Da Purple Ranger: Tampa’s Live Local Music Scene’s Newest Entry To Hip-Hop

Lil Roddy Da Purple Ranger is as offbeat and eccentric as his name implies. This Tampa native has taken his love for the Power Rangers, Lil Kim, and his hip-hop influenced attitude and turned it all into a whole new music experience. A four-song set stretched over the night at Valentine’s Nightclub & Show Bar in Tampa, Florida, recently introduced live local music lovers in the Bay area to this unique offbeat artist.

Lil' Roddy Live @ Valentine's 7/9/13
Photo courtesy of Valentine's

Lil' Roddy began putting rhymes together the same year Lil'Kim went to prison in 2005.  She was one of his idols and the loss of her vocals in the industry affected him. This led to the formation of a group with his two best friends in 2009. They called themselves Rangers in Reality. The group lasted for a few years until the members decided to go their separate ways, leaving Roddy to pursue his solo career. According to Roddy, “I didn't really sit and think hard about purple wigs and things, the character came to me naturally and it is an exaggeration of myself and who I want to be. I take on character roles and costumes because that's my personality. Da Purple Ranger is a Power Ranger, he is a hero, he’s my hero, and he’s the industry hero.” Citing his personal past experiences with bullying as the inspiration for this heroic character, this artist is quick to state his views. “When I was a kid, I never fit in. But over the years, I have learned to embrace the qualities that make me unique. My persona, Lil' Roddy Da Purple Ranger, was born the day I decided to not give a damn about other people’s opinions of me and it is his birthday every time I put on that wig and walk up on the stage to entertain.”

Photo courtesy of Lil Roddy

And entertain he does, switching from melodies and rhymes to beats and raps. This high energy, and go-for-it-all performer is determined to shake up the live local music community with his aggressive performances. Crossing lines, gender bending, and blending the best of his influences in both music and his personal life, he works hard to drive each performance to be better than the last. “I draw on influences from so much in my life that the list may never stop! I hope to inspire others through my style and music and to help break down the barriers of what a real man is supposed to be. I don't feel there should be a set definition of what a person should act like or behave like, each individual should be himself or herself, and go wherever their paths lead them.”

Photo courtesy of Lil' Roddy

Make sure to catch this rising star as he takes on the live local scene now and in the future with his messages of inspiration, confidence and the importance of being true to oneself. Grab some free downloads at Roddy’s Reverb Nation page, and take a moment to introduce yourself to the Purple Ranger. You can also catch up with him on Facebook and Twitter, and as always, in the clubs and venues around Tampa Bay.

Check out live video from Roddy's most recent Tampa performance at Valentine's. Original video by B. Cooper.