Artist Spotlight: Meet Gerard Rice, aka Rice – Hip-Hop’s Rising Entrepreneurial Talent
Hip-hop has always been about more than just beats and rhymes—it’s a movement, a culture, and a platform for making waves both inside and outside the studio. At the heart of that spirit stands Gerard Rice, better known as Rice, a Boston-based artist who’s making his mark as a multifaceted entrepreneur in the game.
The Journey Begins
Rice’s foray into music started with family. As he recounts, his brother, M-Eazy, was one of his earliest inspirations. “Before I got into music, my biggest influences were the people around me, especially my brother. He was in the studio, rapping, and I was his support as a manager,” says Rice. But a single studio session shifted Rice’s perspective. “I felt the electricity in my heart that day. That’s when I knew I had to do this.”
Growing up in foster care, Rice began writing at the age of 12, spurred on by his foster brother’s advice to use writing as a form of expression. “Music is all poetry,” Rice notes, emphasizing how therapeutic the process was. That initial spark ignited a passion that continues to fuel his ambition today.
Overcoming Struggles and Finding Strengths
Success in music didn’t come easy for Rice. In fact, he admits that in the beginning, he “wasn’t good at this.” From not being comfortable in interviews to struggling with the craft itself, Rice faced numerous challenges. But those hurdles didn’t stop him—they propelled him forward.
One of the most personal challenges Rice has faced is being autistic, something he’s only recently become comfortable discussing. Partnering with the Flutie Foundation, an organization that supports those with autism, Rice turned what many might consider a weakness into a strength. “Using something you think is a weakness and turning it into a strength is how you push forward to that next level,” he says.
And push forward he has. From playing the clarinet in school (even though he wanted to be on the drums) to crafting music that touches on life’s real struggles, Rice has evolved into an artist who is as introspective as he is creative.
Building a Legacy
When asked what kind of legacy he wants to leave behind, Rice is clear: “I want to be remembered for helping people reach their full potential. I was helped to reach mine, and I want to give that back.” It’s not just about the music for Rice—it’s about community and giving back.
Rice’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the music. He’s a planner and a connector, with a keen eye for detail. “I’m good with connecting the dots and seeing how critical certain details can be to success,” he explains.
That entrepreneurial mindset shines through in his latest project, Love Shouldn’t Cost a Thing. The project’s title speaks to his views on selflessness, emphasizing that love should be about more than just “you scratch my back, I scratch yours.” Rice is set to challenge societal norms with his music, all while organizing events that bring together art, music, and community.
Looking Ahead
As Rice continues to carve his path, his goals for the future are clear. “This year, I want to do more shows and finish the project.” He’s also collaborating with his friends and fellow artists like Fanta and Kari to throw an art and music event in New York this summer, bridging the gap between Massachusetts and New York creatives.
While he’s focused on his music and events, Rice’s talents extend far beyond. He’s surprisingly gifted in math, having scored a perfect score on his math MCATs. And despite his humble demeanor, Rice’s ability to connect with people and build relationships is another major strength in his entrepreneurial toolbox.
Final Thoughts
Rice is more than just an artist—he’s a storyteller, a community builder, and a leader for the next generation of creatives. As he continues to break barriers and build his legacy, one thing is clear: Gerard Rice, aka Rice, is a name you’ll want to remember.
With projects like Love Shouldn’t Cost a Thing and his work with the Flutie Foundation, Rice is making moves that extend far beyond the studio, proving that in both music and life, the key is turning struggles into strengths and using every opportunity to grow. Keep an eye out—Rice is just getting started.
Written By: Dopetrackz Shakur
