Ron Karona Releases 'Life or Death' LP & Interview

Ron Karona, an emcee representing VA and Philly, recently released his album ‘Life or Death’ produced by Antagonist Dragonspit. True to authentic Hip Hop, Karona showcases an emotive performance filled with sharp wordplay and storytelling laced with gritty undertones. Tap in below for more on the album and what’s next for Ron Karona.

MJ: Before we jump into the new album, let the world know who Ron Karona is, and tell us about that moment when "pen and mic" ignited something in you. 

RK: I started rhyming and writing lyrics and poetry when I was 14 or 15, around 1995/96. By high school, I was taking it more seriously than school almost. I always had this feeling that I would end up doing something with music.

MJ: When speaking to artists from various locations, I pick up on different vibes when it comes to Hip Hop and the culture. What's your take on the scene in VA and Philly?

RK: Both VA and Philly have incredible Hip Hop scenes. I’m going to speak about Virginia because I’m more familiar with it. When I got to VCU in Richmond, VA, in 1999, I was exposed to the most Hip Hop talent I had ever been around.  Emcees, DJs, producers, etc. It was like boot camp for Hip Hop heads; all we did was cipher up, listen to beats, and sharpen our skills. That scene in VA is still going strong.  Big shoutout to profound79, Fan Ran, Mike Wunda, The One Who Knocks, 703 to the 757

MJ: You're a seasoned artist in the game, and your music is widely received and respected. What's your recipe for creating shelf-less music?

RK: The recipe for me is to read a lot; all kinds of books all the time, and then diversify the music I listen to so I’m absorbing all this different stuff into my subconscious. Then, when I get a dope beat and start writing to it, I have all this stuff I can pull from. I also record prolifically; I did about 75 tracks last year

.MJ: Let's dive into the new album 'Life or Death.' Give some inside scoop from concept to production.

RK: The album is pretty much a year’s worth of me recording over Antagonist beats. We didn’t really plan it out. One day in May, we talked about putting out an album of just me rocking antagonist beats, and a day later, it was done.  I did about 25 tracks, and then we narrowed it down. I feel like every track is strong.

MJ: You have several collabs with Antagonist Dragonspit and share an incredible MC/producer chemistry. How did that relationship come into fruition?

RK: We met in Richmond at VCU in 1999. He’s been a huge influence on me since.  We first recorded together in 2001 and did a bunch of tracks at Depth Charge Recording (Team Demolition) in the early 2000s. He produced a ton of my tracks, and he’s a great friend and legendary emcee.

MJ: What is the takeaway from 'Life or Death?' What are you hoping audiences/listeners will grasp from the album?

RK: I’m virtually unknown, even though I have been doing it for a long time, so I look at the album as an introduction to myself.

MJ: Do you have a favorite track off the album? Or one that hits heavier than the others?

RK: My favorite tracks kind of change depending on my mood, but you can’t go wrong with “Graveyard Dogs.”  The video is out now for that as well.

MJ: What's next for Ron Karona?

RK: Big things. But I must keep working hard. My day is coming. I've been saying that for 25 years and I still believe it.

MJ: Take this time to let everyone know where they can connect with you.

Instagram @ronkaroniEmail pmurph101@yahoo.com