@tc-of-39th-ave-music
Category: Hope Hop
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<div>My First Hip Hop Awards!</div>
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<div><br />As a rising hope hop (hip hop’s hope) artist, I’m excited about my opportunity to attend my first major hip hop awards. I’m traveling to Houston, TX on August 8th, 2008 to enjoy the O Zone Awards weekend. I will be attending networking events, conferences, parties and of course the awards. I’m excited with the chance to introduce my movement of Hope Hop, to the hip hop industry. I will utilize this opportunity to promote 39th Ave Music LLC, my “Ambassador of Hope Hop” movement, my hot album b4 the album “The Warm Up”, as well as my hot record Da Double Dutch. There will be plenty of industry executive, tastemakers and artist in the house, to push my movement too. It’s only the beginning.<br /><br />Be Easy & God Bless</div>
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<div><br />TC</div>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">St. Louis is a city where there are so many talented artists, so much passion for making music, my home town and an opportunity to be a vital city to the record industry; but it’s all drowned out by so much HATE & NO UNITY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local entertainment industry in St. Louis, from my perspective, is somewhat dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This close to death scenario is caused by the words I highlighted above, HATE and the inability to UNITE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has also been brought on by greed and bad business decision on the part of certain individuals, who had the opportunity to open up the flood gate for the city of St. Louis within the music industry.</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">What I mean by “flood gate”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean creating outlets within St. Louis, which allow artist to grow and prosper to the masses outside of St. Louis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One saying that kills me that I hear a lot in the city is “YOU GOTTA GET OUT OF ST. LOUIS TO GET ON”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, it may have turned that way, but it shouldn’t be that way. Although I do agree that once you get your city behind you and take care of home, you should hit the world and make it happen everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That, “you got to get out of the Lou to get on”, is Bogus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did Luda have to leave the ATL to get on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did Memphis Bleek have to leave New York to get on, plus a bunch more I can name?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, they where put on in their city and then hit the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people that had the ability to create opportunity’s for them right there in their city, did that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how DTP and the ATL are surviving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how Roc-A-Fella was able to make the run that they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They got put on in their city and their city rode with them to the masses when it was time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>St. Louis, that’s what we need, bottom line!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">As an artist and CEO, I have had the opportunity to see both sides of the game, when it comes to dealing with artist, and the tastemakers here in the Lou.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve reached out to artist to do songs or even offer them my service of a show, just to try and create a unity bond in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may not sound like much of what I’m doing, but I think that it’s big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reason being, the same services that I’m reaching out to them to offer for free, I should be charging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reason being, I’m a signed artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my own legit label, which will soon sign a major distribution deal as well as a possible major label deal, if I decide to go that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may just stay independent, because I have the distribution on my side, but if the major can match my independent return numbers and offer me something of value, not necessarily monetary, then I may join forces with a major.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not telling you about my situation, hoping that it happen, this is what is on the table for me right now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So basically what I’m saying is, I could be on of the ones who posses hate and no unity, and not reach out to anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do it, hoping that others will get the idea to reach out and try to work with each other, no matter what success level you’re on, or think you’re on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully by them seeing an artist of my magnitude coming from the local scene, having these opportunities on the table, but still have the realness to reach out to others to try and create a different mood and feeling in the local scene, will encourage them to follow. Same thing goes for the tastemakers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get off this me, me, me trip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">I guess you can say that I’m one of the few who will step up to the plate to try and help my city prosper in the entertainment industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m on a mission to create outlets and a vital source that can push out hot talent straight from the STL, to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All local industry tastemakers, dj’s, personalities, media, promoters, etc., you are a vital part to the game, and the success of our city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s work together to make a change for our city, that will benefit the city as a whole, while creating outlets for artist to be successful out of our city to the world. You can be the start!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s going to take a different mind set!</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">Artist, lets grind harder and smarter, and UNITE for the cause of uplifting our city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody gotta play their part for the good of the whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing I have learned dealing with record executives, is that they don’t like spending money on items (cities), that don’t posses UNITY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can have your crew and fam, that’s all good, but just don’t make the next crew your target or enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let your crew be a reason why St. Louis is popping on the map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make them your allies in getting this industry money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make St. Louis the city where you come to see every label and artist getting money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me keep it real, like I always do, everybody isn’t gone prosper in the game, because that’s just reality, but the ones that are built for this and posses the necessary skills to be successful, go for it!</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">That’s just my thoughts!</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">Be Easy & God Bless</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">Google me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TC of 39<sup>th</sup> Ave Music & Sta2ff</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #808080;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>My Family <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The S.T.A2.F.F (</strong></em></span></span><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">S</span></strong></span><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">trong <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">T</strong>ogether <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A</strong>s <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A</strong> <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">F</strong>amily <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">F</strong>orever)</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: small; color: #808080; font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #808080;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">-The Sta2ff was formed in 1999 and consist of seven former student-athletes who became brothers while playing big time college football for the University of Missouri-Columbia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the Sta2ff was founded by the seven brothers, there are other members who have since joined the sta2ff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This family has bonded together to embark on a mission to be successful members of society.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: small; color: #808080; font-family: Times New Roman;">TC and the Sta2ff are currently making a mark in the Record Industry, with their self started label 39<sup>th</sup> Ave Music LLC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This label is the label of the future, so make sure you look out for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more info on TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop, 39<sup>th</sup> Ave Music or The Sta2ff, go to </span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/sta2ff"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: small; color: #800080; font-family: Times New Roman;">www.myspace.com/sta2ff</span></span></a><span style="font-size: small; color: #808080; font-family: Times New Roman;"> or </span><a href="http://www.tcstompingground.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">www.tcstompingground.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #808080;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">! </span></span></span></span></span></p>
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<p><a href="http://s232.photobucket.com/albums/ee303/sta2ff18/?action=view&current=dnash.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee303/sta2ff18/dnash.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://s232.photobucket.com/albums/ee303/sta2ff18/?action=view&current=SummerSplashRevisedBack.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee303/sta2ff18/SummerSplashRevisedBack.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC: I’ve been involved in making music since I was young, but I was 16 years old when I realized I wanted to become an artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started off as just a free style for me, but after spitting for so many different people, I was getting the same response and feedback (you hot, keep doing what you do).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So from there I just transformed my freestyle into writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I start writing and creating records, I realized that I have a God given talent to do this, and not just rap, but be a complete artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC: I can say one thing that influenced me was the reaction and feedback that I was and continue to get from the fans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They let me know that my whole brand and what I’m doing is hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the ones that motivate me to keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what matter to me and carry’s big influence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC: Jay Z- For his swag and ability to charm the audience as well as his glow on the mic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also respect the hustle off the mic</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">50 Cent- For his aggression and his ability to capture the audience attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also respect the hustle off the mic!</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Nelly- For his boldness and crazy delivery on the mic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reminds me of myself, how I just do me and the rest follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also respect his hustle off the mic.</span></span></span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC: That’s simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the artist of the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m well rounded in my approach to the entertainment industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will fit what I believe will be the music industry model in the near future, the 360 deal for artist who make quality records, but who can also do quality business off the mic that will benefit the labels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have and will continue to build myself as a brand, and not just an artist trying to make a song to get a deal, to never be heard of again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m putting in the hard work so that I can maintain longevity in this game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not necessarily as an artist, but someone who remains relevant to the music industry even after I hang up the mic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been building a solid foundation under me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also my style of music is different from the other artist. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m bringing that Hope Hop!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m on a mission to help bring hope back to the game of hip hop, and not just in terms of music, but my overall representation of the culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop….That’s separates me right there!</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC: No I wouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because in the end I don’t think that I will be well off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t sell my soul, which is what I stand for, for a few dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like the brand that I’m bringing to the table is perfect for what’s going on not only in hip hop, but the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also 100% marketable with a niche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My music represents hope and change!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You got to be true to your beliefs, but also back that stand up with hard work and actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make what you believe in and stand for work for you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A perfect example for me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My music is main stream hip hop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s some of the hottest music you will hear out today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The difference in my music is the content of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not using the B word, the H word, the N word, or none of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t talk about drug slanging and beefing and all that; even though I come from the hood and have been around this stuff most of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the labels ask me to switch up and start talking about this stuff to get on, then I wouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I switch up and do what’s not me, then I’m losing my self respect, which will in turn make others not respect me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the true meaning of life, having respect and being who YOU are!</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC: Strategy is the key!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just what I spoke of above, about the content of my music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Ambassador of Hope Hop theme will be the key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a whole game plan in store to present this idea and my records to the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am an Ambassador, and it is campaign season, so I think that I have the perfect strategy in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just campaigning now, so that I can be elected (album drop) in November! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC: It’s very important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old equation was 90% business and 10% music, but I think that the new one is 99% business and 1% music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially with the 360 deal format coming around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You got to be about your business 100%!</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC: Stay ahead of the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t just go out and run wild to try and get a record deal, have a game plan. Build yourself a foundation, which will assist you in putting your brand out to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be a student of the game (business & entertainment). Find other ventures that work hand and hand with your music that can assist you in putting your music and brand out to the masses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have the will power and work ethnic to make it happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay persistent in what you do, because it’s not going to happen over night, not saying that it can’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, hard work pays off! </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC: I’m actually involved in non profits right now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Vice President of The Damien Nash Youth Association www.nyausa.org, which was started in honor of my homeboy who passed away after playing in a charity basketball game that he and I put together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was an NFL player, and we always did community work together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After his sudden death, I felt that it was only right that I associate myself with his foundation, to help continue his legacy and great community outreach program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Also I’m doing work for Urban Future!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason I’m doing this, is because it allows me to assist under privilege and troubled youth in turning their lives around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m doing a summer Hope Hop course for the kids at Urban Future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course will consist of learning social skills, life skills, and hip hop business as well as how to become leaders to their peers, so that they can assist them to do the same.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one said it would be easy.</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="layout-grid-mode: line; color: black; font-family: "><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span></span></span></p>
<div><span style="color: #ff0000;">After receiving my mail and looking it over, I got very excited. Why you ask? There was a letter in there inviting me to attend an RSVP only Young Leaders Networking Party for young minority professionals. So what's the big deal on that?</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #ff0000;">First I have to say that I'm honored to be invited, because that's a sign to me that I'm doing things right. I have been working hard to brand myself as a young minority professional. My work with non profits, music and corporate America is allowing me the chance to create that brand. It's not easy work, and I believe the more work you put in, the more you get out. This party we be held on June 19th, 2008 @ The Four Seasons in downtown St. Louis.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #ff0000;">The party will consist of networking with young professionals (under 40) who are from the regions top companies. There will be guest there from: Asian-American Bar Association, Black Accountants, Black Engineers, Black MBA Association and Urban League Young Professionals, just to name a few. The event is sponsored by The Regional Business Council.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #ff0000;">This opportunity will allow me to network with the other attendees, and give them details about my community work with the Nash Youth Association and Urban Future, as well as my grind with 39th Ave Music. It will also allow me to continue to educate people on my mission to bring hope and change to the game of hip hop, as well as be that Ambassador for the hip hop culture at events of this nature. (After all hip hop is a business)</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #ff0000;">This is another tool in my belt, to continue to spread my Ambassador of Hope Hop message!</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #ff0000;">Be Easy & God Bless</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #ff0000;">TC</span></div>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="color: #810081;">TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop…</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="color: #810081;">-A Diplomat to the game of Hip Hop, who serves as an official representative for the culture to the world, while keeping the message of Hope alive.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="color: #810081;">A lot of people have asked me what I mean when I use the term The Ambassador of Hope Hop! I'll be happy to explain that to the world, so that my fans can understand my approach and take on the hip hop game. When I use the term Ambassador of Hope Hop, I'm basically stating that I want to use my diplomatic skills to help bring hope back to the game of hip hop, and not just in terms of my music. I want to represent the culture in a respectable manner on and off the mic. I truly believe that I posses the skills to have a positive lasting effect on the music industry and world. My drive as the ambassador, is to help broker the hip hop culture to the world on another level. My music and message of hope is for the masses to take in!<br /></span></span></p>