Freshly signed by Nick Cannon’s Ncredible/Art@War/Atlantic Records, TraeTwoThree is ready for the world to hear his music. Representing South Central, Los Angeles, he shares how he got started, his creative process, his mentor, and more.
Microphone down, who is TraeTwoThree?
I’m from South Central, the Crenshaw District. When I’m not making music, I’m kicking it with the homies or on my Xbox.
How did your journey with music start?
I fell in love with what music did for me and how it made me feel. I wanted to make people feel the same way it made me feel when I listened to it.
I noticed you named yourself after your hometown area code, what made you do that?
LA is everything to me. That’s all I really know… for real! It’s a part of me. I felt like that was a creative way to represent for LA.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
When I create I strive to give South central a different type of bop. LA has more to it than gangs. It’s a cool environment. My music gives you that laid back feel, you get when your cruising through the city.
What’s one thing you need around you to create art?
I like to have a T.V in the studio when I record. A lot of my ideas come from the watching T.V. Other times I need to sip and do my thing.
Tell us about some of your pet peeves when it comes to recording in the studio.
I don’t like a lot of people in the studio when I’m working. I don’t let everybody in like that.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I would have to say Drake, Bryson, and THEPARTYNEXTDOOR. I like to listen to a lot of R&B. I always been on a cool vibe.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Really… anybody. I’m a fan of the game.
So you just dropped “Worth It”, did this track stem from your real feelings or an experience you had with someone special?
All my music is real. Every song relates to a real situation and real feelings. “Worth It” came from a time when I just got my deal. I came from the bottom; I didn’t have the luxuries of life. I’m in a different caliber now, I’m signed to Ncredible / Art@War /Atlantic Records.
How does it feel to have Nick Cannon as your mentor?
It’s major to me. He always showed me love. He told me I reminded him of who he used to be when he was coming up. He’s a very successful black man, it’s a blessing to have someone in my corner to give me the game. Definitely a blessing.
What’s something you had to sacrifice in order to succeed?
Time kicking it with friends. I had to miss out on the parties, focus and change my life. A lot of times you be by yourself but I had to cut off all distractions.
Is there a message that you would like to give to your fans?
I would tell my fans to keep Jehovah first. You got to have tunnel vision and just go for it.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I want to go to Nigeria bad. My Granny was Nigerian. She died from cancer. I had to learn where I came from and honor her name. I take pride in my roots. I know that would be something that she would be proud of. I listen to Afro-beats daily.
Who are some of your favorite Afro-beat artists?
I guess I’d have to say Burna Boy and Davido. Side note, I love Nigerian food! I like Nigerian Ponder Yam, can’t cook it, but I eat it. I can make you a burger, though.
What’s up next for you?
Saturating the music scene with hit singles!
Treece Alves
