The main man Rishi Rich is back, what have you been up to while away from the industry? How does it feel not being in the limelight when you're not promoting/releasing albums?
Well I’ve been working hard in the studio on my album, Jay Sean’s album and other project, so haven’t really been away. We’ve also been traveling a lot so it’s been fun.
Most of us will have read, viewed or heard about your forthcoming album "The Project". As the producer what can we expect from this? Have you gone for a change from the past style of Rishi or are you going for the tried and tested method?
Rishi Rich.
Well for me this album represents me and you’ll have to get a copy to see what I’m all about. It’s definitely not a tried and tested method but that’s why I like it.
Artists have come under a lot of stick for using the same beat repetitively on more than a few albums. What do you think about the issue?
I believe it’s always good to stay fresh.
Ok down and dirty (or in this case push it up!), the video for your first single "Push it up" has been getting a lot of airplay but is causing controversy at the same time. Confession time, whose idea was it to make such a raunchy video?
Well the video director had the idea, and to be honest it’s a very simple idea, and for me it’s got a vibe. It’s not as bad as everyone made out, but people will always talk…
You don't make many appearances in the video and Jay Sean & Juggy D have taken most of the limelight. What was the reason behind this?
I’ve never been about getting my face up all on camera like other producers. For me, it’s solely about the music, I never wanted to be in the limelight.
Do you have any more videos planned in time for the release of your album?
Rishi Rich pictured with JD from the So Solid Crew.
Yes, we have another 4 videos planned for the album, 3 are done already so it’s going well. The next one will be Stomp which features Jay Sean, JD and Mr. Phillips, look out for that one!
Many people would have heard a few tracks from "The Project" on the radio and you have collaborated with some great vocalists such as Master Rakesh, Rafaqat Ali Khan & Des-C. What made you choose certain names over others and which artist was the most difficult person to work with?
Well, the album is just about a vibe, and for me working with these artists was a great experience for me. Everyone was real cool, no egos just good music which was nice. Wish I could give you some story about how someone was a diva, but it just didn’t happen!
Personally I love the "Dholna" track with Rafaqat Ali Khan's qawaali vibe, but do you think that this track will match the heights of Javed Bashir's tune from "Simply Rich"?
Dholna is a completely different track and it’s got a different vibe. I mean anyone who knows their music can tell that it’s a different kind of track…
Do you think you can ever match the success of "Simply Rich" with this release?
Rishi Rich - The Project (Album Cover)
This is the best album I’ve done because it’s a great concept, it’s fresh and truly represents me, and even if its sells 1 copy I’ll be happy.
You are amongst the pioneers of the new Bhangraton trend. Do you think it will take off and what other styles of Bhangra hybrid genres can you see forming in the near future?
Rishi alongside Luny Tunes in studio.
Yeah well we recorded a whole album with the Luny Tunes and artists from their camp. Artists like Mr Phillips who features on my second single ‘Stomp’, Joseph and many more. The two genres go well together and I see no limits when it comes to mixing it all up!
You recently appeared on MTV Base to promote your single "Push it up", how did it feel stepping in the hunting grounds of the big names of Hip Hop?
It always feels good getting support, it doesn’t matter whether it’s Base, or The Box, Zee or whoever, it’s always appreciated.
Do you think Desi artists will ever break into mainstream music using the true form of folk/Desi music?
I can’t answer that to be honest, I hope so.
What was the last Bhangra album you purchased and what would you rate it out of 10?
I love Zeus and Jassi Sidhus album. Straight up 10 out of 10
Now shifting attention to the 2point9 label. Have you or are you planning to sign any new artists to your clan?
We’ve just signed a girl called Chhaya, she’s an Indian girl who sings in English, Hindi and French, and she looks great too. She’s on one of the tracks on my album with Juggy.
What do you think of each member of the Mentor Kolektiv talent wise?
They are all like brothers to me and they are very talented. Mentors my bro and I’m very proud of where he’s got to and what he’s doing. He’s so talented!
A question on everyone's lips, will you ever move away from working with Jay Sean & Juggy D?
Rishi Rich, Juggy D & Jay Sean.
No.
Time for a quick word association game, I'll say a word and you tell us what comes to your mind first:
Craig David – Indian girls Puerto Rico - vibes Des-C - Star Tigerstyle - talented Specialist & Tru Skool - cool VIP Records - doing very well Sukshinder Shinda – very talented Sanj - focused Ghost Production - rubbish Coming Soon – The Project Chakdey - .com
What else do you have planned for this year apart from releasing and promoting your album? Will you be producing and overseeing other releases from 2point9?
Yeah just gonna be promoting and touring too. Just about finished Jay Sean’s album and working on some material out in New York for a few months. It never stops!
Any final words for all your fans out there and all the Chakdey.Com family?
Thanks for all the love and support. Peace RR.
‘The Project’ is released on 2point9 Records on August 7th and will be available from all good record shops (HMV, Virgin etc) Rishi Rich - The Project (Article)
Rishi Rich.
Rishi Rich - The Project (Album Cover) 
Rishi alongside Luny Tunes in studio. 
Rishi Rich, Juggy D & Jay Sean.