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TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop

By sta2ff, 2008-06-02

TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop…
-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.
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!

Posted in: Hope Hop | 2 comments

Young Minority Professionals Invite

By sta2ff, 2008-06-03

<div>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?</div>
 
 
<div>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.</div>
 
 
<div>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.</div>
 
 
<div>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)</div>
 
 
<div>This is another tool in my belt, to continue to spread my Ambassador of Hope Hop message!</div>
 
 
 
<div>Be Easy & God Bless</div>
 
 
<div>TC</div>

Posted in: Hope Hop | 1 comments

TC interview with Artistopia

By sta2ff, 2008-06-04

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
 
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.  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).  So from there I just transformed my freestyle into writing.  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.  
 
Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music.  Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?
 
TC: I can say one thing that influenced me was the reaction and feedback that I was and continue to get from the fans.  They let me know that my whole brand and what I’m doing is hot.  They are the ones that motivate me to keep going.  That’s what matter to me and carry’s big influence.  
 
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
 
TC: Jay Z- For his swag and ability to charm the audience as well as his glow on the mic.  I also respect the hustle off the mic
 
50 Cent- For his aggression and his ability to capture the audience attention.  I also respect the hustle off the mic!
 
Nelly- For his boldness and crazy delivery on the mic.  He reminds me of myself, how I just do me and the rest follow.  I also respect his hustle off the mic.
 
 
 
 
 
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
 
TC: That’s simple.  I’m the artist of the future.  I’m well rounded in my approach to the entertainment industry.  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.  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.  I’m putting in the hard work so that I can maintain longevity in this game.  Not necessarily as an artist, but someone who remains relevant to the music industry even after I hang up the mic.  I’ve been building a solid foundation under me.  Also my style of music is different from the other artist.  I’m bringing that Hope Hop!  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.  TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop….That’s separates me right there!
 
Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry.  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?
 
TC: No I wouldn’t.  Because in the end I don’t think that I will be well off!  Can’t sell my soul, which is what I stand for, for a few dollars.  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.  It’s also 100% marketable with a niche.  My music represents hope and change!  You got to be true to your beliefs, but also back that stand up with hard work and actions.  Make what you believe in and stand for work for you!  A perfect example for me:  My music is main stream hip hop.  It’s some of the hottest music you will hear out today.  The difference in my music is the content of it.  I’m not using the B word, the H word, the N word, or none of that.  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.  If the labels ask me to switch up and start talking about this stuff to get on, then I wouldn’t.  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.  That’s the true meaning of life, having respect and being who YOU are!
 
Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another.  What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?
 
TC: Strategy is the key!  Just what I spoke of above, about the content of my music.  My Ambassador of Hope Hop theme will be the key.  I have a whole game plan in store to present this idea and my records to the world.  I am an Ambassador, and it is campaign season, so I think that I have the perfect strategy in mind.  I’m just campaigning now, so that I can be elected (album drop) in November!  
 
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?  
 
TC: It’s very important.  The old equation was 90% business and 10% music, but I think that the new one is 99% business and 1% music.  Especially with the 360 deal format coming around.  You got to be about your business 100%!
 
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now.  What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
 
TC: Stay ahead of the game.  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.  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.  Have the will power and work ethnic to make it happen.  Stay persistent in what you do, because it’s not going to happen over night, not saying that it can’t!  Remember, hard work pays off! 
 
 
Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home.  In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?
 
TC: I’m actually involved in non profits right now!  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.  He was an NFL player, and we always did community work together.  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.  
 
Also I’m doing work for Urban Future!  The reason I’m doing this, is because it allows me to assist under privilege and troubled youth in turning their lives around.  I’m doing a summer Hope Hop course for the kids at Urban Future.  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.
 
Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors.  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.  No one said it would be easy.

Posted in: Hope Hop | 3 comments

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TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop

Young Minority Professionals Invite

TC interview with Artistopia