William Smith

By: Anastasia Jackson

William Smith was born in raised in Robbins IL. He had dreams and aspirations to become a basketball player in the NBA. He has done the next best thing; he is a musician. Royal Rico is not just any musician he has a catalog longer than your average “rapper” . Royal Rico has been making music for five-plus years now. He has released 100+ songs on YouTube and has five albums out. Royal Rico’s latest album is The Chosen One, you can find the album on all major platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora music).

In 2020 amid a pandemic, while most were doing their things. Royal Rico was mastering his craft in music as well as learning new skills. As of today, Royal Rico has a podcast called The Locker Room which is found on all major platforms (Anchor, Apple Podcast, and Spotify). The podcast is A haven for conversations and debates without borders. The podcast is a great place for ages ranging 18 and up. Hey, you just have to tune in to any platform and check out the content. While Royal Rico being a musician, he is very creative. His craft had him stumble across creating his radio station. For years Royal Rico manifested owning his radio station and now he does: The Vibe Radio station which will be coming to you all’s app store soon. In the meantime, check out the website for the radio station and get the latest update: TheVibeRadio.com

Royal Rico: My grandmothers’ legacy. I am not quite sure what she did, but she made sure the family was well taken care of for a long time. As I was growing up seeing that I knew for myself I wanted to make sure I leave a legacy behind. When you grow up in my hometown and you see how small the town is, not too many opportunities but you know you are different and you have to get out to show everyone there that you have the same chances to do what you’ve done. The drive to hustle is TO GET OUT!

Anastasia: What motivated/inspired you to start music?

Royal Rico: Taking pride in what I do. I did not necessarily want to make music. I was a consumer of music, but I was not out to do music at the beginning. I was put into a position to make music. I went on the fly on how to do music. Once I learned the ropes of music, I knew I had to be the best! The music industry is a very competitive field, and I knew the music I made was something different from what musicians make with their craft.

Anastasia: What is the name of your business/ businesses and what are they about?

Royal Rico: I am a musician who has created over 100 plus songs. I have released five albums with the latest being The Chosen One. In April I released my podcast, which is called The Locker Room. The locker room is a place where you come and just talk; whatever you want not biased at all. I have also just started my radio station The Vibe Radio which will be able soon. The website is up and running theviberadio.com come and check out the content and get the updates on when the app will be available. I have a few more things up my sleeve but in due time I will reveal those things.

Anastasia: Have you faced any challenges in your business?

Royal Rico: Yes, getting artists for the radio station.

Anastasia: What projects are you currently working on?

Royal Rico: The Radio Station

Anastasia: Is balancing your personal life/work life and business life for you at times?

Royal Rico: Yes

Anastasia: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?

Royal Rico: Freedom! I can do things on my time. I get to make things the way I see fit in certain areas. I get to give others opportunities.

@Royal_Rico_

FATHERS WHO HUSTLE

Cedrick R. Cheatham

When considering the true definition of a man who hustles, immediately I think of someone who works tirelessly to provide for his family and create new opportunities for those around him. Our Fathers Who Hustle Spotlight recognizes Cedrick R. Cheatham as a husband and dad of four. He works day in and day out at his 9 to 5 while following his dreams as promoter and manager for local gospel artists. He has hosted and collaborated with Gospel Quartet Music favs such as: Tim Rogers and The Fellas, The Brown Singers and More.

You can find Cedrick hosting concerts for the community, spending time with his family, and chasing his dreams one show at a time.

@Cedrickrkheim