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Lakewood rapper T-Mack is doing some big things and now with his new mixtape getting mad love not only in New jersey and the five boroughs but also now in the UK and Europe. Things are really hotting up for this MC so Rago Magazine sent Tricksta to do us an exclusive interview….
When did you start making music and realise that you wanted to be a rapper?
I’ve been writing since I was in middle school. I didn’t start recording/rapping until I got to college.
Was there a person or record that inspired you to pick up the pen and start writing songs and hit the studio?
I’ve always wanted to rap when I was writing in high school but never had the place to record.
So how did you get your name? What’s the story behind it?
My sophomore year in high school a friend of mine called me T-Mack and that was my nickname ever since so I just chose that as my rap name, since it defines who I am.
Where exactly are you from and what’s the Hip-Hop scene like there?
I’m from Lakewood, New Jersey. Hip Hop where I’m at is kinda of cliché. Jersey bases their music on NY rappers and rap hard and gangsta even though where I’m at is no where near as ghetto as they are.
What projects have you released so far and what feedback from the media have you had?
Haven’t had too much media feedback but from fans/associates it has been good.
Let’s talk about your latest project. Where can people get it, who features on it and who dealt with the production?
You can get my latest project on my MySpace @ www.myspace.com/tmackthatdude. Kajmir Royale, VTZ, Sinima Beats, Johnny Julianno are most of the producers on my latest project.
How are you getting your project out there? Do you have a distributor involved?
I you my MySpace to do my heavy lifting and I do everything else by word of mouth.
Is there a shop or website stocking and supporting your music?
Currently no, but people can holla at me!
Getting radio play is real gripe for a lot of Hip-Hop artists, but have you had any radio play?
If so what DJ’s and stations are supporting you? I haven’t had any radio play at the moment other than being on a previous mixtape of Green Lantern’s called MySpace Invasion 4.
Do you think that radio is still as important as it was in the digital age?
Radio is still definitely very important. People listen to the radio a lot and that’s all that people know in today’s time. Before the digital days, it was much easier for underground artists to be heard, but now if you’re not on the radio you’re most likely not being heard.
Dance/Electro/Club styled Hip-Hop seems to be the only Hip-Hop getting airplay on radio and TV.
Do you think that to survive you have to change your music to fit in or do you think it’s more a case of moving with the times?
I’ve been asked this question a lot and I talk about this type of thing in my music. I say that I won’t conform but in a sense you have to. In order to be on a major label you have to make music that the masses want to listen to, but you don’t have to do it in a cheesy way as “most” radio songs do. That’s what I refuse not to do. I won’t become another cheesy non-skilled rapper.
Do you think the internet helps or hinders independent artists?
The internet definitely helps the independent artists. Without the internet, at least 90% of internet artists would not be heard.
When it comes to making music what would you credit as your main motivation?
My love for good and real music is what inspires me the most. I hear what people say is hot and I tend to stand out with my beliefs because mainstream is dictated by DJ’s who participate in payola. I go against the grain which usually isn’t good for being on a major label. I talk about my problems and don’t always shed light on the “good” and “party, get drunk” type of music. Sometimes the music I make is depressing and deep, which doesn’t agree with mainstream.
Let’s talk image and branding for a minute. Some artists spend lots of money on artwork and other acts aren’t that interested. How important is image, artwork and branding to you?
I think it’s semi-important. It all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re trying to make tons of money, then yes you need a brand. Most images are superficial, like rappers having so much “bling”. Most jewellery is fake especially in this economy. Rappers don’t make “that” much money unless they’re artist on a level of Kanye and Jay-Z.
Have you got any videos on there and have any of them actually got played on any TV Stations?
No.
What was the last album you brought and where do you buy your music?
Is there a good record shop in your area or do you buy on-line? All my music can be found on my MySpace. All my music can be found on my www.myspace.com/tmackthatdude and www.Datpiff.com
Interview by Tricksta
www.myspace.com/trickstawolftown
www.myspace.com/ragomagazine
MAKE SURE YOU COP T-MACK'S 'THE RETURN OF THE MACK' MIXTAPE HOSTED BY DJ AMES
01. Intro
02. On My Grind
03. Lakewood’s Finest
04. Fly Away
05. Goin In
06. Welcome To The Underground
07. This Place
08. When The Weakness Shows
09. Find Myself
10. Im Blowin Up
11. Its Going Down
12. Bounce
13. Time 2 Re-Up
14. Star Track
15. Doin Me
16. Outro
DOWNLOAD T-MACK'S MIXTAPE NOW!
http://www.multiupload.com/GJE96URWE7
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