Richie Rich

Richie Rich isn’t just a name; it’s a badge of honor that was earned, not given. At just 16, working at a McDonald’s in East Oakland, a young Richie was bestowed the moniker by a girl named Tenda Linda. Linda, with her undeniable charm and mole on her lip, saw more in Richie than the nickname “Tiny” that he’d been carrying. Tiny was a name that reflected his stature, but Linda saw the hustle, the grind, and the potential that would soon define Richie Rich. She declared, “You’re Richie Rich,” and from that day, he left Tiny in the dust, carving out his path as Richie Rich, the storyteller from Oakland.
Growing up in the hilly streets of East Oakland, Richie Rich was no stranger to the contrast between the hills and the flatlands. While he resided on Malcolm, an area known for its hills, his heart often drifted down to the flatlands, where the real action was. His best friend Willie, who lived down the hill, introduced him to the bustling life of the flatlands, where he encountered the Falcon boys and the buzzing energy of MacArthur Boulevard. It was here, riding the bus through East Oakland, that Richie Rich's love for cars and the culture of his city took root. Today, he splits his time between his spots in Northern and Southern California, always connected to his Oakland roots.
Coming from a strong two-parent household, Richie Rich had the stability and support that many in his neighborhood lacked. His father, a shipyard worker, and his mother, who worked in the mental health field, provided a middle-class upbringing. Life was good, filled with toys, fresh gear, and a sense of security that allowed Richie to explore his world without fear. But life wasn't always smooth. At 17, Richie Rich experienced a traumatic event that would forever shape his perspective on life and music. Witnessing the death of his friend Willie Wright was a turning point—a moment that made him realize the fragility of life and the importance of telling his story.