Interview: trundeed + d.o.f. + dunn deal pr

Oakland-bred, Connecticut-based rapper TrUNDeed presents the Pixel Art-directed music video for “From The Bay 2 CT”, the Prestigious One-produced title track from his new album out now featuring Mistah F.A.B., Chris Webby, A-Nice, Digital Beatz, Flylife, DreamLife, Artist is, Jitta On The Track, Ace is Working, Sanara, Natasha Ramos, Royal, Ru Williams, Casanova Mills and Jus L. Hailing from a musical family, Tru’s cousin Adriana Evans was signed to Virgin Records, and Tru dropped his debut album Live And Direct in 2000. “This album is near and dear to my heart,” says Tru. “I’ve been wanting to tell the world about my journey from the Bay to CT but I just didn’t know how until I recorded that first song called ‘The Bay’ where I talked about where I’m from, how I grew up, and the culture I was living when I was in Oakland. On this album I talk about personal things, like how I live away from my daughter who’s still in the Bay, to songs that embrace the struggles of an up-and-coming rap artist in this music industry. I feel like I cover all bases.” From The Bay 2 CT is out now on iTunes.

What’s your perspective on Obama’s time as president?

I'm not big on politics but I would say that if we could have a president in office more than 4 years at a time and more than just two terms I would choose Obama!! I feel that he is doing a great job based on the hand he was dealt and I'm so happy to say I was alive and was able to witness the first black president to be elected and hopefully he won’t be the last. 

If you could bring back any dead artist who would it be and why?

I know everyone is expecting me to say 2Pac because I'm a hip hop artist and I'm from the west coast but he would actually be my second choice if I had one. My first choice would actually be Michael Jackson. I just think at 50 he was gone too soon, I feel like Mike had so much more in him to give us and to teach up and coming artists. Unlike any other artists Mike had the ability to change the world with his music and that reason alone would be why I would bring Mike back. I was actually in LA when he died getting ready for the B.E.T awards. R.I.P. Michael Jackson.

What inspired the laid back sound of From The Bay 2 CT’s title track? How did you decide on the musical approach?

I needed a intro for the album so I called out to the homie Prestige and he sent me over about 4 super dope tracks. When I heard the beat I just knew that was the one I wanted to go with. I already knew what I wanted to talk about because the album was done and I didn't have any records on the album that really told my story on how I came from the Bay 2 CT, so the concept of the record and the writing of the record was easy. I finished that song in about 20 minutes. 

What do you think hip hop will sound like in ten years? What makes you think it’s going to evolve that way?

That is a real good question. I don't think anyone can answer that one. Ever since the birth of this genre it has constantly evolved way beyond anyone of us could have imagine. Who would have thought that we would have artist in their 40's and 50's still performing and touring. So if I could say what hip hop will be in 10 years I would say still alive and kicking strong - plus I would have dropped my 20th album hahaha.

How did your Mistah F.A.B. collab come about?

The Mistah F.A.B. collab was pretty easy. We are childhood friends. We went to elementary and high school together and we both have been doing music since we were kids so when doing this project I knew I need to have him on at least one track and I actually got lucky and ended up getting him on two tracks. He’s family to me so he is always just a phone call away and any time I have ever asked for a verse from him he has always delivered no questions asked. He’s a real good dude, humble and down to earth.