We had the good fortune of connecting with Josh Ross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josh, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the fleeting nature of life itself. I’ve lost almost 10 close family members since 2013 and it honestly shaped the attitude that I possess today. I’m no longer interested in being a bystander and watching my own life play out from the sidelines. Our time on this earth is limited, so when it comes to my dreams and aspirations, I pursue them with a different type of tenacity.

Back in 2013, I dreamed of independently releasing my own music, performing in front of fans, and generating a buzz in my city.

Fast forward to present day, I’ve relocated to Denver, CO and checked all of those goals off of my list. Now it’s time to aim even higher this year and take my art to the next level.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist, I go by the name of RO$$A¥ (pronounced Rozzay). I’m a music producer and Emcee originally from Little Rock, AR but currently based in Denver, CO.

What sets me apart from other artists is my life experiences and my story. I don’t have to portray a caricature or keep up an image, because everything you hear in my music is taken directly from my life. My pain, my tribulations, and my triumph. I bare it all and I’m proud of that. There’s only one me in this world, so I don’t bother trying to be something I’m not.

My journey to finding myself as an artist was not easy. Back in 2013, I started producing and recording music in my bedroom. For years, I produced music and wrote lyrics, but self doubt kept me from telling anyone about my art. I eventually stepped away from music for some years after a series of deaths in my family.

But since relocating to Denver in 2021, I let go of my self doubt and I’ve put all my experiences into my music. I’m super proud to say that in only a 9 month span: I’ve performed 12+ shows, released 2 albums, and had visuals from my music projected onto the historic Daniels & Fisher Tower in downtown Denver.

I’ve learned that true growth and development doesn’t happen when you’re comfortable. If you’re pursuing a goal, make sure to be kind to yourself and care for your mental health. But also know that there’s sacrifices that have to be made along the way.

I want the world to know that my art is a testament to perseverance and that I won’t stop until RO$$A¥ is a household name.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, we would definitely hit up the South Broadway area in Denver. Doesn’t matter if it’s morning, afternoon, or late night. There’s a whole strip of incredible small businesses, restaurants, and bars. We would definitely get brunch on this strip and then come back for a night out on one of our days.

A personal favorite of mine is the Sputnik bar on South Broadway. Amazing drinks and the best vegan bar food I’ve ever had. Not to mention, I met my lovely girlfriend at the Sputnik back in 2018. I just can’t miss at this place.

I think the rest of the week would have to be dedicated to seeing some of the beautiful nature sites that Colorado has to offer. I’ve only been in the state since July 2021, so I’m far from the most knowledgeable.

But two areas that have caught my attention are: Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and the Great Sand Dunes National park in southern Colorado.

We could rent a board and glide down the dunes. X Games, Sand edition!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother, Carla Ross, deserves all the credit. She exposed me to music, literature, and culture at a young age. When I was young, we used to talk for hours about history and other worldly affairs. It really shaped my outlook on life and made me a deeper thinker.

I feel that all of the mentorship from her, allowed me to mentally develop at a faster rate. I’ve been writing poetry and lyrics since a pre-teen and I can’t help but think that it was all because she exposed me to materials that expanded my mind.

Website: https://www.sayrozzay.com/

Instagram: @r0_zzay

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC7jh6wLasbH4oyvtAqU9oPw

Other: For any music inquiries, I can be reached at sayrozzayy@gmail.com

Image Credits
Andrew Kelly Kira Ports Adrienne M Kendall Alisa Damaso Sarah Gilstrap

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.