The Gentleman’s Code: Premo Rice on Carving Out a Space for Player Rap

For Maryland rapper Premo Rice, everything begins with authenticity. In a music industry often dominated by viral trends and quick pivots, Premo has quietly built a thriving, self-sustained career that exists entirely outside the mainstream playbook. During a wide-ranging conversation with Brandon B, he opened up about the decisions that shaped his career, the cultural roots of his sound, and why being independent isn’t a fallback—it’s the mission. With a voice as rich as his storytelling and a vision as sharp as his pen, Premo Rice stands as a modern example of what it looks like to thrive without a cosign.

His music—a blend of Southern-fried funk, D.C. grit, and timeless “player talk”—has earned him a cult following that cuts across regions and platforms. Yet what really sets him apart is the consistency with which he’s shown up, year after year, without ever stepping outside of his own voice. “People think I created a character,” he said. “But this is really me. I’m just putting the player into the music.”

Through that lens, the Brandon B interview becomes more than just a recap of Premo’s latest moves—it’s a snapshot of an artist who has figured out his lane and is focused on perfecting it. The path hasn’t been easy, but the rewards are visible. For Premo Rice, it’s about building something real—brick by brick, fan by fan, project by project.

The College Dorm Sessions That Started It All

Like many modern artists, Premo Rice’s origin story begins in a college dorm room. While studying at Salisbury University, he found himself casually making music with friends. It wasn’t strategic or structured—just something to pass the time between classes. But as he uploaded those early tracks to SoundCloud, the response was immediate. “We weren’t thinking about branding or algorithms,” he said. “We just wanted to make something that sounded dope.”

Those early sessions would become the bedrock of what would grow into an identifiable sound. Drawing inspiration from Southern rap legends, old-school funk, and local D.C. vibes, Premo honed a style that felt at once familiar and new. His voice—a deep, laid-back baritone—cut through the noise, and his lyrics leaned more on charisma and storytelling than on shock value. That alone gave him an edge in a scene increasingly built on spectacle. “I didn’t want to sound like everybody else,” he said. “I wanted to sound like me.”

Over time, what started as casual experimentation began to look more like a career. Fan support turned into demand. Local buzz turned into online momentum. Instead of chasing a record deal, Premo doubled down on his independence. “I saw what was happening and realized, ‘I can do this without anybody’s help,’” he recalled. That moment of clarity laid the foundation for a self-made journey that continues to this day.

Branding the Player: More Than Just a Sound

If Premo Rice’s music is the foundation, then his persona is the architecture that gives it shape. From his wardrobe to his album covers to the way he carries himself in interviews, everything about his presentation reinforces the player motif. But unlike industry gimmicks designed in marketing meetings, Premo’s style comes straight from his lived experience. “This ain’t no act,” he said. “I’ve been on this vibe way before I ever made a song.”

That commitment to brand identity has helped him stand out in a saturated market. Whether fans discover him on YouTube, Spotify, or TikTok, they’re greeted with a fully formed aesthetic: grainy VHS visuals, retro fonts, silky beats, and smooth-talking lyrics that reference everything from Cadillacs to cocktail recipes. It’s not just cohesive—it’s immersive. “I want people to step into my world when they hear the music,” he said. “That’s what makes it stick.”

Maintaining that brand while managing all aspects of his career has required relentless focus. As an independent artist, Premo oversees everything from cover art to merchandise design to digital distribution. “It’s a lot, but it’s necessary,” he explained. “Nobody’s gonna care about your brand like you do. And if you let other people shape it, it’s not really yours anymore.” That clarity has allowed him to build trust with fans who know what to expect every time his name pops up on a project.

Creative Roots and Musical DNA

Premo Rice’s sound isn’t easily pinned to one region or era. It’s a gumbo of influences, drawing from Houston’s laid-back player rap, California’s funk bounce, and the homegrown energy of D.C. go-go. “I grew up around a lot of different sounds,” he told Brandon B. “My parents played soul, the radio played go-go, and I found Southern rap on my own.” That musical diversity helped him build a style that doesn’t lean too heavily on any one source. Instead, it blends them all into something distinctly his.

He shouts out artists like DJ Quik, UGK, and OutKast as influences—not just for their sound but for their independence. “Those guys weren’t just making music,” he said. “They were building worlds.” That level of detail and thoughtfulness is something Premo applies to his own work. From beat selection to sequencing, each project is crafted with intention. “If it don’t have flavor, it’s not going out,” he said.

When it comes to creating, Premo leads with feel. He’s not locked into a formula or checklist. “It starts with a vibe,” he said. “I might hear a sample and know immediately what I want to say. Or I might write some bars and find the beat later.” That organic process has led to records like “Sweet Jones” and “The Saga Continues,” where his groove, wordplay, and storytelling align seamlessly. “You can’t fake that kind of chemistry,” he added. “It either flows or it doesn’t.”

The Realities of the Independent Grind

While independence offers freedom, it also comes with pressure. Premo Rice knows that better than most. Without a label to fund marketing, book shows, or push press, every step is on him. “It’s a lot of work, man,” he admitted. “People see the drops but don’t see the planning, the budget talks, the editing.” Still, he prefers it this way. “I’d rather own it all than give up control for a little clout,” he said.

Streaming doesn’t always pay what it should, especially for niche artists. But Premo has built out multiple revenue streams to keep things moving. Merch, live shows, digital exclusives—each piece contributes to the bigger picture. “You gotta think like a business,” he said. “Music is the heart, but you still need arms and legs to move it.” It’s a mindset that more independent artists are adopting, but one Premo has been on since day one.

Another key to his grind? Direct fan engagement. Premo makes an effort to stay in touch with his supporters online, answering DMs, reposting content, and making limited drops feel special. “You can’t buy that kind of loyalty,” he said. “It comes from showing love back.” For him, independence isn’t just about creative control—it’s about community. “If you build it right, your fans become your label,” he said. “They fund the whole thing just by showing up.”

The Road Ahead: More Than Music

Toward the end of the interview, Premo hinted at what’s next—and it goes beyond just more albums. While music will always be central, he’s exploring ideas that could take the Premo Rice brand into new spaces. A podcast, short film, and fashion projects are all on the table. “I’m not trying to be boxed in,” he said. “The player lifestyle ain’t just about music. It’s a mindset. It’s a movement.”

Still, he’s not rushing anything. “Everything gotta align,” he said. “I’m not chasing trends or dropping just to stay visible. I want each project to feel like a moment.” That deliberate approach has worked for him so far, and there’s no sign he plans to switch it up. “When you move with purpose, people can feel it,” he said. “And I’ve seen what happens when you stay solid.”

Whether it’s a new tape, a limited-edition merch capsule, or a completely different creative venture, Premo is focused on long-term impact. “I want to be one of those names you bring up when you talk about self-made artists,” he said. “Not just for the music, but for the way I moved.” That legacy-building mindset is rare—but it’s exactly what makes Premo Rice one of one.