Every once in a while, a customer’s name catches your attention. When we recently saw a Google Review from Rap Master Ricky, our curiosity got the better of us. A little research later, we discovered that this wasn’t just a catchy profile name—it belongs to a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major who is using music to spread an important message about safety. And he was right here driving on St. Croix in a Centerline Jeep!
Rap Master Ricky—whose real name is Ricky T. Gravely—is a retired Command Sergeant Major and safety officer with the 41st Field Artillery Brigade (FAB) at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, Germany. Over the course of more than four decades of federal service, his mission has been simple but powerful: keep people safe.
“I’ve been fortunate that throughout my 41 years of federal service, I’ve lost zero Soldiers or civilians to accidents under my control.”
Why Road Safety?
As Rap Master Ricky, he produces music focused on safety awareness—turning lessons learned from real life into messages that resonate with younger audiences. One of his newest tracks, Seatbelt Safety, reminds drivers and passengers how one simple decision can save a life.
This mission is deeply personal for Gravely. His passion for safety grew out of tragedy and personal experience. He lost his niece in an automobile accident at just 20 years old, and earlier in his life he survived a motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his own. Those experiences shaped the way he approaches safety and the message he shares with others.
In a U.S. Army article, Gravely recalled a moment early in his career that solidified his commitment:
“When I was a young staff sergeant, I was on a funeral detail and served as the senior member in charge. When I presented the flag to the family, the third person took the flag because the first two were crying hysterically. It took all my strength not to lose it myself. I knew then that I never wanted to be in a situation where I lost a Soldier to an accident.”
Rap Master Ricky Visits St. Croix
Recently, Rap Master Ricky visited St. Croix and rented a Jeep from Centerline Car Rentals to explore the island. During his stay, he snapped some photos of his adventures and included them with this Google Review:
“Fantastic service. We came into the one at Christiansted and needed to go to the one at the airport. Both teams communicated our needs, including assistance with a taxi. Very smooth service… Thank you! Jeep was great!”
We’re grateful Command Sergeant Major Gravely, a.k.a. Rap Master Ricky, chose Centerline Car Rentals for his time on St. Croix—and even more grateful for the message he’s spreading.
Whether you’re cruising around St. Croix or heading down the road wherever home may be, the reminder is simple and powerful:
Buckle up. Every trip. Every seat. Every time.