CHICAGO IS HOME
Q: Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised on the South side of Chicago. That city shaped my grit, my style, and my resilience. Chicago has rhythm in everything — from House, Drill, Gospel, R&B, Dance, Hip-Hop, and Soul. That music raised me!
NAME THE FIRST SONG YOU RELEASED?
Q: What year did you release your first single? What did you name it and where can listeners stream it?
The first song I ever released was called “Blow That Bitch Up.” I was 17 — so that was over 15 years ago. I had just gotten cheated on by my first love and I was heartbroken…dramatic right at 17 years old.
It turned into a full-blown techno revenge anthem. The hook literally said, “I wanna put you on a spaceship and blow that bitch up. It was unhinged? Absolutely! But here’s the thing — you didn’t see anyone in Chicago my age at that time doing dance or techno. Especially not where I’m from. That was the beginning of my genre-bending techniques. I was already pushing outside the box before I even had the language for it.
I took the song down a few years ago. I believe some things belong in the archives. That record was the spark.
WHY RAP?
Q: Explain how you got your start as a rapper.
I used to burn my songs on CDs and pass them out in the hallways before lunch.
I actually started in R&B and Pop. Melodies came first, performance second, then third was Rap. Hip-Hop/Rap was an extension of my overall writing ability — another layer of my identity that I hadn’t fully peeled back yet. Rap became the most authentic way for me to express certain feelings in the moment. Whenever I Rap, it’s from a space of confidence, being my own hyping man, and as affirmation over loud and heavy drums.
A SOCIAL LIGHT
Q: Can you talk to me about your viral videos on social media?
So social media was never my thing. Since I’ve been in the gym, I’ve been training a lot on stamina and brainstorming on ideas of how to amplify my music.
So, I came up with this concept of dancing in the gym to 2000’s nostalgic hits I grew up on. I’ll add a text saying something like, “What you work on today in the gym today? (1.9M )”
Next thing I knew, the internet was eating it up.
LOUD & PROUD
Q: When and how did you come out as queer?
I didn’t really “come out,” If we’re being honest. Everyone already knew!
Growing up people tried to mold me into what they thought would keep me safe. That took a lot on me mentally — feeling like parts of me needed to be edited down.
I’ve always been sassy and bold. The difference now is I don’t shrink myself. I live in it.
MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS
Q: Who are some artists you looked up to growing up and why did you want to pursue music?
I studied artists who moved culture like Michael, Janet, Missy, Usher, Beyonce, Sisqó, and Britney.
They all had presence, style, and a story. They created eras. That’s what inspired me to pursue music as a career.
WHY ROM LAWRELL?
Q: How did your name come about?
When I first started making music, I went by my first name, Romarius. Rom from my first name and Lawrell from my middle name. So that created Rom Lawrell.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
I’m always working on new music.
Oh — I joined the cast of a Youtube web series, centered around the LGBTQ+ community filmed in Los Angeles. The show highlights ambition, identity, relationships, and what it really looks like to chase your dreams publicly. You’ll see people with different goals, different personalities, and different visions actually pursuing their dreams while also learning to uplift and support each other throughout their journey.
so make sure you are following me to stay updated!
FOLLOW Rom Lawrell 🌈
