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LOS ANGELES — Tommy Richman faced a daunting crossroads in his music career, teetering on the edge of quitting before his breakthrough single, “Million Dollar Baby,” unexpectedly resonated with audiences, propelling him to fame. As he prepares for Grammy nominations this coming week, Richman reflects on the incredible journey he has taken.
Just two years ago, Richman was living in his parents’ basement in Virginia. In a bold move, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he initially found shelter on the air mattress of a friend and occasionally slept on various couches and floors. His life took a dramatic turn in April when he posted “Million Dollar Baby” on TikTok, catapulting him from relative anonymity into the spotlight.
The track soared to No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and secured its place in history as the longest-running No. 1 on the R&B Songs chart for 22 weeks. It also dominated the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Additionally, songs from his recently released debut album “Coyote,” including “Devil Is a Lie” and “Thought You Were the One,” also achieved top ten placements on the R&B Songs chart.
Despite his success in R&B, “Million Dollar Baby” has been submitted for consideration in two hip-hop categories: Best Rap Song and Melodic Rap Performance. This choice follows some controversy when Richman expressed on social media his views on not being pigeonholed as a hip-hop artist, a post that has since been deleted.
Richman later clarified his commentary but chose not to elaborate further on the Grammy nominations. In a recent dialogue, he shared his insights regarding leaving “Million Dollar Baby” off his debut album, addressing criticism, and his outlook on the upcoming nominations due on November 8.
Interviewer: How do you feel about the prospect of being nominated for a Grammy?
Richman: It’s been a dream since I was a child. Winning isn’t everything to me. We achieved significant numbers, and who else has a song with Kidz Bop? I don’t think I necessarily deserve anything, but I’m hopeful for a nomination. If it doesn’t happen, it just motivates me to work even harder.
Interviewer: You received criticism regarding your comments about not being a hip-hop artist. How do you identify yourself?
Richman: I see myself as a singer. Sometimes, I just tweet my feelings without considering how others might interpret it. I noticed discussions sparked by my words, and I appreciate those who understood my intentions weren’t malicious. It’s crucial for me to express my sound without being confined. I realize I need to be careful with my online presence, as negativity can arise, but that’s just part of the journey.
Interviewer: What was the reasoning behind excluding “Million Dollar Baby” and “Devil is a Lie” from your debut album?
Richman: My goal was to take a risk and move away from what’s typically expected in the industry. I stand by the quality of this album. Those songs were created after we completed the album, and I wanted to demonstrate my artistic integrity.
Interviewer: The early reception of your debut album has been mixed. How do you feel about it?
Richman: Those who connect with the album understand it; I try to avoid fixating on reviews. While some remarks from esteemed publications were disappointing, I recognize everyone has their individual perspectives. Initially, I felt misunderstood, but I appreciate all feedback. I’m just grateful that people are listening now, as opposed to before.
Interviewer: How has “Million Dollar Baby” impacted your life and those around you?
Richman: This song has transformed everything for me. I’ve been able to significantly improve my friends’ lives too. One friend purchased a home, which seemed impossible due to their credit score, but they mentioned the success of “Million Dollar Baby” in their application, and it worked out beautifully.
Interviewer: You went from living in your mother’s basement to buying her a house. How has she influenced you?
Richman: My mom has been an incredible support, especially when I considered dropping out of college. She encouraged me to pursue my passions. Recently, I was able to buy her a house, but I feel I can never fully repay her for everything she has done for me.
Interviewer: Did you anticipate that the song would gain popularity so quickly?
Richman: I never expected to have a hit right out of the gate. Even the label was unsure of its potential. It wasn’t until we shared it on TikTok that it began to resonate, illustrating how the music industry has evolved, where public platforms now play a crucial role in defining what becomes a hit.
Interviewer: What does the future hold for you musically?
Richman: I’m excited about touring for the album and working on new material. With “Coyote,” I aimed to showcase my artistic abilities. My plan includes delivering more accessible music that allows people to let loose, followed by another artistic project that might challenge their perceptions. I’m looking forward to growing not just as an artist for my audience but also for my own development.
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