In an era when most artists crave hit singles at any cost, Complex Ricki prefers to stay a patient course in the hunt for chart success. ‘Signs’, her latest song, was released in January.
The Jamaican artist, who has lived for many years in Cleveland, Ohio, focuses on creativity rather than making the charts when she composes songs.
“When I write, it comes really natural to me so I don’t overthink it. I just want to make something good,” she said. “In these modern times, it’s the audience that chooses the hit, so I just make sure my efforts are delivering a great product rather than hyper-focusing on if it’s a hit or what kind of audience.”
The rootsy, horn-hooked ‘Signs’ is different in tone from ‘Make A Change’, Complex Ricki’s somber tribute to her homeland, much of which was devastated by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28. ‘Make A Change’ was recorded after she visited St. Elizabeth parish in the south, which was hardest hit by the Category 5 hurricane.
‘Fuzzy’, ‘Waterfalls’ and ‘With Emotions’ are some of Complex Ricki’s other songs. The latter, an Afrobeats-dancehall track released four years ago, is her most successful effort to date.
“‘With Emotions’ set the tone for the rest of my music to be heard from all over. Once that song started doing well, my streams increased on the others as well,” she said.
Pointing to Bob Marley, Sade and Rihanna as her main influences, Complex Ricki credits living in the United States for helping her develop an appreciation for diverse sounds including Trap and hip hop.
