Meet Ricky Tarantino aka (@Surfio2040)

What’s your name and where are you from?

You talking to Ricky Tarantino, aka, The Surfer. I hail from The Bronx, New York. Specifically, Tracey Towers, known as 2040 or Lil Ghana. We're as uptown as it gets! Second to last stop on the 4 train. In the Norwood section of the Bronx. My 2nd home is about 3 miles away in the south Bronx. Twin park Towers aka 800. That's my block too.

Why do you love what you do? ———-

I love to perform in every sense of the word. In & out of the combat sports (rap & martial arts) that I partake in. When the pressure is on? I'm gonna perform. When the stage is set? I’m gonna perform. It’s time for action? I’ll put on a box office smash. I named myself after the brilliant director Tarantino because I tend to make a scene. I’m a walking movie.  I've always gravitated toward combat sports. I'm a 4th-degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo world recognized in Korea. Which qualifies me as a master. I love to coach and compete. Rap is also a combat sport, some would say I've mastered that as well and I agree. I enjoy teaching my students. I've watched many grow up into amazing men and women. I still compete at the national level. I can't just watch on the sidelines. I have to partake in the warfare personally. Rap is also a combat sport I feel I've mastered. I'll also tutor or go toe to toe with anyone in that arena.

What makes you different? ———-

What makes me different is what makes any of us different from one another: EXPERIENCE. Your experiences shape everything about you. I’ve been fortunate to experience aspects on both ends of the spectrum of life. I’ve been homeless and I’ve lived in a midtown condo. I’m street yet sophisticated. I’m scientific & also holistic. I’m charismatic but I can get bashful. yin & yang. Gangster & a gentleman. Trenches aristocrat. I got something for everyone.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ———-

5 years from now I see myself as a well-known independent artist, maybe not at the Grammys but certainly selling out shows. I’ve had ups & downs In my personal life for the past few years that have pulled me away from the music & everything that comes with it. I’ve made projects with no promotion, no content, and nothing to engage audiences. Now that I'm adding that to my arsenal I think I'll gain traction. The music speaks for itself. It's just about getting it heard.

What do you want to accomplish in life? ———-

In life I just want to make sure I live up to my potential. To the talent God gave me. I want to make those who believe in me proud. I owe it to my brothers that passed and to my ancestors to make something of myself. Some people don't have people in their corner. I have a cabinet behind me. So I'd better turn out presidential.

What do you bring to your industry? ———-  

I’m a jack of many trades, and I make vital contributions to any field I dabble in. But I'm gonna assume you mean musically. I bring a versatility & complexity that's not often seen. if it's ever been seen at all.

What do you want to be remembered for? ———- above all else, I want to be remembered by the merits of my own making. you can get a championship ring on the bench. Or you can have an illustrious hall of fame career and never get a ring. I respect the latter. I wanted to be remembered for my pen. for my artistry. Not a ready-made hit purchased by my label and written by some 16-year-old who was paid unfairly for it. performance over politics.