In an intimate sit-down interview with the legendary Angie Martinez, New Orleans rapper Rob49 opened up about his rapid rise, unwavering family ties, and what it really means to stay grounded in the music industry.
From the jump, it was clear that Rob wasn't rolling solo. “My three brothers and my moms,” he said proudly when Angie asked who he brought into the room. It set the tone for a conversation centered around family, loyalty, and keeping it real. “So it’s a family business?” Angie asked. “Yeah, yeah, for sure,” Rob replied. His mom even helps with press and his merch; a tight-knit operation that Rob calls “for Zoom,” their way of saying it's all in the fam.
While most New Orleans natives have a distinct drawl, Angie noticed Rob's voice hits a little different. “Your accent is different than typical New Orleans,” she pointed out. Rob laughed and admitted he hears that all the time. “I pronounce my words right,” he joked, but the moment turned into a conversation about how much of his identity is still rooted in the N.O., candy lady slang and all.
Rob’s entry into the rap game is as raw as his verses. “One of my partners was rapping. I just went into rap with him one day… and it just came out hard,” he recalled. That was only in 2020 a short window for someone who’s now collaborated with major names like G Herbo, Lil Baby, and Sexyy Red. Still, Rob doesn’t think it’s happened fast. “I feel like I haven’t felt it,” he said humbly. For him, this is just the beginning.
So what keeps Rob grounded while moving at the speed of sound in an industry known for chewing artists up? Good music and real connections. “I just want to have some good, good music going,” he said, brushing off any desire for viral fame or forced collabs. In fact, Rob isn’t sliding in anyone’s DMs for features. “I don’t be reaching out,” he said. “I just be meeting people.”
That’s how his collab with Sexyy Red came about they connected early, when she had just 10,000 followers. “Everybody on my team, I got a real organic relationship with them,” Rob explained. That authenticity bleeds into his music and partnerships, even performing live with Sexyy Red and keeping his plans loose but full of potential.
When it comes to the business side of things, Rob is self-taught. He studies other people’s situations, extracts the good, and lets the bad go. “Fredo ain’t beat me,” he added with a smile, showing love to Fredo Bang, who’s supported him along the way. But make no mistake — Rob’s navigating the game on his own terms.
As the interview wrapped up, it was clear Rob49 isn’t just a rapper riding a wave. He’s building something real — rooted in family, authenticity, and hustle. And with that mindset, his story is just getting started.