From Rice Capital to Rap Rising Star: The Raw Evolution of RawTurk
In the heart of Crowley, Louisiana—a city known more for its rice mills than its recording studios—a distinctive voice is emerging from the streets. Orthello Clement, better known as RawTurk, is crafting a sound that's as authentic as the city that shaped him.
"I speak the pain of the streets," RawTurk declares, and that's not just a catchphrase—it's a mission statement. His music, deeply rooted in personal experience and street wisdom, carries the weight of real-life struggles and triumphs. With production support from Peezi Knowel and Bluff, RawTurk has been steadily building a sound that's caught the attention of industry insiders and recently earned him a coveted spot on Spotify's top 100 playlist.
The path hasn't been easy. In 2017, a car accident threatened to derail his momentum, but like the true artist he is, RawTurk transformed that setback into fuel for his creative fire. "The accident slowed me up," he reflects, "but I overcame that obstacle." This resilience speaks to the deeper narrative running through his music—one of persistence, pain, and ultimate triumph.
Music runs in RawTurk's blood. Born into a family with deep musical roots, he didn't so much choose the artist's path as inherit it. But make no mistake—RawTurk is crafting his own legacy. His sound, described as a "deep hip hop vibe" with a "new wave type" feel, sets him apart in Louisiana's rich hip-hop landscape. Each track showcases his ability to blend raw street narratives with melodic innovation, creating what he calls a "different literal vibe."
His recent release "Soul Cry" exemplifies this approach, demonstrating his ability to channel emotional depth into compelling storytelling. The track, along with his growing catalog available on his YouTube channel and Spotify, showcases an artist who's not afraid to dig deep and get vulnerable while maintaining the hard-earned credibility that comes from living the life he raps about.
From his handle @rawturkavelli, followers get glimpses of an artist who's as real off the mic as he is on it. His authenticity resonates through every bar, every video, every social media post. It's this genuineness that's helping him build a loyal following and catching the attention of industry veterans.
Looking forward, RawTurk's vision extends beyond personal success. "I see myself working with artists I used to watch all the time," he says, with making the XXL Freshman list among his goals. But perhaps more importantly, he aims to be "one of the artists out my city to make it big and open doors for others to follow." It's this combination of personal ambition and community mindedness that sets him apart in an often self-centered industry.
The energy and drive that RawTurk brings to his craft is palpable. Each release shows growth, each verse carries weight, and his trajectory suggests an artist on the verge of breaking through to the next level. His music offers something different—a raw authenticity that cuts through the noise of manufactured hip-hop personas.
In a genre often criticized for its artifice, RawTurk stands out by staying true to himself and his roots. He's not just making music; he's documenting a journey, sharing a story, and creating a blueprint for others from small towns with big dreams. As his name suggests, what you get with RawTurk is the unvarnished truth—in life, in lyrics, and in legacy.
For those watching Louisiana's hip-hop scene, RawTurk represents more than just another rapper on the rise. He represents hope—hope that authenticity still matters, that obstacles can be overcome, and that with enough determination, the dreams of that kid from Crowley can transform into reality.