TRUE: Is there a general concept for the mixtape? If so, what is it and how did you come up with it?
TJ: There’s no general concept, just a large variety of music. I wanted to show my diversity more to justify the fact that I don’t have a lane.
TRUE: How did you hook up with Shaheem Reid for this new project “Control?” How was it working with him?
I met Shaheem through my label Big Play Entertainment. The president KV got word that I wanted to work wit him. The next thing I know, Sha walked in the room in the middle of my session. It was history from that moment on.
TRUE: Who is on this project with you?
TJ: Shaheem of course, Rocko, Nipsey Hussle, Jazze Pha, Dose, Gucci Mane, Fat Trel, my bro Meezy, and Cyhi the Prynce.
TRUE: Were you actually in the studio with them or was it an email thing?
TJ: Every feature was a studio session, except for Nipsey. I think that he was out in Cali at the time.
TRUE: Of all of the features that you have on there, let us know how your favorite studio session was, how did it go down?
TJ: My favorite session was the session wit Jazze, it was dope. We were just on some chillin, just kickin shit. There was no pressure on makin the music. It just happened, and his energy be on point every time. It’s hard to not make a smash with Jazze, unless you just suck.
TRUE: Do all of the artists have the same process when in the studio?
TJ: Nah, not at all. Some of them went right in. as soon as they heard the beat. Some of them wrote the verses in the studio. I believe one of them already had their verse written, because I sent him the beat ahead of time.
TRUE: Who did the production on the project? Were there any beats that were done on the spot? or any beats that you knew from first hearing them that it would be a banger? if so, which ones?
TJ: I knew that every song would be a banger. Too many producers to name and I don’t wanna forget anybody, but I got Jazze, Honorable C Note, D Clax, and Speaker Knockerz just to name a few. The majority of the beats on the project were done on the spot. To me that’s when the best music comes out. When the feeling is natural and right on the spot.
TRUE: There is really not much of a hip hop presence in Minnesota, tell us how you got to the point that you are? What would you say were the right steps that you took?
TJ: I did the most that I could back home as far as performing and promoting my projects, but it comes a point when you have to take your plan to wherever your scene is, then bring your success back to where you came from. Atlanta is real big on hip hop right now, so I moved there with hopes of running into the right people. Minnesotas’ music scene is growing and it’s going to keep growin if King Taylor has anything to do with it.
TRUE: What got you into rapping? Do you remember your first verse? How different is your flow from when you first started?
TJ: My big brother was my influence on music. He made me start rapping and was the only reason that I ever started. I have no idea what my first verse was like. That was way too long ago, ten years ago.
TRUE: What are your biggest accomplishments in the rap game to date? What are you the most proud of?
TJ: My biggest accomplishment thus far is really just learning and growing everyday, nothin specific. Just overall growth and success everyday. I’m proud that I still haven’t given up or slowed down. I’m still going strong like the first day.
TRUE: Who were those people that were behind your career from the start? Is there anyone that you started off rapping with that you still rap with today?
TJ: My brother was there the very first day, but I started in a group with my homie Flaw and my homie Cam. Later, it was me Flaw and Kid. All three of them started dealing with real life situations and had to take care of reality a lot faster than me because I was always the youngest, but I’ve always had support from the homies and most of my family since day one.
TRUE: Who were some of your favorite artists and projects of 2012?
TJ: Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q are my favorite artists of 2012. They brought a new feel to the game, and I appreciate that. Kendrick’s “Good Kid Madd City,” and Schoolboy Q’s “Habits and Contradictions” were my two favorites.
TRUE: What artists do you think had the most influence on you?
TJ: All of them. I study all artists to add and subtract from my own craft, that way I’m always on time and never behind in the game.
TRUE: If you could have any 3 industry chicks under your Christmas tree, who would they be
TJ: I can’t pick just three, thats not enough, but my FIRST three are Melonie Fiona, I don’t know my second yet, and last but not least Angela Yee, I like her little radio voice. I’ll Gift wrap something for her and make her talk about it on the breakfast club, haha.
TRUE: What projects do you have coming up for 2013?
TJ: “Hoodie Season” sometime in February and is the first tape to my new series that I’m starting. It has a real hometown feel to it for me and my city, Paul Shit
