TEC on New Album "Ketha Son" & Using His Music as Poetic Activism (Interview)
Today, TEC comes through as the next game-changing artist in our 2019 interview series. You might know him as 1/2 of the popular Down South duo, TEC & Maine Musik, but he has some hits of his own. 2018 found TEC going solo, with the insanely popular "Pay Up" and "Thru The Storm" garnering views in the millions, with the latter hitting 16 Million. Referring to his music as "Poetic Activism", it's safe to say TEC is well on his way to reaching the masses with meaningful music combined with massive reach.
During our interview, what immediately stood out was TEC's thoughtfulness and role as not only a leader but a visionary. Making music with a message, instead of just rhyming words together for a check, TEC stands out by being himself. Check in with the Baton Rouge native below for more of his story, vision and influences. Then, be sure to press play on "Ketha Son" after for introspection on another level. Now and only on Hype Off Life!
What was it like growing up in Baton Rouge back in the day?
Growing up there was so fun and exciting. There was always something to get into, never a dull moment.
What was the Hip Hop scene like out there?
Back then, the only Rapper we had who was doing his thing in Baton Rouge was (Lil) Boosie. Nowadays, we have a lot of talent coming out. Some turned into big names, and we all brought that Baton Rouge sound to the game with evolutions to it over time.
When did you know music was your thing?
I always loved music, but when I was 8 years old, I knew I wanted to be an artist and started writing.
"Anyone can rhyme words together, I’m trying to give the people more substance"
- TEC
What thoughts are in your head when you decided to start writing?
I always want to vent when I write, and you do get a good feeling when you get stuff off your chest. It’s a joy when I look back at the stuff I’ve written too and be like, “I did that!”.
What three albums have had the most impact on your life?
I want to say (No Limit rapper) Mac’s “Shellshocked” album, Lil Wayne’s “Carter 3”, and Boosie’s “Incarcerated”.
Who inspires you nowadays?
Activists like Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan inspire me every day really. They’ve been figures of change, and I look up to them.
You call your music “Poetic Activism”, what does that mean to you?
I feel like I'm doing what Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. have done being activists, except I do it with my music. I’m trying to get my message to the people like they did back in the day.
It’s more than rap with me, anyone can rhyme words together, I’m trying to give the people more substance. When I’m in the booth, I feel like I’m Farrakhan delivering a speech at the podium.
The creativity in your music and videos is always on 100. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
The music is for the video. Whatever I'm talking about, even when I freestyle, the video ideas come alive and paint the picture from my rhymes. I then bring the ideas to my director and he brings them to life. They go hand in hand from the mind to music to video.
So, you have a new solo album, 'Ketha Son'. What type of sounds and vibes can we expect to hear?
On this project, It’s more of a laid back vibe than my previous work. People used to like more gangsta/up-tempo stuff from me, but I’m more laid back here. I’m telling my story and getting deeper on the details about my life, and just focusing more on me for the fans.
That's why I named it “Ketha Son”. That’s my Mama’s name, and I wanted to give the project a more personal feel. I wanted to dedicate the whole project to my Mom and drop it on Mother’s Day. But, the label declined that request because we didn’t have any promotions running for it or even a first single. She’ll still get her gift though.
"You can’t rap forever, so you have to switch it up at some time."
- TEC
What’s the overall message you want fans to take away from the project?
I feel like on this project, I’m not trying to impress anyone or cater to anyone’s feelings. I’m just being myself, giving me to the listeners and they take from that. I want to see their reaction. But, I just want to give everybody the message of “Just be yourself, and everything else will fall into place”. You don’t have to be like everyone else, just stand out by being you.
Where do you want to ultimately take your career?
I want to go from the music and become a part of the business side of music. You can’t rap forever, so you have to switch it up at some time. I always want to be a part of the music, but I definitely want to play my role as a businessman.
Anything else we should know before you go?
I want all my fans to make this new project go Platinum! I want my fans to give me that full support this time around. I'm the biggest Tarantula, the biggest Spider, and I got the whole world in my web. I want them to keep the energy going 'til I drop “Web Life 3” ya heard me!
