Right now, real hip hop still lives in Lake County, Illinois. Submitted for your approval: True P. True P is a writer, a rapper and a Spoken Word artist from Waukegan, IL. According to his Reverbnation bio: "True has perfected the art of writing in depth; describing in full detail the plight of a young, black, self-aware 23 year old. As well as having the Edge that it takes to create a commercial Banger.(the non-corny type). "
After reading that snippet and listening to the tracks from his latest endeavor BE TRUE: VOL 1 (available for download now) on www.datpiff.com, I had to see the man for myself, sit down and talk to him for real, for real.
So on Tuesday, April 17, at 2:30 pm, I sat down with this maverick young artist and found myself completely captured by the answers he gave to me.
How long have you been writing music as far as hip hop lyrics and how do you balance that with your poetry?
TRUE P: Well, honestly, I can say I have been writing lyrics since I began writing period. Because, every poem, every word, every lyric is in turn, my soundtrack, my life story. So to add music to it, basically I can say expanded it, you know. Um, I've been doing this since about sixth grade and I am twenty-three now going on twenty-four.
What is your main inspiration and motivation as far as how your own creativity flows out of you?
TRUE P: I would have to say that my main motivation is the truth and good music. Music with meaning so that people can actually feel it and music that you could say connects universally with everybody.
What about making music makes you happy as far as your balance, your zeal, your zest for living?
TRUE P: Honestly, it's a way to vent. Most definitely, it's a way to bring a finished product from the thoughts that I manufacture. I don't think like the average person. I think on levels. I guess, you could say more intricately than most others would thought or think--multiply that a thousand fold and then I apply that to my records.
Out of all of the things you've created, I know you have a mix tape out right now--what typifies that last statement, what shows your best talent out of all your songs?
TRUE P: Well, the name of my mix tape/album is called BE TRUE: VOLUME 1. It's my first solo mix tape, make sure y'all go and grab that, it's very deep. Um. Honestly, I would say every track. Not to sound typical, but every track I guess you could say brings out or touches on different sides of me. Cause, as a multi faceted thinker, you know, you want every side to be portrayed to it's fullest potential, and I believe that every track does it. Every track on there is my favorite track. If I could point out the one track that people seem to float the most too, it is track 2 "The Fear".
And what about making music makes you not so happy? There is a business aspect to it, and it is hard to be seen and heard, especially when you have something relevant to say. So what is the toughest part for you about making your own music?
TRUE P: I have to say the toughest part of manufacturing my own music without major help or backing would just be limited amounts of networking at times. And being from this area, I could say limited resources and information. You definitely have to do your research on your own and make sure that you have everything down pat and correct. Otherwise, you are not going to be viewed as a professional entity, because you are the rapper but at the same time your name is your brand. So, within building your brand, I guess you could say it's more about increasing the impression that you make on everyone else. Making sure that you can relate to the people. What I hate is weak rappers or non lyrical people who don't make music that you can feel. It's almost a hollow shell where the song should be. I really don't appreciate that. (laughs)
Like they did something to you?
TRUE P: Exactly.
Alright, mainstream or Indie music? Why should people invest in underground artists?
TRUE P: Of course, I would have to say Indie Music. Because you get more variety. Honestly, if radio wasn't so polarized towards a few different corporate owners, I would say that you probably would hear more music out there on the airwaves. But in this generation, it is more so via Internet. So, you basically have a pathway to millions of different artists on a world wide scale. I believe that more of those artists should get backing from major labels, but it's all a game of puppeteers. You know, supply and demand, and control. Most definitely.
Who would I find in your collection of music? What do you listen to that I would be surprised to hear or see? Any genre, people might not associate you with?
TRUE P: Well, I actually listen to every type of music from indie rock to hard rock, to rap to hip hop of course, Soul music, R&B, Gospel, Folk music, and I actually have a few East Indian on my MP3 player. A few groups that you would be surprised that I listen to are System of a Down, KORN, Sum 41, who else can I honestly say . . . Well, that's all I can think of on the rock side. You can definitely listening to something old school like Anita Baker or Toni Braxton, that's a definite.
But, what my favorite albums or artists that you catch me listen to most often would definitely be NAS and JAY Z, BIGGIE, A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, Q-TIP, some J-DILLA, COMMON and I got to top it off with YEAH. ROSS doing his thing out here. And OLD WAYNE, shout out to OLD (lil) WAYNE.
Real Talk. True P lyrically is the bomb. The Be True: Volume 1 Mixtape is the bomb from the Intro to the end and rewind that shit again.
But, don't take my word for it. Be True to your own ear and listen for yourself. I don't think you will be disappointed. As for me, I can't wait for volume 2. However, my favorite tracks are Track 3 "The Truth" "INSPIRATION" (track 8), and track 6 "I Need Your Love featuring Cass".
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