Celebrity HipHop’s Next Up: Jerard Rice

Massachusetts-born hip hop artist Jerard Rice is stepping into the spotlight with more than just bars—he’s bringing a story of resilience, depth, and purpose. Formerly known as “Rice,” the now 30-year-old artist began releasing music under his full name, Jerard Rice, in 2024 following the advice of WOA Records and Oliver Sean, who wanted fans to find him more easily in a crowded digital landscape.

But Jerard’s journey to music was never about being found—it was about finding himself.

“I started writing after my great-grandmother passed and I was separated from my family,” Jerard shares. “My foster brother told me to write to escape what I was going through. It became therapy.”

What began as survival quickly evolved into artistry. Though he originally planned to manage his foster brother, M-Ezy, Jerard shocked everyone when he showed up at the studio with lyrics of his own. Since then, he’s been putting in the kind of work that shows he’s not just in this for a moment—he’s in it for impact.

The Sound of Self-Acceptance

Drawing inspiration from icons like Akon, Jay-Z, Nas, NWA, and even JR Writer, Jerard’s music blends hip hop, pop, world music, and dancehall, reflecting his diverse sonic upbringing. His latest track, “Starvin”, is a powerful anthem of hunger—not just for success, but for meaning.

“Starvin represents the struggle of wanting to be something greater than your environment… to be able to do for your loved ones,” he says. “I’m starving to make a difference—not just in my life, but in my people’s lives.”

“Starvin” is part of his upcoming project, Love Shouldn’t Cost A Thing, a deeply personal EP chronicling his growth from 2018 to now. Songs like Starz and Trama reflect moments of darkness and introspection, while newer tracks showcase evolution and self-discovery.

A Rising Voice with Purpose

Jerard’s focus has always been bigger than just music. He’s intentional with every move—whether it’s navigating challenges, improving his marketing strategy, or building the right team. His mantra? Quality over quantity.

One of his most memorable moments to date was performing in front of over 5,000 people at Fenway Park for the 50th anniversary of the Flutie Foundation, where fans actively engaged with his performance. The energy of that moment confirmed what Jerard already knew: he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be.

“A family once came up to me after a performance and said their child interacted with my music in a way they never had before. That meant everything.”

Real Talk, Real Life

Jerard speaks candidly about the state of hip hop, noting that while technology has advanced, “the quality of the music has decreased. It’s too commercialized—everyone’s just trying to shake their hips.”

His goal? More unity and authenticity in the culture. He’s all about building real connections, staying humble, and keeping himself surrounded by people who push him to grow—even through criticism.

What’s Next?

Right now, Jerard Rice is sharpening his live set, building his catalog, and gearing up for the release of his debut EP this summer. He’s also booking more gigs and elevating his stage presence, with favorites like “No Brady” (featuring JMuzique) already winning over live crowds.

As far as his legacy?

“I want to be someone who gave back, who helped educate, inspire, and build unity in his community. Music is my platform to raise awareness and support others.”

Today, we teamed up with Jerard for an exclusive interview:

What is your legal name and age?

Jerard Rice 30 years old.

What is your stage name and how did you come up with it?

Jerard Rice aka Rice . I started releasing under Jerard Rice in 2024 at the suggestion of WOA records and Oliver Sean . They said because there are so many Rice’s it makes it hard for fans to find me .

Where are you from?

Massachusetts

Where are you now?

Massachusetts

Why did you first start making music?

Initially I started writing as a suggestion from foster brother after my great grandmother died and I was separated from my family . My foster brother was doing music but he told me to write to escape my situation . Writing for therapeutic purposes was how zi started writing .

I was supposed to manage my brother M-Ezy and next thing he knows I come to the studio with some lyrics . I’ve had to work really hard as anyone does so if someone had asked me if this is what I set out to do I would say the energy that the studio give lets me know I’m supposed to do what I’m doing.

Who would you say inspired you the most, as an artist?

Many people have inspired me but AKon is the first artist I really listened to however and the quality he puts into his music is something that also stands out .I’m influenced by artist like Jay Z , Nas , JR Ryder , NWA.

Do you remember the first rhyme you wrote?

Yes , and it was Bet On it because no one thought that I could rap so I made a song letting people know that me none decides so hard work and determination is my guide .

Have you heard the theory that some musicians write their best music while they’re depressed or going through a bad time?

Most of my project was written during a bad time . I view music as very therapeutic so put it in a poem song or whatever but get those feelings out because someone can relate .

How do you solve [common problem – productivity, scheduling, marketing, networking, reducing overwhelm]?

I’m still working on some things like building a team. I’m doing a lot better with scheduling , marketing and increasing my network with care.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

Even if people don’t see you working you should always be working .

What is still your biggest challenge?

The challenges that a lot of us have with us time management , but I also come with things such as depression and being on the autistic spectrum some social things can be challenging .

Are you religious? If yes, what is your religion?

I’m spiritual

What were your grades like at school?

I was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum at 16 , so that’s a high because now you know why you’re different but it’s a low because it’s coming to terms with accepting that you’re different and the unknown challenges and struggles. I had good grades in high school and got the John and Abigail Adams scholarship based on my MCAS scores . I was in the Deans list several semesters during my Bachelors .

Do you have a mantra?

It’s about Quality over Quantity.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

A  mix of hiphop pop world pop music because listening to pop , dancehall country all influence my sound .

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your music?

I performed at the Stars on Spectrum festival and a family came up to me and said that their child enjoyed and interacted with my music which was rare for their child.  It’s rewarding when you reach someone with your music .

What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?

It’s a waste of time to look back , and honestly the mistakes along the way has shaped me as well allowed me to challenge myself.

What’s the coolest, most important show you’ve played to date (the kind of show you’d like to play more of)?

I loved the UK tour because of the diverse venues and actually performing at a mall . The coolest  performance was the 50th anniversary of the Flutie Foundation and performing in front of over 5000 people at Fenway stadium with fans actually interacting with my music and just person with other artist on the spectrum doing their thing is the coolest performance this far .

What’s your latest release?

Starvin is a track which will be on my project Love Shouldn’t Cost A Thing . The project is a glimpse of my journey from 2018 until present . Songs such as Starz and Trama were written  a couple of years ago during and dark period going through what I define as .self acceptance.

Starvin was written less than a year ago and it’s more self discovery.

Starvin represents the struggle of wanting to be something greater than your environment to the point where it hurts in the pit of your stomach . You’re hungry for success , money , respect but also to be able to do for your loved ones .inwas starving and I still am to make a difference not in my life but my people /family life !!

What’s your best advice for handling criticism? 

Criticism allows us to grow if it fits . We have to a network of people who keep us on our toes and help us grow through their constructive criticism .

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

The most trouble I’ve gotten in is  in high school .

What are you focusing your time on now (e.g., recording a new record, touring the Midwest, writing, etc.)?

I’m focusing my time on increasing my catalogue , releasing my first EP this summer . Getting my gigs .

What is your favorite song to perform?

I love when JMuzique and I perform No Brady it’s a Vibe .

How do you currently feel about the state of Hip-hop in general?

I look at how we have better technology yet the quality of music has decreased .

I would  also say a lot of music is more commercialized now you’re listening to something you can shake your hips

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

More unity, acceptance  in the industry .

Who influenced you most through out your career?

I watch a lot of YouTube Videos and listen to different genres of music . I have a small team of people whom I bounce ideas off .

What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?

Someone who gave back, and helped educate inspire and build unity in his community and music is the platform I’m supposed to use to build social awareness , help and support others.

This is my latest interview

Keep your eye on Jerard Rice—an artist who’s not just rapping for streams, but speaking for souls. And with hunger like his, this is just the beginning. Follow him on Instagram @thereal_arroz