Trae News
Over time, rappers have rhymed about hustling, living in the ghetto, and the danger of street life since the beginning of gangster rap. Nevertheless, what distinguishes Trae Tha Truth, from the newest rap stars to rise from Houston, TX is his lyrical consistency. You can't go into a club, get into a car, or walk down the block without hearing the hit single, "In the Hood" that not only represented Houston in its proper structure, that presented a new, but original method of southern swagger to the world...
Trae never boastfully brags about his days hustling on the crime-ridden southwest side streets, nor does he dogmatically preaches at his listeners while lecturing them to live righteously. Instead, his lyrics are direct with a "been there, done that, move on" attitude that implies that there is life beyond the block. "Because in every life situation, whether good or bad, at the end of the day, life has to go on, and when it does, you have to be that soldier."
The southwest side of Houston is full of dangerous neighborhoods, filled with drugs, gangs, and poverty that consume the strength of young minds that live there on a daily basis. "I got started by being a part of these streets and witnessing a lot of stuff. Every once in a while, you run into a real nigga, and I was one of them. I found that music was a way to express things. My brother got locked up and I got locked up. He went that route, so I did it too. I only became interested (in music) 'cause my brother, Dinkie, asked me to do music instead of ending up in prison like everybody else. So, I saw a lot of things growing up." This makes the story behind Trae even more astonishing. Despite the obvious violent reference, considering how Trae came of age, it is no wonder why he feels a sense of responsibility to address these day-to-day issues in his lyrics with a sense of right and wrong. "I'm gonna be consistent till they put me in my grave. And hopefully when they put me in my grave, its still gonna be consistent." This shows Trae's degree of morality and integrity. Unlike most MCs who falsely brag about living the life, they rap about, or try to paint a picture that Houston is a city of diamond waterfalls, never ending Bentley dealerships, and candy paint cars. "People gotta understand that I'm the black sheep of the pack. But, also the fact that I'm the truth. Everything I say is true. Nothing is falsified! You're gonna see a lot of real shit coming from me. I ain't here to be friendly with nobody. I ain't here really to kick up no dust. It just is what it is, the truth!" Trae truly did live the stories that he tells in his rhymes and he has suffered the consequences for his actions. This is why Trae is respected as an OG in Houston, and takes the title, Trae Tha Truth as serious as his life!
Trae first gained exposure on the Houston rap scene in 1998 when he made his rapping debut on Z-Ro's album "Look What You Did to Me". His first official release, hit the world in 1999, with the classic "Guerilla Maab: Rise". However, Rise was recorded and released just after Trae returned from a short time in jail. This helped set the tone for his work ethic and taught him to focus on his music. In 2003, he began to work on his solo career with the album "Losing Composure", shortly followed "Same Thing Different Day (2004)", the nationally acclaimed "Restless (2006)", and now his most recent album entitled, "Life Goes On (2007)".
"Life Goes On" is Trae's latest release on Rap-A-Lot Records. The albums essential theme is resulting from his very own life experiences, which has taught him the harsh realities of life and yet being able to move on. The album features members of ABN (Assholes by Nature) a group that was pioneered by Trae Tha Truth himself, as well as hit singles like, "Ghetto Queen" with Lloyd and Rich Boy, "Smile" with Jadakiss and Styles, and the club banger, "Screwed Up" with Lil' Wayne. Throughout the album, Trae displays a distinguished tightened flow, which could only produce a new lyrical cleverness that the music industry so desperately needs.
Trae is nationally known for his appearance on the official remix of Yung Joc's song "It's Goin' Down", which earned Yung Joc nationwide attention. This became one of the biggest mainstream pop hits of 2006. Most notability, Trae has made several cameos in many of today's mainstream videos. He can be seen in Ludacris "Down in the Dirty", Rich Boy "Boy Looka Here", Rocko Da Don "Imma Do Me", Lil Boosie's "Zoom", Hurricane Chris "A Bay Bay", Jim Jones "We Fly High (Ballin) Remix, Yung Joc's "Coffee Shop" and "I know you see it", and Gorilla Zoe's "Hood Nigga" just to name a few. Trae was also featured in a video called "Smash Exclusive: Houston Mic Pass" with Lil' Flip, Chamillionaire, Chingo Bling, Bun B, Short Dawg, Big Hawk, and Mike D.
" Real Talk" from the album "Restless (2006)", was featured on the soundtrack to the video game Madden NFL 07. Trae has also won an Ozone Award for "Patiently Waiting Artist for Texas". Recently, Trae and his ABN gang filmed a movie, in his hometown of Houston, TX titled, "Against Everything". Among other notable distinctions, Trae is a life long member of the Screwed Up Click and the ABN Gang. He is also the cousin to the "Mo-City Don", Z-Ro. The "Dynamic Duo" is presently working on an album together.
With his devotion to "true" music attached with the growth he has experienced over the years, Trae Tha Truth knows that his time is now! He's young, aggressive, and hungry. With a combination of talent and drive, it's only a matter of time before Trae Tha Truth and his ABN gang will be dominating speakers around the world. "I'm one of the youngest out here. They ain't seen my side yet. I promise you won't skip over my music. Every track you'll listen to, I'm all the way around. I rap, (and) I sing. This is probably one of the most serious albums out there. A lot of people follow a fad, (but) I'm doing my own thing. Sometimes you gotta understand this shit is for real. My shit might be too far over their heads. My fans get more than what they pay for. I'm reppin' the truth, and the streets."
www.myspace.com/TraeThaTruth