Randy West is a Rising Actor from Atlanta,Ga & Independent Artist. Randy began taking interest in music at the age 9. Now known as artist SKR8 S.W.A.G.G. (stands for Success Will Always Gain Growth) quoted
“I wrote my 1st rap song in 3rd grade after listening to Jay-Z’s hit song “Hardknock Life”.
Since then the motivated star has been achieving in the movie business which he landed his 1st movie role starring in the film Tangled And Twisted. An urban movie filmed in Atlanta by Director and founder of So Worldwide Ent Shaheem Sahid. He later went on to transition from
Indies to Hollywood based films. Where he appeared in Bill O’Reilly’s:Killing Regan film, films with Melissa Mccarthy, Vampires Diaries, Lee Daniels:Star tv show, appearing on VH1’s new hit Daytime Divas, and made appearance as CTU STAFFER in the reboot of the hit show 24:Legacy where he worked alongside Hollywood’s celebs Corey Hawkins and Teddy Spears to name a
few. Rolling out more opportunities for him in shows like BET QUAD, Being Mary Jane, making a feature role as Officer Daniels on Season 2 of Saints and Sinners Randy still is going strong for his dreams and booking roles in the film industry of Atlanta,Ga ( #1 out the world to date). He is also featured on set for Irv Gotti’s Big Feature Film project BET:TALES that debuted June 27,2017 and “Best of Enemies” with its brightest star Taraji P. Henson. As of 2020 the rising mogul has relocated to New York City and is now pursuing Modeling as well. The future looks bright for this moor on the rise…
Lisa: Hi Randy! You wrote your first rap song in 3rd grade after listening to Jay-
Z’s hit song “Hardknock Life”. Can you recall the moment you’ve decided you wanted to be in the music business, and how much is your music influenced by Jay-Z, and what are some other artists you were influenced at the time, and why?
Randy: It was at age 19-21 I realized I was serious about actually making this gift I have with words official. My sound after hearing you can tell has a lot of Jay’s influence. Other artists I contribute to my growth are Prince, Drake,T.I.Andre 3000 and a lot of old school music.Reason I’ve mastered the sound of music due to going back to the root of things. Hip-hop is based on sampling oldies. With that influence it has made my creativity a lot more potent.
Lisa: You are also a rising actor. What are your favorite acts in the movie industry do far, and why?
Randy: I believe my biggest success was playing Officer Daniel in Season 2 for Saints & Sinners. I already had an understanding of the industry doing Indies film. Not to mention having quite a few run ins with the law growing it was quite easy to mimic a Police Officer. So I would definitely say it was a fun experience. Plus after it aired the reactions of my mom and family was good feedback.
Lisa: What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music and acting in your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?
Randy: This business is not for the weak. There’s a moment of turmoil a lot of fake personas it’s almost like WWE. Ya know so many people have hidden motives and the movie biz is one big ball of melodramatic individuals.I tell everyone whose desire is to get in this business grain of salt with your feelings.
Each one is different but equally the same.
With music you have budgets,fees, networking and you pretty much have to fine tune your product along the way as you get to certain levels.
The film business you have to know the right people the same as for anything in life but definitely in the Hollywood industry.
There’s not many spots when you’re trying to assert your way in the game unless you’re SAG or SAG AFTRA.
Lisa: What are some newer projects that you are currently working on?
Randy: Right now I’m networking until I can find a good market sales and team to handle the business side of music for. I have a single that’s being pushed but even then more has to follow suit. So lets see how this thing we call success plays in my favor.
Lisa: I love your song “Prove It”. What inspired you to write it?
Randy: Life…. Ya know…Time and time again having to prove my worth to myself,family,a job or the world.
Fun fact however…That song was actually written with the idea to pitch it to a movie coming out but then it just turned into a thing of its own. I wrote with the idea of the movie &Takers. T.I. you can hear his influence on that track.
Lisa: Is there a message you are trying to give with your music?
Randy: Well with any platform I want my voice to be heard. I’m someone you can’t help but notice. As time goes on I definitely expand my vibes because music is universal. With that so is success. Success will always gain growth. My name is a lifestyle. Who doesn’t desire to be successful. So I feel I’m heading on my way with that.
Lisa: If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?
Randy: Ooo…Now that’s something when it does manifest I would love for you to see. I desire Prove It to come as a short film.Since I’ve acted and have friends in the acting business I would have a cast. It would make perfect sense to the message of the song. Picture the film Hoodlum mixed with The Matrix and IdleWild. That’s just for the one song.Could you imagine the rest?
Lisa: What does your curiosity look like? How do you explore things?
Randy: My mind works based on a massive load of creativity. I’m left -handed and possess photographic memory. Some me and Shawn Carter have in common.
Lisa: How do you nourish your creative side when you’re not working? And how do you avoid burnout?
Randy: At this point I mean it’s pretty much 2nd nature for me. I know it’s a lost art and people love to say oh I did this as a freestyle but to go OFF THE TOP.. That’s rare & I tend to do that alot. But again I have been doing this since 3rd grade. So it’s a passion for me.
Lisa: Is there anything you’d like to ask that I haven’t asked you?
Randy: Tell me……When all this manifest would you like to interview me in person?
Lisa: Sure, i would love to and thank you for this interview.
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