We had the good fortune of connecting with RU and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi RU, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
That depends on if it’s just a passion of yours or if it’s your purpose. I believe we give up on our passions because we can be passionate about so many things. When it’s your purpose, You will have a deep knowing when it reveals itself to you. Everything about it will consume you and everything about you will be connected to it. The universe will send you signs to keep going, but it’s up to you to decide to not give up when it gets rough. There will be times when it will be hard to keep going, But you will always have the appropriate amount of strength and energy to persist if it’s purpose. However, If you decide to give up, you will never know what God truly had for you. You will never discover the rooms your talents and gifts could’ve made for you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
On my 31st Birthday (May 13) I released an album titled Times & Seasons. This is my proudest and most complete body of work that I have created to date. Before I was inspired to write the album, I would write in my journal everyday, reflecting on the ups & downs of life, while I was homeless living in LA. One day I shared that journal with an artist I’de met who is a painter, and she was inspired to create an Art piece around the stories and experiences she had read about my life . The artwork is filled with many details, colorful characters, and hidden images, painted on plywood that was cut into 4 pieces. The painting was digitalized, and became to be my album cover. Looking at the painting everyday inspired me to create the music.

I believe I got to where I am today professionally because of my passion to continue learning about my industry. I am a student of the game and understand that anything that is worth achieving will come with its share of difficulties and challenges. Those are meant to develop your weaknesses and test your strength to prepare you for the next levels to follow. Ive always viewed my losses as lessons. No matter how bad something is I continue to search for the good in it. That is what helps me overcome anything I may be struggling with at the time.

A few lessons I’ve learned over the years are that everything can change for you, if you decide to change yourself. Your personal finances usually never far exceeds your personal development. Health truly is the best wealth you can have, because when you feel great, you tend to do great. All disciplines, whether big or small, affect each other in some way. Reading books is just as equally important as understanding technology.

My story represents believing in yourself and that you can do something great that will inspire others no matter the circumstances of how you started. If you have unlimited faith, you will find a way or create one of your own.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite places to visit in Los Angeles would be Downtown LA, Inglewood, North Hollywood, Melrose blvd, Glendale, Slauson & Crenshaw, Beverly Hills, Malibu and Santa Monica.

Some of my favorite restaurants would be Dulans Soul Food Kitchen in Inglewood, Rodini Park in North Hollywood for Mediterranean Grill, Raffis in Glendale, Jerky’s Jamaican BBQ in the Valley, Sage Vegan Bistro in Echo Park, Seafood City in Northridge and Comfort LA in Los Angeles.

My favorite places to shop would be Attitude Mens clothing on Melrose, The Beverly Center, Westfield Fashion Square, and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw.

For Mens Haircuts I would refer them to X’klusive Studios Inc. located in North Hollywood.
For Women, I would refer them to my Homegirl Monece @Mobraids4u

Runyan Canyon Hiking is my favorite place to hike and Speak Easy Fitness is my favorite Gym if you’re looking for a great workout.

If you are an Artist looking to create music, My favorite places to record would be Ubook Studios, The Spot LA, Labren Studios, or the Record Plant.

My favorite Cannibus Store is Cookies, and my favorite strain I would recommend is Los Angels OG.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to shoutout @leonrossonehunnit who is a talented actor & Rapper, a great father and Man of God. He is the Ceo of “Daddys Unite ” which is his clothing line that unites Single Fathers. I appreciate him allowing me to be in his and his son’s life, and to be a part of his musical platform which has given me a lot of exposure. We recently recorded a song together titled “Black Male” which can be found on Youtube at https://youtu.be/pTnK2Juz0vI
I would like to shout out my Boy Ulysses Randolph 3 @thisisulysses for pushing me to be the best creatively and for producing and collaborating with me for some of my best songs.
I would like to shoutout my Queen Crystal Lira-Jurado for always supporting me during my worst of times, and celebrating me in the best of times. She is a former U.S. Marine and Hero to her Country and Hometown. She is a phenomenal Fashion Designer, Painter, and graphic Artist as well. She creates most of my graphics, and assists me in planning my releases, editing videos etc.
I would like to Shoutout to my mentor and his significant other,  Mr. Bill Cobbs & Carolyn Ray. He has guided me for several years with his advice and has been a huge Inspiration and support system to me since I’ve lived in Los Angeles.
I Would like to Shout out another mentor, who has always been an inspiration to me, Mr. Omar Miller. Most of us know him for his work as an actor in films, but he is a great businessman, family man, and leader.
I would like to Shoutout to my Dentist Dr. Ijeoma Igwe who is also a Black entrepreneur and a great female to be inspired by. She is changing the game in her respected field and deserves some recognition.
I would like to Shoutout Izeah Bowman & Kellie Bowman for all of the herbs, Information, & health advice that they have given me. They have played a huge role in me staying healthy and They have done a great Job with developing their Grandfather’s legacy, the late great Dr. Sebi. You can follow them on Instagram if you’re interested in their health products @sebisdaughtersllc & @dietaryresolutions.
I would like to Shoutout Elani Kay and her business partner Emmanuel King for always encouraging me and helping bring the best out of my craft. Emmanuel is a great acting coach and leader. He also edited my music video titled “Motivational”. Elani Kay is one of the most positive, inspirational, Entrepreneaurial single mothers that I know. She helps so many people including myself and I want to show her some love.
I would like to Shoutout to my Pastors: Toure Roberts, Prophet Lovy, & Michael todd. Thank you all for investing into me spiritually. I am blessed to be a part of your ministries.

Website: www.anointedru.com

Instagram: @anointedru

Linkedin: @anointedru

Twitter: @anointedru

Facebook: @anointedru

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQhK4VD_BVIEdWB3NH4G5VA

Image Credits
Photo Credits: @chudo_nomi; @Jeremydavidcreative; @Lirajurado

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.