Alternatives : Trials of TQ: The Introduction

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Trials of TQ: The Introduction

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:00 AM | 47 comments

By TQ

Thank God…

My name is TQ. I'm a veteran. This is what I wake up saying in the morning. Every morning. In 2008 you gotta have something to lean on. That's what I lean on... The fact that I know what I’m doing now…

A lot of people don't know me, but for the ones that do, they know what I’m talking about. I dropped my first album in 1998. I been around the world since then, and I seen a lot of shit that most people don't get to see. At least the people I know...

I was raised in Compton, California. Nothing came easy. It teaches you how to be an animal about your hustle though. That's the part I love, because you gotta be an animal in my business. A wild animal... A survivor.

Yeah that's me - a Survivor.

Thanks to AllHipHop, for the next six weeks I'm gonna tell y’all how we survive. There's an epidemic of us selling our souls to put out records and something needs to be done about it. Something needs to be said. Homie, it ain’t that serious... This column is here for the sole purpose of making you understand that.

I'm 15 years in this game, and I've done a lotta dumb sh**. That qualifies me to tell you how not to. I get a lot of mail about the business as a whole, and I've picked out a couple to touch on each week... Hopefully you get some good food for thought that keeps you from f**kin' up....

I got an album, Paradise coming out April 29th. My label, The HUB Muzic LLC, Gracie Productions, and EMI Distribution have a little joint venture going on, and we gonna see if we can sell some records. I mean, for all the places I've been and all the people I've touched, with all the mail that I get, I'm thinking some people want to buy some records. Let's do it...

I'm what you call “Independent.” My records belong to me. From that point, I go about finding people to help me put them out. Nobody makes my decisions. Men and women come together at a table and try to agree on a plan. But if the plan is f**ked up or if it just doesn’t work, it’s on me. I can't blame anybody... I'm Independent.

I'm only gonna get out what I put in so I'm going hard. Hard in the paint... Some cats watch TV and wanna be what they see. You can't blame them, but this sh*t takes a lot of work. Most cats don't understand that. Man I'm always doing something... I got picked up from the studio to go to Prom, Graduation, and a lotta times, school period! Ever since then, I probably spent as much time outta this country as I have in... It’s all for my hustle.

I write songs on people that I've never heard of in countries that I’ve never gone to, in languages that I don't speak. My discography looks like the f**kin' UN Security Council. You want a song, I'll write it. Period. Any shape, form, or fashion, I'll make it happen. Hustle Simmons Esquire at your service, daddy-o! That's how I get down. These days you better show some versatility... Ni**as don't buy records, ya dig?

Anyway, I see people in the streets and they're like, "Man where the hell you been?I used to bump yo shit back in the day! I was wondering what happened to you??" I laugh to myself when I think about it. It has been a long ass time, but I'm still here... That's saying a lot. I'm not really hurting for sh*t. That says even more... I got my right mind and my soul is in tact. That's damn near a miracle!

This is a cold game. Some cats have the talent, but they ain't built for it. You gotta be built for it. When I first started, I didn't’ have a f**kin' clue, and I got jerked. My silly a** gave somebody 50% of my copyrights for a measly a** 40k a year. Shit I was a kid! I shoulda been in college or something... I thought I was ballin'! Not knowing that they were making hundreds of thousands off my a** and I was doing all the work... classic example of cummin' too quick….

I had a bullshit lawyer and manager and they hopped right in the jerk line. Come to find out all three of us got an advance from the company! But I still had to pay commissions and lawyer fees!!! Them two ni**as was crooks. Can't blame them. Regardless of how young I was, I shoulda been on my shit. I wasn't too young to f**kin' read right?

After about two years of that bullsh*t, I finally wised up and shook them ni**as off. What I couldn't shake off was that punk a** deal they had me signed to... I had to sell some records. I had to place some songs. I had to do something...

Stay tuned… I got some game for you.

Come check me out next week. We’re gonna take this up a notch. We’re gonna talk about “They Never Saw Me Coming” LOL! That should be very interesting…

TQ - S.E.X.Y. from the upcoming album Paradise

Feel free to holla at ya boy on myspace. That’s www.myspace,com/TQOfficialSite or on my website www.thugpoetry.com Ask me questions about the column and anything else you might come up with! I’ll holla…

Comments

	One Hun-ed said: Not giving up thats good. I was a fan way back in the day but i aint herd shit so big ups to dis nigga. Fuk u niggaz who say fuk a first. Its funny to say first niggaz fuk yall April 16, 2008 9:12 AM
	DBaker said: TQ, I got a question for you pimp what ever happened to all the work my nigga J. Hess from Kansas City( Now resides in Cali) did for you back then I heard all the early songs you two did but nothing came out of it? http://www.myspace.com/getosoulproductions D.Baker Producer for MIMS April 16, 2008 10:06 AM
	WhoRyde said: That's real talk man. You got to go out and do your thing and not expect somebody else to do it for you. WhoRyde hip hop show http://www.WhoRyde.podomatic.com hosted by Tye Banks http://www.TyeBanks.com http://www.WhoRyde.com April 16, 2008 10:16 AM
	DEE-LICIOUS_ahh said: Good luck to you TQ. I still have ur 1st album lol. Sounds like you've been through a lot. April 16, 2008 10:33 AM
	Backspin202 said: I got his first album on wax. I liked that song "I Wanna F*** Your Sister". Classic. Good to see ya back on the scene. http://www.crucial202.podOmatic.com http://crucial202.podOmatic.com/rss2.xml April 16, 2008 10:35 AM
	acedameter said: Dam, but thats how the game go. What TQ's talking about happens daily in the music business. Its crazy because everyone sees this and that in these videos not knowing that everything is all an act. Its not real and until more artist comes out about the cons of the business, many will continue to be confused. Independent is starting to become the major deal and if it wasn't why are so many talented mc's going in this direction? lol. Lets be real about this situation for a change. Most majors ,"jerk you"!!! RIP Pac April 16, 2008 10:35 AM
	Boss Up said: damn i was readin it hopin he would talk about Cash Money wutever happened wit that April 16, 2008 10:58 AM
	illseed said: hope the rappers and singer pay attention, i can see this is going to be real talk April 16, 2008 11:04 AM
	ZHOOV-BOY said: yo TQ we met in Germany at The Dome years ago and i had you say whats up to all my P-Town Catz and we was kickin it at the After Party later that night i'm still here in Germany doin my thing peace LAMAR holla at me April 16, 2008 11:05 AM
	PrimeTime said: For thos who dont know there are 2 albums that came out since TQ's first album. Good quality R&B go get it and support the indi artist. April 16, 2008 11:14 AM
	Water Ur Seeds said: Ive been A big fan of His since 'Never Saw Me Comin', I got that album 'Second Coming' and 'Listin' they all good, but 'Never' is the best, that new single 'Paradice' the version WITHOUT Krazy its fuckin ill, I cant even find that version anymore 'Save A place for Me up in Paradice, shot of vodka bag o weed and A better life' 'Can we have A moment of silence just for Eric and Lisa, 2Pac and Aliyah how we miss Chris and Jamaster Jay, Rick and Roger, Luther V, Big Pun and Soulja, Freaky Tai, Proof and we hold ya' Dope tune, He deserves much more props April 16, 2008 11:27 AM
	doobie ashtray said: i consider myself a hip hop head and ive never heard of duke.. can some one tell me his hits or where is he from? where would i of heard him on? April 16, 2008 11:30 AM
	myspace.com/itsjohnp said: He was speaking that truth...best line in the column was "Some cats watch TV and wanna be what they see."... thats way to true...the whole games turned to a big game of MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO... for the real heat, checkout the page...the heats posted... myspace.com/itsjohnp April 16, 2008 11:34 AM
	durtysouf said: That first CD was a banger.....didn't like the Better Days track took me through some hard times. I like the Wanna F*** Your Sister track too......I still play it at times, lol. April 16, 2008 11:37 AM
	Water Ur Seeds said: He says He writes His lyrics, but didnt Neyo write 'Westside' tho??? Either way Hes heavy so I aint care April 16, 2008 11:44 AM
	Dove said: @ doobie tap tap You're in the non-rap section (Alternatives). TQ is a singer. April 16, 2008 11:52 AM
	doobie ashtray said: @ DOVE... OH SHIT... I GOT LOST.. THANKS THOUGH.. HOWS IT GOING OUT IN HARLEM ? IM JUST TRYING TO STAY ALIVE IN ROUGH ASS BELLEVUE... THE STREETS ARE WATCHIN OUT HERE... April 16, 2008 11:57 AM
	Shifty_UK said: whats good TQ been a fan since TNSMC your shit is always bumped. even more so in the summer lol April 16, 2008 12:20 PM
	acedameter said: You know, I am looking about what "Water Ur Seeds" posted and can't beleave how many soldiers we lost of the pass few years "'Can we have A moment of silence just for Eric and Lisa, 2Pac and Aliyah how we miss Chris and Jamaster Jay, Rick and Roger, Luther V, Big Pun and Soulja, Freaky Tai, Proof and we hold ya' " +Notorious BIG April 16, 2008 12:33 PM
	Rahiem Shabazz said: T.Q. is giving up the necessary game to yall cats trying to get in the industry. Put your reading specks on and take heed. If you really want to know the game go cop All You Need To Know About the Music Business: by Donald Passmans. I read every edition up until the 6th edition. April 16, 2008 12:49 PM
	BLUNTBLAZER said: DAM TQ WHERE YA BEEN DUDE WAS ALWAYS GOOD WIT THA VOCALS WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THAGRINDAHOLIC CHECK THA NEW TRACK "MENTAL RELAXATION" April 16, 2008 12:51 PM
	AJRICH said: Respect but his time is over April 16, 2008 1:39 PM
	K.A.K. DEUCE said: Super B*tches was tha dopest video ever! April 16, 2008 4:13 PM
	Dove said: @ Doobie Harlem is BEAUTIFUL today. Thank goodness spring is finally here! It'd be a lot nicer to experience it in the NW though - the air is clean, and it smells like coffee, smoked salmon and the ocean (not all at the same time, of course) April 16, 2008 4:47 PM
	JaqMove said: I Love your shit TQ. He did have an album Drop through Cash Money It did the Flopper Or they Shelved it. Only TQ can Tell you Cause I didn't see in any record store In Cali? Now as to the article week! All I heard was a Bitter Person Ranting and Raving about a Daily Issue in the Game...If you were really Hustlin Homie you wouldn't be B*H. A Hustla Don't B**H. A Hustla Does What it Takes and Reapes from the benifits...Look at Crooked I! I really wish you the best...I will Probably buy your album I support all west coast artist who got they're shit together and TQ's Flow is Dope a little R&Bish But still Dope! April 16, 2008 5:39 PM
	GoodLookinOut said: Much luv fam from ya Bama kinfolk. April 16, 2008 5:50 PM
	dj2ten said: wuz poppen TQ MAn I've been Fan 4 while since (bye,bye.baby) {if i've ruled the world} and (i wana F*ck U're sister) man i could go on but i'll stop. i wanted to ask u if i could get a drop 4 a mixtape im doing I would Really appreciate that if u dont wana do it i understand but if it's cool please hit me up at dj2ten@yahoo.com If u even Read this thanx 4 the taking the time to read this but i know it a longshot but i hey tryed peace playa looking forward to your new album paradise peace playa April 16, 2008 6:10 PM
	NewWest-310 said: If you haven't heard it, check out "TQ feat Daz & Kurupt - The Comeback" That shit is a great song w/ a great story line and is told really well. Props to TQ. April 16, 2008 6:17 PM
	TiKKet said: westside till i die...TQ an OG! April 16, 2008 6:47 PM
	Tommy K. said: Haters fall back this dude is putting us on some game right here real talk! I'm looking forward to the next article they post. If you are a music head with talent but no business since I would pay attention... "I been around the world since then, and I seen a lot of shit that most people don't get to see"- Yea this dude saw baby kiss wayne lol. April 16, 2008 6:48 PM
	bligz said: @ night i cant seem to get no sleep, addicted to indo and hennesey.... i'm stressed homez I GOT THE VEST ON friday night and its time to put the west on April 16, 2008 7:04 PM
	ProdigyInnovative said: D Baker....I hear my name has been in your mouth in the city. Im everywhere bro, and I hear everything. You have something to say directly to me then get at me.......By the way Im light years past where I was in the city, and i was a boss then so where you think I am now? April 16, 2008 8:26 PM
	Big Slim said: Damn . . the funny thing is i downloaded his single "West Side" like 4 days ago. . I was like damn where did this dude go .. Good to see he ain't fell off . . Do yuh thing TQ .... April 16, 2008 11:58 PM
	ganglandrecords said: @doobie ashtray u are not a hiphop head if u dont know who TQ is. i repeat u are not a hiphop head if u dont know who TQ is. go put ur soulja boy or party like a rockstar niggas. hes a west coast rnb dude. did some songs with dpg, too short , e40...was on cash money for awhile did a few songs with wayne n them.. if u dont know now u know...n-word April 17, 2008 3:32 AM
	Water Ur Seeds said: @ acedameter Yeh I feel that But Wen He says Chris he is referring to Biggie tho April 17, 2008 6:43 AM
	doobie ashtray said: @GANGLANDRECORDS.. IM NOT A WEST COAST DUDE.. AND I DAMN SURE DONT LISTEN TO SOULJA BOY... GOOD LUCK WITH THE RECORD LABEL April 17, 2008 11:43 AM
	doobie ashtray said: @GANGLAND RECORDS HOW ARE YOU GONNA TELL ME CAUSE I DONT KNOW WHO AN R&B DUDE IS I DONT KNOW HIP HOP..... LOL.... April 17, 2008 12:24 PM
	ganglandrecords said: @ doobie ashtray rap+rnb = hiphop... u said u consider urself a hiphop head but u dont know how dude is so im telling u who dude is..and if u think gangland records is mine then u really dont know hiphop..its shynes label. dont tell me u dont know who shyne is either..dont claim shit if u dont know shit..and if u dont know, now u know...haha April 17, 2008 4:24 PM
	doobie ashtray said: GANGLAND SORRY, I DIDNT KNOW YOU WERE DICKRIDING SOMEONE ELSES RECORD LABEL YOU HAVE NO ASSOCIATION WITH. .BUT THATS COOL YOU GIVE OTHER PEOPLE FREE PUBLICITY.. YOU SHOULD TAPE A STICKER TO YOUR FOREHEAD SAYS BITCHMADE AND ADVERTISE YOURSELF INSTEAD.. AND THAT FORMULA YOU STATED IS NOT TRUE...LOL.. WHO TOLD YOU THAT NONSENSE.. ? SORRY I DONT LISTEN TO PEOPLE SINGING HIGH NOTES.. I BANG CHICKS LISTENING TO OLD NWA CD'S.. GO LISTEN TO SOME JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND CRY ME A RIVER BITCHMADE April 17, 2008 7:31 PM
	ganglandrecords said: @ scoobie doobie no, what u didnt know is what it was. thats what u didnt know. aint nothing wrong with riding ur fav rappers label and there aint nothing wrong with listening to high notes, ur ass is just someone who thinks he knows alot about hiphop but doesnt know shit. most of the people that make "highnote music", mj, maryj, boyziimen, adina howard are people rappers look up to. so get it rite. why are u evening on this thread if u dont listen to rnb? or highnote music as u refer to it.if u dont know that rnb is a part of hiphop ur ass shouldve grown up in the early 90's, sounds to me like ur 15-16yrs old...u must be banging some ugly ass looking broads cuz dimes dont fuck to gangsta music.. u need to have the right music rnb like rkelly bumping in the background to get with the dimes..go get an hiv test homie u mite have something fuckn man lookn bitches..... April 19, 2008 12:42 AM
	killa kadafi191 said: I have a question was They never saw me coming meant to be a story??? How the songs lined up and went together. one more lick you get locked up in jail you talking about darlin mary and the next song is when I get out. April 20, 2008 9:45 PM
	Dove said: @ doobie TQ is from Compton homie. He rarely ever does love ballads. Go back and take a listen to some of the songs, you might be surprised. April 21, 2008 8:28 PM
	Pilly Da Kid said: TQ, there is only one thing whacker than you...YOU! April 23, 2008 9:40 PM
	Pilly Da Kid said: TQ, there is only one thing whacker than you...YOU! April 23, 2008 9:40 PM
	Pilly Da Kid said: TQ, there is only one thing whacker than you...YOU! April 23, 2008 9:41 PM
	PtownSweetnSticky said: Props TQ, I got the last three and this makes four. Keep em hatin! Three gay ass comments from a douche bombs aint gonna make him quit so who the fuck are you????? Reason you make hits and he sucks dicks is the same reason he is hatin'..... HE does what he is good at it....... Much love form the westcoast! April 29, 2008 1:58 PM
	TQ bussin' some files on Baby & Lil' Wayne - IslandMix said: PingBack from http://www.islandmix.com/backchat/f6/tq-bussin-some-files-baby-lil-wayne-177104/#post2769383 June 4, 2008 12:16 PM