By Shayler Richmond
Ypsilanti, Michigan native rapper Royale Weatherspoon is creatively known as Royalé Michael and he believes his art must tell a story.
Royalé began writing poetry in middle school and later began writing lyrics in high school. It wasn't until after high school that he realized the level of difficulty he had with expressing himself, so he started back writing poetry as a tool to better navigate life.
In 2016 he wrote and recorded his first song, which he describes as being "terrible," however he welcomed this early failure as a needed challenge in his creative journey toward becoming better at his craft. He released his first mixtape in the fall of 2016, at a point in his career where he was only having fun with music.
Royalé started working on his freshman album in 2017 and it was then he realized that with hard work he would get positive creative output.
His freshman album, "Reign of Royalé," released in June of 2017. His sophomore album is anticipated for this fall to follow up his first mixtape which he dropped last September.
Royalé believes the secret to gaining confidence and longevity is staying true to yourself. He says you have to figure out who you are and stay true to who you are, but that doesn't mean you have to do it alone. Royale figured out he needs like-minded people in his circle in order to make a career out of being a creative.
“The only way I can continue to make art is if I reach the people through my work, and having people around me with a like-minded mindset helps us all to be inspired,” said Royalé.
Family is also a big component of his inspiration because he feels his family are some of the most genuine, humble, and loving people who raised him to be the same. These are values he continues to carry with him in his artistry. He has goals of giving back to his family and his hometown of Ypsilanti, Michigan.
“I want to show people they can reach their goals by being true to themself. You don't have to do drugs. You don't have to be this dark human being when there is a brighter side to every situation,” said Royalé.
Recently losing his close friend Tracy "Zuu" Buggs Jr. to suicide forced him to dig even deeper for more inspiration. He feels he must continue to become the man and artist he is becoming to be in a position to uplift others and help them overcome.
"I see other artist continuing to make music and tell their stories while struggling so I have to keep going. My only competition is myself, so I have to be better than I was," said Royalé.
“Always stand for something. You are not alone. If you can’t directly change someone's life, then you can change their mindset,” he continued.
Follow Royalé Michael and listen to his music through the links below.
Reign is his favorite song on the album because it makes him feel like a rockstar.
Instagram:
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSpxTQ4b1i_PoUVmwlFRGNQ
Music:
“The Prologue ” (sophomore album) https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-prologue/1473532231
"Escape" featuring Myna - Single
https://soundcloud.com/royalemichael/escape-feat-myna
"21" - Single
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/21/1441100573?i=1441100574
"Launch" an EP collaboration with Derrick $horter (Artist & Producer)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/launch-ep/1448177882
"Reign of Royalé" - Album