Tettris
Often called a hip hop purist, Tettris has slowly become the emcee that can do it all
73
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Warren Peace
Let It Go
Save You
Warren Peace: Chapter 1
Chapter 1 in a 3 part installment about an average man who loses his mind and targets the government
Show all (73)
Alright, the spotlight is on and the mic has been checked. Step up and introduce yourself.
Tettris: Whats up everyone...its your favorite suburban clown, Tettris representing the 804...whats going on Brazen?
Haha, seems someone feels really comfortable in the spotlight. Speaking of introductions, I understand you're back to working on your solo independent release. Would you elaborate on the project?
Tettris: Always comfortable, lol. Well my solo project is coming along kinda slowly but its definitely going to be considered a top notch album. I'm shooting for roughly 13-15 SOLID tracks. Working with different producers but it seems that net ego has boosted their business sense out of the roof so I will probably be doing most of my own production, a few features are going to be Big Sty, Brass31, Ray P, and a few other surprises. It will be a piece for the ages...trust me.
Speaking of Virginia's own Big Sty, how did you develop a relationship with him? Also, how important is the experience of knowing and chilling with Sty to you?
Tettris Geez...well, Sty and I met at my studio one night. An R&B chick was coming in to record a little demo that was going down to Timbaland. She said she was going to get a guy to rap on the track. So after she gets done with the main songs, she calls him...he comes by with a few of his boys and he asked me to play the track. I kid you not, one time through, he says "ok, lets go"...so I recorded it...one take...thats it...I asked him if he had that written or not. He said he never writes shit...just formulates it in his head. So I told him that I rapped a little and we started cyphering back and forth and a huge respect grew between us. And ever since then, I kinda looked to him for guidance because hes been everywhere and done everything. Hes a smart man, especially when it comes to business...he knows how to make things happen.
Okay, back to the solo debut. What is the direct catalyst of the procrastination?
Tettris: Well its no one thing directly. I was planning on getting a lot of different producers on it but that has kinda fell through because of financial issues. Plus I'm currently in three tournaments and writing for another project so the creative juices are being absorbed by a lot of different things at once. Not to mention producing for other cats around here and the net...it gets hectic at times.
Battling has always been a way for emcees not only to build street credit and a local buzz, but also a way to develop delivery, flow, etc. Since you battle so much do you think it puts a bias on the type of tracks you prefer to write? Also, speaking of tournaments, from my resources I understand you and a couple of friends are trying to hit up Scribble Jamany butterflies in the stomach prior to the big event?
Tettris: What kinda sources do you have??? Lol. Well, we are planning on going to Scribble Jam and hell yes I'm nervous. This will be the first real tourney Ive ever entered. It should be very, very interesting to see how I do against emcees of the same and higher caliber.
And I guess me being a battle emcee has kind of hurt me in a way...it does make me always want to do battle tracks and spit punchlines. But I have tried to stray from that as much as I possibly can when I record albums and such because I dont want to be another battle emcee that never made it. I try to keep as many different ideas in mind as possible. But honestly, cats today spit about the same stuff over and over. Why is battling any different? If Nas can talk about the streets of New York and Cash Money can talk about cars and jewelry in every track, why should battle raps and punchlines be different? Just another thing that makes no sense to me, lol.
Interesting take, and very valid point. And by the way, I have very resourceful resources, and well leave it at that. Haha. In listening to your music you seem to have a style that can consistently attract an underground ear. Yet, certain songs do have a commercial undertone. So, how would you describe yourself, and where would you like to place yourself in the hip hop world?
Tettris: Well when I first started writing, my stuff was very, very dark and very underground oriented. Then later as I progressed in writing, I started listening to a wider range of music and discovered keys of what sells and what doesnt. I think getting money and respect in this industry is a difficult thing to achieve. But I've tried to build upon what I have been through and the different advice that I get from people I respect. I think thats why my music sounds so different; cuz everything that I talk about in my tracks, I've been talking about for 7 years now. Only difference is I build on what I had and not try to forget it like most artists today. So I guess that makes me different.
Well what level of fame or recognition do you want in the end?
Tettris: Recognition...hmmmm, I want people to say that I have made a difference in the game. I feel that my style of hip hop is totally different than everything else that is out there. I have a great appreciation for music as a whole and I want that to show. I'm not just out here to make music, I'm out here to create art that can be enjoyed 50 years down the line. So when I finish, I want people to say that Tettris made a difference.
You've mentioned the internet a couple of times. Is it a leisure activity to you? Or do you think it has become so popular nowadays that it's an essential part of promotion? Basically...internet; good thing or bad thing for hip hop and/or business?
Tettris: For people like me, the internet is the most powerful tool on the planet. Pre-internet, the only way you could get your stuff out was through a distribution company. Now, your cd can be up on a site that is viewed by millions in a matter of minutes. Its mind boggling how rapidly things have changed. When I first started on the net in '98, no one did audio and if you did, you were a god, Lol. Nowadays, you have to do audioif not, you are behind in the times. And now you have sooooo many ways to get your product heard and sold, its almost impossible to stay broke unless you are just untalented or have no drive. The internet is great!!!
How long have you been rhyming and how much more do you think the net will play a part in your career?
Tettris: I've been rhyming for roughly 7 years now, about 6 of those on the net so its going to be very difficult to break away from networking on it. I've met so many people on the net that have talent so I hope that I never break away from it. I want to keep developing my skills and harnessing my talent as much as possible and the net gives me a good opportunity to do that.
I understand you have a few projects coming. A Duo debut album, a group album, and the solo. What do you hope to accomplish on a personal note with each release?
Tettris: Well I'm still working on the Chaos Theory project. Other than that, nothing really in the works. I think three albums is enough, lol. But with my solo one, I hope to make it a personal masterpiece. I want it to really shine. The duo album, I'm hoping to get back to my roots on a more hip hop oriented feel. And the CT project is some out of this world, crazy type shit. Just a million ideas on one album, should be nice to see how it turns out.
A lot of unsigned artists believe that labels hinder an emcees ability to grow and exhibit creativity. The opinionated topic of getting a record deal can be approached from many angles. What label would you like to be signed with, and which would you prefer not?
Tettris: A lot of labels do inhibit creativity and what not in order to fit the mold. But I look at it like this...what am I doing now? What have I done for nearly four years? I work in a place that I despise right now and I have been working full time since I graduated high school. Getting signed would be a cakewalk compared to the amount of hours I put in a week. I have to follow a dress code. I have to conduct myself in a manner that is customer friendly. I cant just fly off at the mouth and say what I want to say. But if I progress through the company, my bargaining power and rules that apply to me change. Its all about accepting the low end of the totem pole rank that so many people have a problem with. They see these guys on MTV that they think blow up overnight and it just doesnt work like that. You have to pay your dues. You cant walk into a label and demand creative control of your album when you arent moving any units and have never had any experience in the game other than your home pc; get serious. This is the real world and it sucks, but its something you have to deal with.
As far as labels, theres quite a few I've considered...Rocafella is probably the main one cuz I love producing team they have. They can make anyone sound good. Beat Club as well, although a whole album of Timbaland beats does get monotonous...lol. But one label I would not sign to is Bad Boy for the simple fact I've heard the stories (first person and otherwise) and know how shiesty they are...if I make dough, I want to see it, lol.
This interview was pretty much full of plugs already but if you have any promo shouts, or just something in general (or specified) you want the audience to know about, now is your chance. Jump:
No plugs really...just visit my site www.soundclick.com/tettris and let me know what you think...thanks to brazen for giving me this interview and big ups to CT and the rest of my net fam!!! stay strong and keep getting better...
-This interview has been brought to you by the staff of www.werepresenthiphop.com
check out www.soundclick.com/bigsty for one of Tettris' favorite rappers!!!READ MORE
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Comments (57)
You have a great voice for rap. You should keep it up.
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I pay also for Beatz, Peace!
that sh*** is hot man keep it up
hit me back kryptik pce
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