We recently had the chance to connect with Rebekah Ragland and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rebekah, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building, that nobody really sees, is the foundation of peace and stability I’ve created for myself and my kids. I’ve been doing a lot of quiet work — unlearning old patterns, setting real boundaries, choosing myself, and becoming intentional about the people and energy I allow into my life. I’ve been rebuilding my confidence, my sense of security, and the way I show up emotionally. A lot of this work doesn’t get posted, shared, or talked about, but it shows in the way I carry myself now. I’m proud of the inner strength, the calm, and the emotional discipline I’ve built privately. That’s the part of me nobody sees, but it’s the part I’ve worked the hardest on.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rebekah, and I’m the creator behind Andrettiibadu Records. I’m a Freelance A&R who collects vinyl, studies sample culture, and curates playlists that highlight independent artists. I created both the Sucka For Samples series and the Independent & Underground Volume series. I have a deep understanding of music lineage, and I use that to bridge classic sounds with new talent.
What makes my brand unique is that I bridge the old and the new. I bring together the depth of vinyl culture, the history behind iconic samples, and the raw authenticity of indie music. Everything I curate is intentional. Whether it’s helping an indie artists develop and structure their opening act sets so they can show up polishedand confident, curating a playlist, an artist/producer recommendation, or a breakdown of a sample, the goal is always to help people experience music in a deeper way.
Andrettiibadu Records is really an extension of my ear and my passion — where crate digging, storytelling, talent development, and artist support intersect. I’m inspired by the lineage of music, the way a sample connects generations, and the way an overlooked artist can have a sound that deserves a stage. My goal is to give independent artists a platform to grow.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom taught me the most about work. She was a teacher for 40 years, so her dedication didn’t just shape me — it touched hundreds of kids’ lives. Growing up, I watched her show up every single day with patience, purpose, and a kind of consistency that you can’t fake. She handled everything with grace, never complained, and always poured into the people around her. Seeing the impact she had on so many students made me want to leave that same kind of mark on people in my own way. Her work ethic and the heart she put into what she did is something I’ll always carry with me.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most in my life wasn’t about the world — it was the fear of wasting my time on the wrong people or situations. I’ve never been scared to take chances, but I have been scared of pouring into things that don’t pour back into me. That fear made me overthink, stay cautious, and hold back pieces of myself.
What helped was realizing that even the wrong people and wrong moments teach you something. Nothing is really wasted if you learn from it. Now I trust myself more, trust my intuition, and move with confidence instead of fear.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it’s not the whole story. What people see is my strength, my creativity, my work ethic, my humor, and the way I carry myself. All of that is true. Merely based off asthetics.
But the deeper parts of me — the softness, the sensitivity, the healing, the boundaries I’m still learning, the things I feel deeply but don’t always say out loud — that’s the part I protect. Not because it’s fake, but because it’s sacred. I don’t show how deeply I embrace motherhood; I keep my children off social media, I love being a mother, and sometimes I wish I would show that side of me more. I also keep my love life private, but over time I may share spurts of my family.
So yes, the public me is real. I just don’t give the world every version of me anymore. I’ve learned to keep the parts that matter most for the people and spaces that feel safe. The parts I share publicly are intentional, but the parts I keep private are equally real — they’re just protected.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in my own space, surrounded by music or records, curating playlists, or researching samples — it keeps me grounded and connected to myself. I also find calm in quiet, intentional moments like reading books, going to the library, exploring museums, enjoying spa dates, watering my plants, or building Legos with my kids.
Being around my children when they’re happy, safe, and laughing brings a deep kind of peace that nothing else can. Those little moments — when the energy is soft, the house feels warm, and I can fully breathe — that’s when I feel most at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/AndrettiiBadu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AndrettiiBadu/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AndrettiiBadu
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrettiibadu
