Ralo picked a fight with the wrong guy. The veteran rapper hopped on Instagram on September 3 to talk about his career. He then explained that he wants to become a CEO, and cited Boosie Badazz as a prime example of someone he didn’t want to be: a rapper doing shows in his 40s. In the least surprising string of events in beef history, Boosie got upset. The rapper decided to log into Twitter and respond to Ralo in detailed, disrespectful fashion.
Firstly, he criticized Ralo for using his name in the first place. Then he labeled him a clout chaser. He also flipped Ralo’s criticism by stating that he was proud fans still wanted to see him play shows on a regular basis. “I’m grateful that I’m still making $150K a weekend n selling out shows,” he tweeted. “U don’t have a rapper n will never have one.” Boosie Badazz, being the supreme trash talker that he is, also dunked on Ralo’s aspiration to become a CEO. “U right u should be a CEO,” he added. “Cause one thing you can’t do is make music. God did not give u that talent.” Absolutely brutal.
I HAVE NOT SPOKE ON YOU N YEARS @ralofamgoon U STILL HURT BY WHAT U DID WHAT U DID lol IM GRATEFUL THAT IM STILL MAKING 150k A WEEKEND N SELLING OUT SHOWS U DONT HAVE A RAP CAREER N WILL NEVER HAVE ONE . N U RIGHT U SHOULD BE A CEO. CAUSE ONE THING YOU CANT DO “IS MAKE…
Boosie Badazz’s Twitter rant is lengthy, but the biggest sticking point for him is the clout chasing. He feels that Ralo has been starved for attention since the rapper’s release from prison in 2023. Bringing up Boozie Badazz’s name is an easy way to generate attention, at least Boozie thinks so. He kind of has a point, too. “Every other month u mentioning me smh,” he added. “Get me off your mind n stop using my name for clout. U got my line if you want to tell me something.” Somehow, things got more personal from there. Boosie decided to share some behind-the-scenes info.
He claimed that he gave Ralo a guest verse when he was still in prison. Not only did he appear on a song, but he allegedly refused to take the $10K he was offered. “I’m the same n**ga did a verse n video for you when [you] was locked up. N refused the 10K U was tryna pay me.” Boosie Badazz proceeded to end the whole rant with a hilarious put down. He claimed to be headed to the studio to record some new music, and that he hoped Ralo was not doing the same. “I’m bout to listen to these beats n make some music,” he concluded. “I just hope u not doing the same thing.” We’re going to call it: Boosie won this one.
Ralo has certainly been through a lot over the last few years, but now he’s feeling better than ever now that Welcome Home is out. The Atlanta, Georgia mainstay was doing six years of time for drug conspiracy charges, and you could tell that around the time of his release, he was feeling all sorts of emotions. It didn’t help that he was remembering the loss of his close friend Marlo. “Marlo told me not to worry he was going to be the first person at the gate waiting on me when this s*** over. My release is in two weeks and I know life goes on, but this s*** aint da same as when we was passing this money around we was all happy and helping each other”.
However, as we said, Ralo was able to persevere and its why we have Welcome Home in front of us today. During our interview with him, he feels that this is what makes him tick as an artist and its why his fans mess with the way he goes about his music. “More people bought into me as a person, you know what I’m saying? Like, what I did for the community, what I do for the community, and you know, the way I was living, the way I was moving”. That earnestness is all over the 16-song tracklist, which has features from Key Glock, Big Moochie Grape, Yungeen Ace, and more. It’s great to have Ralo back in the game and we encourage you to check it out with the links below.
We’ve witnessed Ralo’s hardships over the years. He was one of the most authentic voices in the South who was propelled to acclaim through mixtape-hosting platforms before he was arrested on federal charges after authorities reportedly discovered pounds of cannabis on his private jet. By the time that happened, Ralo had already become a pillar in his community, one who was recognized within Atlanta and outside of it.
With the rapper’s release from prison in 2023, he returned home to a new world where streaming algorithms reigned supreme and those who were once the hottest rappers had faded into obscurity and a new crop of artists emerged. Yet, Ralo’s M.O. hasn’t changed creatively nor has his commitment to his community. “I ain’t ever been the artist that had this hit record,” he explained to HotNewHipHop. “More people bought into me as a person, you know what I’m saying? Like, what I did for the community, what I do for the community and you know, the way I was living, the way I was moving. They were able to relate to me and relate to my story through music.”
His forthcoming album, Welcome Home, sees him telling his side of the story for the first time since his release. With appearances from Anthony Hamilton, K Michelle, Key Glock, and more, the 16-song body of work will appear on DSPs on Friday, August 23rd. Ahead of its release, we caught up with Ralo over Zoom to discuss the making of the project, his friendship with Young Dolph, and fulfilling his purpose.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Photo Credit: Shemaal
HotNewHipHop:The new album is due out on August 23rd. How does it feel working on a full body of work with new songs after six years?
Ralo: When we speak of work, you know, because that’s a different kind of work. Because I was never able to depend on a rap game as I am doing now. Before I got into this rap shit, I was just selling dope, and that was my stream of income and I was just having fun with this rap shit. I never even thought that I would accumulate any financial stability from it. However, I’ve been blessed to utilize my platform, my social media engagement, and my fanbase now to produce a lot of f*cking money, you know? And it just feels different having to strategize things versus just going to re-up and buy some dope and then selling it. So it’s a different hustle that I’m adapting to. Hopefully, after this, I’ll be able to – I want to focus on pushing artists and pushing my whole label itself, including myself, of course. But you know, I want to just do a broad push of, you know, being a CEO and being the person that I believe that I could be, you smell me? And others believe in, as well.
With the creative flow and getting back into the booth after such a long period, was it a fulfilling process for you to record this album?
I mean, in recording the album, you know, I did a lot of from jail. My album was pretty much done while I was in jail. When I got out, when I got into the halfway house, they didn’t allow me to go anywhere else other than work and back to the halfway house. So every day I’m going to work and [back to the] halfway house, work, halfway house. I was stuck in the studio all day, 10 hours per day for months, five days a week. So I’m doing 50 hours a week inside the studio. This coming from never having to do shit like that because I barely even was able to go to the studio before I went to jail and whatnot. I’m forced to be in there so I’m coming up with all kinds of creative shit, and I’m able to vent the way I want to vent, you know? And you know, with the music and the rap game, me, personally, it just helped with my mental health, you know? It just helped me, and it helped me within my soul and stuff like that. So, like, a lot of the times when I’m in the booth or something, I’m just venting, you smell me?
You say that on “First Day Out.” That line really stuck with me, when you say, “Every time I do a song, you’re going to hear me vent.” How do those lyrics reflect the process of you coming home and putting together this body of work while you’re in the halfway house?
I think that people really – you know, I ain’t ever been the artist that had this hit record. Like, you got your Bossman Dlow’s and stuff. They got big songs, and they were able to capitalize off that song, which is what drove their career and things of that matter. More people bought into me as a person, you know what I’m saying? Like, what I did for the community, what I do for the community and you know, the way I was living, the way I was moving. They were able to relate to me and relate to my story through music. So, everything that I do is kind of on a level of, you know, “I’m listening to Ralo, his story is real, and let’s see what he was talking about.” You know, they go back at that time and moment, and [they’re like] “Okay, he made this song when he got caught with that weed. He made this song when he got caught with them bricks.” Or, “he made this song when woopty woop got shot” or whatnot. So, like I was able to capture the people off of my story, you smell me? And it’s a blessing that others are able to relate to it and have a grand interest in it, you smell me?
How has that reception felt from your community and peers since you got back home? That feeling of that energy must be different considering all that you’ve gone through.
I mean, you know, from the outside looking in, people just look at me as some kind of big-time kingpin, drug smuggler. You know what comes with the streets and shit so they look at me in the manner of being mean or arrogant. But when people are actually able to come around me, it’s a whole different feel. They get to feel my energy, you know what I’m saying it? That’s when I mostly win my fans and whatnot. So coming home to all my people at the “First Day Out” video shoot, and they were vibing with me and they were able to capture that moment. That was history for all of us, and you know that went in the books. We can always go back and look at that video, you smell me?
What can we expect from Welcome Home? In terms of the features, how many songs, etc.
I mean, I did a lot, a lot of features with bigger artists and, one of the main problems I had with getting clearances was my commitment with Young Dolph, you smell me? So like with that commitment, it kind of prohibited me from getting clearances from artists that had grand dealings with CMG, which is a massive amount of artists in the industry. I wasn’t able to even put a lot of the songs on the album that I did with others, because, you know, people just was playing the politics games. They doing the songs with me and sh*t but as soon as it’s time to get clearances, n***as froze up because they want to keep their face clean within the industry with CMG, and they know I’m team Dolph. You know, that probably would have plucked the feathers of some people. However, I was able to still do my thing because at first, I was like f* ck a feature, I’m just gonna do Ralo.
I really loved Anthony Hamilton’s music throughout my life. I always heard him and I doing the record together, even when I was a kid, looking at 106 & Park and sh*t. I was able to get him on the record.
I had a female companion who left me while I was incarcerated, and she was really obsessed with K. Michelle. You know, I think revenge is the best success. Revenge is the best way to get that revenge and success, so I was able to go snatch her up, and she did a wonderful job on the stuff. Yungeen Ace, him and I got real good companionship with GMK and Draco out of Texas. Shout out to them. We were able to do a nice record together to go with the situation that he got going on because he was accused of a murder or whatnot, and I was accused of several murders or whatnot. So we were able to come together and vent through our record on that.
I got Key Glock. You know, a lot of blogs and a lot of people and YouTubers, they was always saying, man, me and Key Glock wasn’t kicking it, or we weren’t friends, or we had some kind of problem. I don’t know what the f*ck problems they thought we had, but I seen that a lot. He saw that a lot on a lot of blogs and stuff. At the time, we were together every single day. I don’t know where the hell they get that from, but I had to put him on there to show them we never had any problems. We’ve been doing records before, and we still doing records now. And, you know, people were saying I was stealing the Dolph trophy like, I’m trying to be the face of P.R.E or whatnot but that was never the case. Of course, we got the whole Paper Route on there. We got Kenny Muney, Big Moochie Grape, Goldmouf. We got Anti The Menace. That’s one of my good little homies from Atlanta. I really wasn’t trying to do songs with n***as I really didn’t f*ck with, you smell me? He’s one of them dudes that I really have a solidified relationship with, not just because I paid his bond or I put money on his book because I’ll do that regardless. I mean, I got a real friendship.
Is there a particular song that you’re excited for people to hear?
I mean, the record is called “I’m Me.” So, pretty much, it’s telling the people and reminding the people of myself and what I have done for others. Because I made this record while I was in prison, and I sent it over to Anthony Hamilton, and he put his vocals and things on that, and it came out a classic record. We actually did the video and everything. It’s reminding the people, because, you know, when I first bought my first neighborhood, which is Pakistan off of Lucia Avenue, which was what the feds have taken from me at that time, I bought it as a shell. Like it was no drywall, it was no framing, it was no sheetrock. It was no floors, it was no sinks, no bathroom, no toilets, no tubs, no nothing. You know, I had people that turned against me that I put the sheetrock on their wall, I put these floors on their ground, put this toilet in their bathroom so they can shit and shower. I put beds in their rooms. I put, you know, TVs on their walls and things of that matter. If a person did that for me, I would show grand gratitude and appreciation. I won’t ever cross that person by no means. And then it’s rap n***as that when they weren’t hot, I gave them verses, and you know, they ain’t do the same for me, you smell me? When I was in prison, I needed these things to accumulate cash and stuff to give me residual income for my family and sh*t so, like, I pretty much been against what those people had done to me, you smell me? And all kind of allegations that they put forth on my name. I’m speaking on those things as well, on that record. That’s a massive record for myself.
What were the biggest challenges for you in adapting to coming back home? Was there a hurdle that you had to overcome since then?
As you know, right now, we’re on Zoom. I’m used to walking into the HotNewHipHop office, throwing the little basketball we had. And, you know, I’m used to going in there and vibing every time I come to New York. That was one of the places that I always stopped by.
If we think back then, you had your MyMixtapez, your DatPIff, your Spinrilla. You had your Live Mixtapes. You had all these different platforms that we used to have to utilize and try to get on the front page of just to get a big look in this rap sh*t. But now, with streaming and shit, the payouts are different and people are able to have the financial stability that they didn’t have. These people let that money get to their head, you smell me? They poke their chest out, You know, arrogance is a bad thing to have within people because that causes mischief within the land. People that are humble, that are willing to have conversations to avoid problems, they are being stepped over because these other people continue to want to just f**k up and cause problems within the community and stuff like that. So like, my biggest hurdle is dealing with sucker sh*t like that, you smell me? Because a lot of things could be avoided with just a conversation. And when people feel like they need this of another person, they just ain’t willing to have that conversation, which is, which is what causes massive wars in the streets and sh*t like that. So I think that my biggest hurdle.
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 17: Ralo performs at Birthday Bash ATL The Pop Up Edition Concert at Philips Arena on June 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
It feels like you have a renewed sense of purpose. How would you describe Ralo’s mission statement in 2024, as both a musician and a community pillar?
I mean, my mission statement will always be to revert ourselves to our Lord, you smell me? That’s the most important thing that we all need to strive towards is getting right with our Lord. And you know, getting to know Him, getting closer to Him, praying to Him, begging Him for forgiveness. And you know, asking Him to remove all the f*cked up desires that we have in our hearts, you smell me? My mission will always be to remind each other of our Lord. Get closer to Him.
You know, throughout my songs, I actually talk about the Lord quite a bit, you smell me? My religion is Islam, but it don’t matter what religion you is. It’s still, unless you’re atheist, of course, it’s still important for us to get closer to our Lord. I want to just be able to look back and say when I’m listening to this project, that this was my welcome home project, you smell me? To bring me home, bring me closer to my people. And I’m doing a whole lot of venting and a lot of things that I haven’t spoken upon, I spoke upon on this album. My mission within this album is to get people to understand what I did, why I did it, how I did it, and what would I be doing now moving forward.
You had Drake, Meek Mill, and a bunch of people just advocating for your release in a letter to Biden. How did you feel seeing that type of support from these major names, some of your peers who are still rocking with you and hoping to see you come home?
I mean, it’s an amazing feeling. You know, that’s some shit that I never felt like I was worthy of. To be able to be mentioned by the higher public figures in our community. I just wasn’t expecting those things. However, you know, it gave me hope. It gave me strength. The only thing that bothered me was that they didn’t know what I was truly being investigated for because that would prohibit me from getting a pardon because I had, you know, multiple violent accusations that the feds were trying to pursue me in. I didn’t want them to be misled about what was really going on. If it was just about marijuana, I would’ve got a pardon and their work wouldn’t have gone in vain. But due to the Attorney General reaching out to the prosecutor and saying, “Hey, this is just a marijuana case. What is the status of it? And why is Mr. Davis being treated so harshly for these charges?” The prosecutor responded to them and said, “Hey, this is just not a marijuana case.” They saying that I have possibly killed other people and stuff like that. And I’m telling them like, “No, that ain’t what I did,” or nothing like that, but that’s what they were trying to put on me. And you know, when people advocating that it’s just weed, you know, it just – I don’t want to mislead the people into thinking that it was just weed.
You’ve been using your social media page to shine a light on other people’s legal situations, especially peers and friends. What type of responsibility do you feel you have to use your platform to shed light on people who faced similar situations as yours?
I think that God gives all of us whatever He gives us, and it’s our duty to share with the people. We weren’t a seed that was planted on this earth to produce income for others. Some of us just have what we can make to satisfy our own family, our own personal bills, and things of that matter. But whenever you get massive amounts of money, it’s your duty, you have obligation to help the people. With my platform, I have over a million followers, and I have a lot of engagement. Like, I got over 30 million views on my page last month. It’s my duty to be that commercial for the people. The blogs only pick up a lot of drama most of the time, or the only thing they pick up is when a n***a buying somebody a car buying a b*tch a purse, and things of that matter. And it’s more than that going on in the community. It’s people getting shot, it’s people getting killed. It’s kids having funerals, and mamas burying their kids. It’s a lot of shit going on that doesn’t get broadcasted at all. I utilize my platform, and I know ain’t the news or no sh*t like that, but it’s my duty to be able to promote that stuff for them, and if I don’t, then you know that burden lies on me, because I believe in God, you smell me?
How did the loss of Young Dolph affect you?
I mean, you know that sh*t affected me in ways that I don’t even be able to control, you smell me? Like the last interview I did, I done cried tears. out and cried too. He was a great person. He was a great person that I called my friend, and he was heavy in supporting me. And a lot of times, we need that support from people that’s in the industry, or have a little bit more leeway than ourselves, like we really do need that extra push, the extra support, the extra help. And he was one of the people that I always could depend on. No matter what the circumstances were, he was always there for me, whether I was rich, poor, up or down, free, in jail, however it was. He was one of the only people that I knew who supported me wholeheartedly, without any financial gain or any clout or anything like that. That was one of the people that I feel like I lost that, you know, I probably won’t ever get back that kind of support, that love, you smell me?
I watched a recent interview where you said that rap was one of your worst investments but as you mentioned earlier, you’re interested in getting into a more executive position with your label and pushing new artists. But outside of music, what are you most excited to accomplish in the foreseeable future?
I mean, I just see a whole lot of artists that had a massive buzz and had money coming in, like a motherfucker. It’s a list that we can never complete. Like every day, these people come up with hit records, and you know, they had their time. They go buy their jewelry, they go buy their cars, they put this in their mouth and you know, two years later, they’re miserable. In order to prohibit that misery, you got to utilize the money that you’re making out this music to buy something that you can find peace in. And a lot of people just don’t understand you can’t find no peace in a car, you can’t find no peace in buying jewelry, you can’t find no peace in buying some p*ssy. You gotta be really interested in making it to your sanctuary. That’s your home. Make sure whatever place you call home, you invest the most into. Me, personally, I find most of my peace in my hood. So, I make sure I invest the majority of all my money that I make into my hood. Within doing that, I was able to build a community center, I was able to build a mosque, I was able to build a barber shop, a hair salon. All the places that I knew I was gonna have to go and spend money, I made sure I was able to do that because I know in two, three years, it’s going to be another n***a getting out of prison that’s hot, you smell me? I don’t to be a fool and be in a miserable state of mind, just like the rest of the artists that I see today.
Ralo has been through a lot over the past few years, and now that he’s officially free from his halfway house, he can move onto greater things. Moreover, he recently announced that he bought a whole block in Atlanta consisting of various commercial properties, and also relayed plans to build the first Vine City Mosque in the history of the state of Georgia. In the Atlanta rapper’s Instagram post on the matter, he specifically highlighted the importance of not having to recur to his old lifestyles and troubles now that he’s found personal and financial freedom. Overall, it’s a very heartening story and a hard-earned one, and hopefully one that brings him a lot of fulfillment, joy, and opportunities in the future.
“The folks sent me to federal prison, took everything from me and left my family out hea with NOTHING,” Ralo’s Instagram caption began. “I ran this s**t back up legally. I won’t ever have to sell a piece of dope again in my life. I’ve become a restaurant, hair salon, barber shop and clothing store owner. Allah has blessed me to open up the first #VineCityMosque in the history of Atlanta.
“I won’t ever in my life have to rent another condo again now that I own dozens directly across the street from the Mercedes Benz stadium in Atlanta,” Ralo’s Instagram post continued. “Go watch Ralo Chapter 38 | Hood Hero #OutNow on YouTube to see how I’m putting all this s**t together. My goal is to link up with the people and do this in every state. If you wanna donate to the cause or help with the mostque go to FamericaNews.Com #KingAkh.”
Meanwhile, Ralo also recently stood by many values that he continues to champion from his past life, even under wildly different circumstances. “Man ain’t no way Shawty just got on that stand against his childhood friend,” he expressed concerning Trontavious Stephens’ recent testimony in the Young Thug and YSL RICO case. “I rather die ah thousand deaths before I do some s**t like that.” We’ll see what other principles, initiatives, and developments the 29-year-old enjoys in his freedom.
Ralo is now a free man, as he recently shared an update on his legal situation with fans on Instagram on Thursday (June 27). Moreover, he posted a photo of a federal release notice form indicating that he was officially free from his stay at a halfway house (which lasted eight months) that same day. The Atlanta rapper and YSL sympathizer, according to this revealed paperwork, will also face five years of probation following this release. “Today the last day of this federal halfway house s**t, I’m signing my papers we finna be outside…” he captioned his post. “#FukPrison #Fuk12 I’m ready to do my interviews, my shows call Johnnie (404) 798-0197.”
For those unaware, Ralo saw a prison release in November of last year following a five-year prison sentence. Back in 2018, authorities arrested him after allegedly discovering $1 million worth of marijuana on his private plane at an Atlanta airport, and in June of 2022, he received an eight-year prison sentence. The judge credited this with four years of time served and, reportedly, with “one and a half year for good time,” according to the Thugger affiliate. Since then, he stayed at the halfway house in Atlanta until just this week.
In addition, Ralo also released some singles following his prison release, including a “First Day Out” and a couple of other collaborations. We don’t know what’s left in store for the future, but either way, fans are very happy with this development and are sending their best wishes. Unfortunately, this freedom also involved some bumps along the road, including a bizarre social media suspension shortly after its lawful commencement. Presumably, this had something to do with his post-release terms restricting fan engagement.
Meanwhile, the rap game welcomed Ralo back with open arms, as folks like Lil Baby treated him to “welcome home” gifts like a $50K watch. It’s been heartening to see, and though the process hasn’t been perfect, that’s an increasingly rare luxury. Hopefully the rest of his return to the regular world goes by without many hiccups. We’ll see what this halfway house release provides in the future.
Ralo’s recent release from jail after a multi-year sentence gave him much reason to celebrate with his loved ones this month. However, that’s by no means to say that he still doesn’t face challenges in this return to regular life, especially when it relates to his career and connection with fans. Moreover, the rapper’s team announced that folks in charge of what’s assumedly his post-prison reformative program restricted all of his social media platforms. That means that he won’t be able to engage with fans on the Internet, and that his team is managing things right now. Ironically, via an Instagram post, the 32-year-old’s entourage let his followers know they’re working hard to connect him back to them.
“We thought that we would be able to welcome Ralo home in peace. But he has been restricted from all social media platforms until he completes his program,” the post reads. “Please know that we are getting these matters resolved at this very moment, so he can do his BIGG one. We will continue to post and engage with everyone that’s supporting Ralo ‘First Day Out‘ video and single. We will install over 100 billboards across the country [and] over 10 thousand posters. [We’ll] push his single in every club and radio station. His first welcome home party will be held in Atlanta at the Josephine Lounge. Please stay tuned for all other dates… #WelcomeHome.”
Furthermore, seemingly before this restriction, Ralo let folks know that his return to the rap game has been a great one. Most importantly, it’s been without any beef and with a lot of support. “Idk why da f**k all the blogs acting as if I got out on sum beef S**t,” he commented. “But let’s be clear – Money Bagg became Muslim since I been down. I forever put Islam over everything so it’s no beef in my heart at all for him. Boggie, Mozzy, 42, G or whoever amongst him. I’m just #TeamDolph so the internet just gone stir up s**t.”
Meanwhile, other MCs supported the Atlanta native financially throughout this ordeal. Artists like Lil Baby and others gave him cash to welcome him back. Even though things are still tough for him, he has a great network of artists to pull him out. Let’s see how long this restriction lasts. For more news and the latest updates on Ralo, check back in with HNHH.
Just this past Wednesday, November 8, Ralo became a free man. He was serving six years behind bars for drug conspiracy charges. Now, he is looking to make up for lost time by getting back into the recording studio. When we reported that Ralo was out, we mentioned that he was going to be releasing a track shortly after. Well, he delivered on that promise, releasing the appropriately-titled, “First Day Out.” The Atlanta rapper took to Instagram to post about the song, but also leave a wise message for his followers. For those who do not know, Ralo does practice Islam, so that is why he mentions it in this caption.
He starts by saying, “I seen True Kings & Queens risk their life, freedom and livelihood to help build and feed villages, but when the wars came they lost their freedom, allies, wealth, property and some even lost their lives. If it’s anything in this world that can turn a person heart against you, then the love wasn’t never real in the first place.” Ralo goes on, “A pretty lie can bring out the ugly truth. Standing by your people when the odds is against them shows great strength, integrity and honor. If you ever heard of me doing anything other than that then the story is edited and fabricated. My heart is in Islam, my heart is with Dolph and I ain’t ever going against it… Stop Hating & “Welcome A #REAL1 Home” #RaloFree
The last part of that excerpt is the interesting part. Ralo was seeing some speculation on the internet about him “dissing” the CMG label that Yo Gotti oversees. Of course, both Gotti and Young Dolph had very bad blood. What caused people to talk about it was a bar he rapped on the track. “I love Dolph, so I can never sign to CMG / It ain’t no beef it’s just respect, they gonna respect this s*** / They disrespect, I promise we gonna wreck this b****.” However, Ralo was just standing by his friend and nothing more. “I’m just #TeamDolph so the internet just gone stir up s***.”
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new single from Ralo, “First Day Out?” Is this the best song right after being released from prison? What do you make of his message in his latest Instagram post? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Ralo, as well as all of the hottest song drops.
Marking a major moment five-years-in-the-making, acclaimed Atlanta rap powerhouse Ralo makes his anxiously awaited comeback today. He just dropped off his “First Day Out” single and broke the news of his official signing to 300 Entertainment!
Listen to “First Day Out” HEREvia 300 Entertainment.
The song signals the beginning of the next chapter for the rapper, who was just released from prison this past Wednesday, November 8th. On the track, piano pierces through thick 808s as his signature delivery rings out. Introspective and thoughtful rhymes give way to a promise as he urges, “I’d die for this shit, I swear to God I will,” before he assures, “Don’t you ask me who I choose, ‘cause I choose the Lord.”
Stay tuned for an emotionally charged music video accompany the track at 12pm ET today.
About the song, Ralo revealed, “I’ve seen since I’ve been incarcerated nearly 6 years everybody choosing sides and becoming allies with one another, and I just wanted to acknowledge that fact that I chose to love over it all. I chose to love over the streets. I chose to love over everything that has happened in the world. So I wanted to highlight that because there’s a lot of wickedness going on…A lot of people trying to sabotage one another and trying to knock each other down so they can stand over the next man. I just wanted the world to know I’m satisfied, I’m humble. I’m appreciative, and I’m grateful for what I got. I’m happy with everything I’ve accomplished thus far and I hope to keep continuing to build.”
Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records has seen some truly rough times recently. Going back to 2018, the label has seen its roster depleted by incarceration and deaths. Rappers from the label who have been locked up include Foogiano, Hoodrich Pablo Juan, Hotboy Wes, Mac Critter, and Pooh Shiesty, while last year, Big Scarr died at just 22 years old.
However, despite those bleak conditions, there is some good news: Ralo, one of the first current 1017 rappers to be locked up, is home free after serving five years of an eight-year sentence. Ralo had been arrested in 2018, accused of trafficking over $2 million in marijuana, and due to both the vagaries of the broken justice system and the COVID-19 pandemic, languished in a variety of jails for nearly four years before even getting a court date in early 2022. He was credited for this time along with a year and a half for good behavior, hence his “early” release.
The 28-year-old was greeted outside the federal penitentiary by family and friends in a video posted online, beaming from ear to ear as he celebrated his hard-earned freedom
While it remains to be seen if he can pick up where he left off — his most recent mixtape 97 Months was released in April this year — the silver lining is that his onetime mentor Gucci Mane was able to recover from his own stint in prison and come back bigger and better than ever. If anyone has pointers on bouncing back, it’ll be him.
There have been plenty of feel-good headlines around the hip-hop world this year. Quite a few of them have dealt with rappers finishing their prison sentences. Some include B.G., 42 Dugg, and more. The latest artist to rejoin society is Atlanta, Georgia native, Ralo. His time behind bars was quite lengthy. In fact, he was doing six years of time. We got a rough idea of when the rapper would be released a couple of weeks ago. Ralo perfectly predicted the timeline, as he was just freed today.
His update came back on October 23 when he posted an emotional Instagram post. Ralo’s message talked about his close friendship with the late Marlo. Ralo said, “Assalamualaikum | Marlo told me not to worry he was going to be the first person at the gate waiting on me when this s*** over. My release is in two weeks and I know life goes on, but this s*** aint da same as when we was passing this money around we was all happy and helping each other.” He continues, “Nowadays people doing they best to kick others down, so they can stand above them, but the only way thats going to happen is if im in my grave with Marlo. I aint going for none strange…”
As we said, Ralo was right on the money. He was locked up for drug conspiracy charges. Now, he gets to start over and he is doing so fairly soon. XXL says he will be dropping a new track called “First Day Out.” In the video above, tons of people close to him are there to greet him. They crowd around him in jubilation as he is all smiles.
What are your initial thoughts on Ralo being released from prison after nearly six years? Are you excited to hear more music from him? Will his new track be a hit? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Ralo, as well as everything else going on around in the music world.
WHAT U DID lol IM GRATEFUL THAT IM STILL MAKING 150k A WEEKEND N SELLING OUT SHOWS
U DONT HAVE A RAP CAREER N WILL NEVER HAVE ONE
. N U RIGHT U SHOULD BE A CEO. CAUSE ONE THING YOU CANT DO “IS MAKE…
(@nojumper)