Though Rudy Crowder’s music may not sound like a marching band or Sunday choir, he says time spent in the Carrollton High School band and performing with his church helped shape his sound.

“Rap lets me do anything with the music,” said the 24-year-old Carrollton resident, who will this week release his first CD, “Epitome,” as hip-hop artist Rude Boy B.

Crowder said he has a variety of influences — Kanye West, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake and The Fray — but was most interested in rap and hip-hop.

And though some may dislike hip-hop because of its language and message, he keeps his music positive.

“You don’t have to say all that kinds of stuff to make good music,” he said.

Earlier this year, Crowder was signed to Fly Company Music Group during a concert at The Loft in Atlanta. He’s been working on “Epitome” for about two years and can’t wait to share what he created with his family and friends.

“Everything on the CD is mine. The music, the lyrics, I even had final say in the art,” he said. “I think I’m a pretty unique artist.”

To mark the release of his album “Epitome,” Crowder is throwing an album release concert at the University of West Georgia’s Townsend Center on Sept. 11 at 8 p.m.

It will be his first concert as a solo artist in front of his hometown, and he’s been practicing and preparing for the show.

“People have an idea of what the show’s going to be,” he said. “I can’t wait to show them. I’m ready to get out there and find out what people think.”

He has been touring around the state performing at colleges for several years, though his previous rap group, Nu Nu, split up about two years ago.

“Playing in front of your hometown as a group is great; your family can come out and watch,” he said.

Crowder would like to spend more time with his family, but touring, recording and his day job in sales keep him busy.

“Like any dream, this one is a lot of hard work,” he said. “You have to make sacrifices.”

Crowder’s single, “Get Low,” is available on Amazon.com and iTunes. “Epitome” will be sold at his concert and will be available in some local stores, though Crowder is trying to have the entire CD available on iTunes and Amazon.

Concert tickets are available at in advance by calling the Townsend Center at 678-839-4722 or at the door.