Complex doesn’t even begin to describe the man named Tony Ri’Chard. Born in Houston, raised in Broussard and eventually landing in Lafayette, Louisiana; the 27-year-old painter/rapper is poised to change his community, and himself, with his art.

“When people hear my music, I want them to feel the soul, pain, agony and turmoil of life.”

He pauses. “But, I also want them to hear truth and love.”

Being shaped by everything Louisiana had to offer, Tony came up listening to Cash Money, Boosie and Webbie, although that didn’t stop the young artist from enjoying the likes of Nas and Tupac. With influences ranging from Frankie Beverly and Maze to Miles Davis and Nina Simone, as well as Zydeco, his music comes off as a renaissance fusion of passion and style. It’s everything good and bad about life, wrapped in the soul of Louisiana.

Tony spent nearly 3 years at the Art Institute of Houston, balancing a life outside of the law and being there for his mother before she passed in late 2015. Eventually he decided that school wasn’t for him and worked on building a committed base of followers and buyers of artwork and music.

As a budding rap artist, he has performed around the United States in everything from clubs and stadiums to prisons. Tony would eventually go on to open multiple shows for Frankie Beverly and Maze where Frankie Beverly said of him, “If I had heard of him yesterday, he would be opening for me tomorrow.” As a painter, he has been a part of several art shows, painted murals and has a loyal commission base. When it comes to artistic discipline and work ethic, Tony is difficult to overlook or ignore.
Authenticity and realism define everything he does. When you think of Tony Ri’Chard, you must think outside the box. Spiritual content seamlessly blended with the harsh realities of life, but not without the presence of hope. Hope, and faith, both have guided his journey as an artist and a man.

“My goal is change. Change for my community, change for myself. Showing that you can paint and rap, and be from the hood.”