Mega Ran is nervous. Holder of the Guinness World Record for producing the most commercially available songs about video games – no joke! – the Phoenix rapper and former teacher is in uncharted territory with Buddy’s Magic Toy Box, a children’s album inspired by the adoption of his foster son. A veteran of hip-hop shows at Madison Square Garden and other mega-venues, Ran – born Raheem Jarbo – spoke about being a dad and why putting together his latest record was challenging.
Buddy’s Magic Toy Box seems like the perfect project for you. How do you feel about this next step?
It’s been a challenge for me. I wonder if people will feel the same things I felt when I made it. I started to get a little impostor syndrome. The good news is my kid loves it, so that’s enough for me.
What did you use as a guide for creating this record?
I’ve had a chance to listen to a ton of children’s music since we’ve had a kid in the house. It’s changed what I look for in music. I wanted it to be different in my way. It’s written from the perspective of a new dad. [The Nick Jr. show Yo Gabba Gabba] did a great job of combining hip-hop with education. They would always have really great musicians that were on there. I think that’s my inspiration.
Is it hard to go on the road now that you are a dad?
Now it’s super hard. I have this deep fear that if I’m gone too much, [my son] won’t remember me when I come back. I make sure trips are shorter, and we FaceTime before bed to keep things as close to normal as they can be.
