Isaac Ramsey is a native Richmonder who has explored the many facets of Richmond's music and restaurant scenes. Since making the transition from rock to hip-hop, Ramsey has adopted the moniker "Swordplay" and released two albums on the Richmond-based Concice Records. The most recent was "Cellars and Attics," a full-length look into worldwide affairs, like war. It focuses on our problems here at home in Richmond. Ramsey has toured up and down the East Coast and even ventured offshore to Puerto Rico. His latest music venture is the hip-hop/R&B super group Hot Chicken, made up of some of the best lyricists Richmond has to offer. Look out for the debut Hot Chicken album hitting the streets in the near future. In the meantime, enjoy this rapid fire, short and sweet "20 Questions" with the somewhat reluctant star of the underground Richmond rap scene.

What was your first foray into the Richmond music scene?

Twisters.

What is your current main music focus?

Gwen Stefani.

What was your first entry into the Richmond restaurant circuit?

Joe's Inn in Southsiiiiide!

What restaurant can Richmonders find you in these days?

Karsen's in Carytown. Come in on Sunday and let me make you brunch.

What are the different music projects you're involved in right now and how are they unique?

Firstly there is Hot Chicken, a soulful blend of hip hop and rock which is surprisingly good. We are still fresh out of the oven. Then there is Swordplay, my rap given name, which is a much more ravenous and barbaric project. I've been rapping over beats by some really good producers lately. Check out Asombrir and Pierre the Motionless.

How did you make the transition from rock to rap?

A bunch of rappers held guns to my head and told me I had no choice but to sign up.  Obviously. That is the only way one can make such a transition.

What's your history with Concice Records?

The "Tilt EP" released in 2005 was my first CD and also their first CD. Then we did the Cellars and Attics full length in 2007.

Who are some of your influences in the rap world that you think people need to be listening to?

Sole, Aesop Rock, Blackalicious.

How has growing up in Richmond influenced your lyrics?

Significantly.

How big of a hip-hop/rap scene is there in Richmond?

Does size really matter?

What's the average crowd like at a Richmond hip-hop show?

Inebriated.

What's your favorite Richmond spot for food and why?

821 because the price-portion-flavor ratios are the most correct.

What's your favorite Richmond spot to grab a drink and why?

The fridge because I am poor.

Who is your favorite Richmond band?

Antlers.

What does the Richmond of the future (think at least 50 years from now) look like in your mind?

Kind of like the cover of the "Tilt EP".

What's your idea of a perfect date in Richmond?

A bottle of ouzo, a bottle of water and a loaf of bread taken to Swan Lake and finished.

Where do you go if you ever need to get away from the city?

The Caribbean.

Besides touring up and down the East Coast, you've gone all the way to Puerto Rico to perform. What was that like and how did it come together?

I played two shows there with my friend and international rap super star Stranger Day. He's been going there for years just to hang out and surf whereas I had no idea what to expect. We did a show in Rincon on New Year's Eve that was absolute bananas, nothing but booze and a whole lot of gringos. Then we did a show in Isabela a few days later that was more on the plantain side, a little calmer with lots of locals, including a 1992 high school reunion that was double booked at a bar with a rap show.

Where do you see the Richmond music scene headed?

Out of Richmond.

Richmond is __________________.

Just a wittle baby.