Guitarist Rayfield Holloman talks about playing for Eminem, Diddy & More.
Guitarist Rayfield “RayRay” Holloman recently sat down with Revolt Tv for the latest installment of their “Tour Tales” interview series. In the session, Rayfield Holloman talks about Diddy’s dance instruction on tour, why touring will never be the same, adding guitar flips top hip hop classic, meeting Eminem, and more. Check out some of the highlights from the interview below.
REVOLT: What was your first major tour?
Rayfield Holloman: My first actual tour was with Robbie Pardlo from City High in 2004. After they broke up, they did their own separate thing and Robby did a two-week tour in Germany. That was the first time I had been on tour, been overseas, and even got on a plane. It was like a different life because I was so shocked about how they roll out the red carpet for performers. You’re not treated like a regular citizen or tourist. There were drinks everywhere. We had as much food as we wanted. Adam Blackstone was the [musical director] for that tour. Darrell Robinson was also drumming on that tour. Aaron Draper was also on that tour. The squad I’m super tight and close with was on that tour and started out together.
REVOLT: That “Bad Boy Reunion Tour” had special guests from Kanye West to Mary J. Blige. How was it adjusting to playing with those guests?
Rayfield Holloman: They gave us a little warning beforehand, maybe at soundcheck that same day, saying, “‘Ye is coming out.” We were in Cali at The Forum and Dr. Dre came out with Snoop Dogg. One that sticks out was when Mary J. Blige came out. It was such a pleasure. I also remember Jodeci came out when were in Atlanta. It basically felt like Summer Jam every night. It was a three-hour show.
REVOLT: From there, how did you connect with Eminem?
Rayfield Holloman: Adam Blackstone. He’s the chief dot connector. My introduction to Em was me filling in for Adam playing bass. Adam asked me and it felt like a daunting task because the guitar is my main instrument. To fill in for someone as skilled as Adam on a show with Eminem felt a little daunting at first. I definitely got through it. Once I met Eminem, I saw how cool and down to earth he was. In rehearsals, he’d be cracking jokes. It made me feel comfortable in that space. It was a relaxed atmosphere. He doesn’t make you feel you have to meet a certain standard. As long as you’re doing your job, you’re good. It was awesome to see how someone who is such a legend could be humble and super chill.
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Also Checkout: Eminem’s New Music Video For “Higher”.
REVOLT: What song during his shows do you feel fans can hear your biggest contribution?
Rayfield Holloman: I think one song where the guitar is highlighted would be on the song “The Way I Am.” At the end of that song when he performs it, there’s a guitar solo. It’s a highlight of the show. It’s when Em walks off and allows him to go backstage to take a breath. At the same time, it’s a very dynamic moment musically.
REVOLT: Who is the most meticulous artist with their live show?
RH: The one that sticks out in my memory is working with P. Diddy and the Bad Boy Family on the reunion tour, which is one of the greatest tours I’ve participated in. I can recall we were rehearsing and it was probably early. Our call time for rehearsal might have been 11 o’clock that morning. We were rehearsing and trying to learn all of the parts. Puff showed up around 11:45 and I wasn’t dancing or being lively. I was literally just learning parts and going over the music. Once Puff saw me not dancing enough or being lively enough for him, that’s the first thing he said when he addressed us on the mic. He said, “Guitar player, I’m going to need you to dance. I can show you a two-step. Whatever you need, I got you. But, I’m going to need you to dance, playboy.” That spoke to me because, first of all, he’s someone I admire and respect. We weren’t at the final stages of rehearsals, but he still required certain attention to detail and that stuck with me. That showed me I have to be on point at all times. It also showed me how serious he is. There are no days off with Puff, you have to be 100 at all times.
Check out the full interview here at Revolt.
