my sister and for the first time I was super confident and she was by my side as my authentic self.
I feel like what sets me apart is that I’m a jack of all trades. I really do it all. I write my own music, choreograph, direct, edit, and graphic design. I feel like there’s not a queer Latinx R&B/Pop artist like me. I believe I am a gem and I truly have what it takes to become the next sensation. I like to embrace both my masculine and feminine sides while showcasing my versatility through my music, performances, and short films.
I want to become someone queer Latinx kids can look up to and see representation. I didn’t have that growing up. I didn’t see Puerto Rican men being flamboyant, dancing around, living in their truth, and being into R&B/Pop. I’d like to become a driving force for the community and show representation.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’d definitely have to say my sisters Jekasole & Victoria. My closest friends are Estefania, Penny, Kia, Michelle, and my cousins.
They really helped me believe in myself and gave me the courage to go after what I want and do it being 100% myself. My parents as well really helped me by always being supportive of my music and the things I wanted to pursue.
I’d also like to thank my best friends Milz, Joshua, and Romeo. They really helped push me to continue on days I wanted to give up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itssimplyrico/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/fXqwMhdpaFk
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/KAnDexuFQCB18gbi9
