Ricky Mapes

Being able to inspire, while telling his story and giving his perspective on life, is what drives Ricky Mapes’ passion for creating music. Using music as an escape when dealing with life’s issues has not only become therapeutic for the Bronx native, but alleviating as well. Whether it’s his own life, a painting, a book, or someone else’s story, Ricky is able to pull inspiration from all walks of life and use these inspirations in hopes of making timeless music that will resonate with people all over the world.

From his previous mixtape 2091 to the release of his latest EP Save Yourself in March, Ricky Mapes has continued to show growth in his confidence, allowing him to experiment and push boundaries with new sounds. The seven-track EP displays moments of honesty and vulnerability while touching on topics such as fear, paranoia and anxiety. Possessing the ability to diversify makes him a key player. Whether it’s his lyrics, flow or delivery, Ricky is sure to leave listeners guessing on what his next move can be.

Ricky Mapes will be anticipating an east coast tour within the tri-state region to help support the release of his EP.

Today, Ghettoblaster has the pleasure of premiering Mapes’ video for “IDWDT.” This is what he had to say about it:

“The meaning behind both the song and the video is to really act as a reminder for people living their life. Always understand that there’s always an effect to a cause, you know? With great success comes trials and tribulations, comes conflict and confrontation. Sometimes you don’t even have to be successful, things sometime happen to those undeserving of it. What I want people to take away from this is to always remember to be aware. Be aware of your decisions, your surroundings, and the people around you, just always be aware.”

The video was produced and directed by Kidmateo and co-directed by L.I.F.E. Enjoy it below. - Ghettoblaster Magazine

I knew almost nothing about emcee Ricky Mapes who’s been releasing music for a couple of years now but his Save Yourself E.P. is his first multi-tracked release holding 7 tracks of fire and brimstone announcing his arrival. The E.P. has a variety of listed production credits, which suits Mapes’ style that shows his versatility with chameleon-like variance. The Bronx-born rapper opens with the title track and the production of ENON Jacobs is…magical. Mapes wraps his words around the hypnotic beat with and eased flow that matches the musical backdrop at every turn. “Under Pressure” takes things back along a trap beat by THENEWBLVCK which Mapes takes and just runs with. But it’s “IDWDT,” whose brilliant video we premiered here that I revert back to over and over. The acronym which stands for ‘I don’t wanna die tonight’ has Ricky Mapes words creating an intensity listeners are able to visualize the imagery without ever watching the video created for it. The culture of inner-city life is magnificently captured. From the Bronx to a worldwide audience, Save Yourself needs your attention, it truly does. - Ghettoblaster Magazine

IDWDT is a song that very few people can relate to, but everyone pretends they can. Everyone is invincible until they’re not. When the song started out, I thought we were listening to another rap song that talked about what 75% of rap songs talk about: making money. This song is so much more than that. This is a song about having to do unthinkable things to get out of the neighborhood, being okay with the repercussions of the lifestyle, but also the inevitability of being afraid when you’re staring down the barrel that doesn’t give a fuck about you. With a clean beat, straightforward flow, and brutally honest lyrics, this song is a song that few people can actually relate to, but everyone can groove to. - B-Side Guys

Up and coming indie Hip Hop artist Ricky Mapes drops his new video titled “IDWDT“, off his latest EP “Save Yourself“. - Indie Hip-Hop

New video by Ricky Mapes titled “IDWDT“, off new EP “Save Yourself“. - Underground Hip-Hop Radio

Bronx hip-hop/rap artist Ricky Mapes presents a powerful reflection of urban America with his music video for "IDWDT". The track, which stands for "I Don't Wanna Die Tonight" comes off Mapes' EP Save Yourself, released earlier this year. The video brings light to the harsh realities of urban city life, raising awareness, reflection of choices, and hopefully conversation of change to the forefront of the scene. It premiered last Friday on Ghettoblaster.

"The premise of the video was to showcase the harsh realities of the environments that too many of us are used to," shared Mapes. "To display the consequences of living a certain lifestyle and that no matter how much you run you will never be able to escape your fate." The video was produced & directed by Kidmateo, and co-directed by L.I.F.E.. Filmed in one day, the footage was shot on Mapes Avenue, in the Bronx (NYC), coming together as an organic and immensely powerfully piece. Presented in black and white, a montage of scenes from the city highlight various scenarios of daily life, cross-cut with a young man running through the streets, whose sense of panic bleeds through with the weight of the lyrics. The video serves to only further enhance Mapes' message, by showcasing pieces of reality, daily choices, and their consequences.

In all of his work, Mapes brings a fresh and honest perspective to the New York hip-hop scene, with powerful lyrics and music that confronts reality, taking a stand to speak out rather than turn a blind eye. Especially as seen in "IDWDT," Mapes' music is vocal-centric, with supporting beats and ambient noise used to highlight the gravity of his words. “The meaning behind both the song and the video is to really act as a reminder for people living their life," reflected Mapes. "Always understand that there’s an effect to a cause, you know? With great success comes trials and tribulations, comes conflict and confrontation. Sometimes you don’t even have to be successful, things sometime happen to those undeserving of it. What I want people to take away from this is to remember to be aware. Be aware of your decisions, your surroundings, and the people around you, just always be aware.” While the track confronts harsh realities and dark material, Mapes' ultimate message is one of positivity and awareness.

"IDWDT" comes off Mapes' EP Save Yourself, which was released in March of 2018. The entire EP confronts feelings of fear, paranoia, and anxiety found in modern life, while still bringing optimism for the future. Through honesty in his own vulnerability in performance, Mapes finds comfort and artistic release. "It was therapeutic making this body of work as it helped me get a lot of different thoughts and ideas off my chest and out of my head. Sentiments I’ve never been able to express in conversation, I was able to express musically here and it was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt. This project was for me, but if it winds up being for you too, then that’s just a bonus." Save Yourself is available for stream and purchase on all major digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Soundcloud. Mapes will be performing live on July 19 at The Paper Box in Brooklyn, NY, with more shows to be announced this summer. - KRXM Radio

Rising underground Hip Hop artist Ricky Mapes releases his latest video titled “IDWDT“, off his new EP “Save Yourself“. - Cleanup Radio

Bronx NYC hip-hop artist Ricky Mapes just released a brand new music video for “IDWDT” to spearhead direct confrontation, questioning the state of urban America. Standing for “I Don’t Wanna Die Tonight” his music highlights the violence, fear, and paranoia found in many cities, calling for awareness and change to break the cycle. The track comes off his EP Save Yourself, released earlier this spring. The video was produced & directed by Kidmateo, and co-directed by L.I.F.E. - Siccness

Rising underground Hip Hop artist Ricky Mapes releases his latest video titled “IDWDT“, off his new EP “Save Yourself“. - Underground Hip-Hop Blog