Tony Ro$e on Working with Mac Dre, Staying Inspired & Representing for the Pacific Northwest

Tony Ro$e has been a main staple on the Portland music scene since the early 2000’s inspiring a generation of several younger artists. He’s made a name for himself appearing on songs along side the likes of Bay Area legend Mac Dre, Mista F.A.B. and more.

He most recently executive produced Prxscott’s 'Northeast Legends' EP. After several mixtape releases with Fli Boi Ent through Coast 2 Coast mixtapes and a few lengthy prison stints Tony Ro$e has since built a loyal following for songs like, “W.O.W Flyest In The Town”, “Missin The Block”, “Freak Tonight” and “Tax Free”.

Check in with the Portland legend in this exclusive interview below, as we chop it up about his early influences, collabing with Mac Dre and Mistah F.A.B., Pacific Northwest Hip Hop and everything in between. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾

In what ways do you think the Pacific Northwest is killing the game right now?

We have a lot of young talented artist in the city goin up right now, most notably Amine. I think Damian Lillard’s contributions are huge also. Overall I think the music is starting to mirror how dope the city is.

Which artists did you listen to the most while growing up?

I was big on Pac for sure, Big, Mase, E40, Dogg Pound. The list goes on.

How did you get your start rapping?

I started off recording on a karaoke machine my mom bought me for Christmas I think. People were really fuckin with the music and a few years after a pioneer in my city, Cool Nutz tapped in. Fuckin with Nutz is when shit got real. Show after show, a couple features and a few deals on the table.

When did you know it was something you wanted to pursue seriously?

It didn’t take long at all. I personally knew I was good at it and the sh*t came easy for me. The reaction I was getting was further validation.

What was it like working with Bay Area legends like Mac Dre and Mistah F.A.B.? 

Mac Dre was probably the first experience I had working with a star and it was nothing like I would’ve expected. I had met other rap n*ggas back stage during performances or what not and most n*ggas were hella goofy or bougie. He was the first one I met that would literally pull up to the trap, chill, etc. He had like a family/homie quality. He set the tone early for how I feel an artist should carry himself. F.A.B was similar. He not only got the vocals back ASAP, he had no problem chopping it up and sharing some game. Very 100 dude.

Who else do you want to work with in the future?

Drake for sure, Rexx Life Raj, Young Thug, Tory Lanez etc. Too many people to name. Honestly anybody dope as long as the sh*t makes sense. That’s probably one of my favorite parts of the game. 

So, you just dropped a new single, “Tax Free”. Can you break down it’s meaning.

“Tax Free” kinda became a reintroduction for myself as well as a reflection of my state of mine. The intent is really to inspire people to boss up and go for it. When I put that one together I was coming out of a dark place and worked my way back to a point of just feeling unstoppable. I have a big problem with the victim mentality and this song is anti that. I also found a pocket that kept sh*t kinda fun while I pop shit real sh*t.

“Tax Free” also includes a Dame Dash audio clip in the middle. What’s the #1 lesson you’ve learned from his grind?

Yea, I knew for a while now that I wanted to use a clip from that interview I just didn’t know when. When me and my engineer went in it was actually a different part I was looking for but this one jus felt right and rounded out the vision. What I’ve learned Dame tho is free thinking, being your own boss and creating your own opportunities. Which all embodies the spirit of the song.

Who else inspires you to go harder?

My kids! Ocean and Artist. Period. 

You’ve served a few lengthy prison stints. What differences in the music scene did you notice when you got out?

When I left everything was about bars and real punchline heavy. Nowadays there’s still a place for that but vibes are also big. A lot of shit out now is more about a feel. I love it all honestly. When it’s well done.

You also executive produced fellow Portland native, Prxscott’s ‘Northeast Legends’ EP. How did you guys start working together?

Prxscott is actually my younger cousin. He’s always been writing and creating. When he reached out for the project I was excited to take part in his marathon and I felt it made perfect sense with my knowledge of the city’s music history. That’s actually one the projects I’m most proud of. I feel it was well executed.