It’s been almost nine years since Long Beach rapper and former Eastsidaz member, Big Tray Deee, was first incarcerated for an attempted murder for firing shots at rival gang members. In the almost three years since we last spoke to Tray Deee, he’s managed to write a new fictional book along with fellow incarcerated writer Anthony Barrow, entitled, “Streetz Gon Cry”, which is now available in paperback and e-book.
Tray Deee’s new novel tells the story of two gangs (the King Crips and the Vernon Boys) that share an on and off rivaly in their efforts to control the cocaine game in the streets of West South Central Los Angeles. AllHipHop.com had the rare opportunity to once again to chop it up with Big Tray Deee for an exclusive update on his well being and new book:
AllHipHop.com: First off, please let us know how you are doing.
Big Tray Deee: Thank you for asking. I’m wonderful. Allah has allowed me to grow in maturity and spirituality during these past nearly nine years of incarceration, so everyday that I wake up, I look at it as a fresh start to earn his favor and blessings. I’m humble, positive, optimistic, healthy, and strong. I’m very close to regaining my freedom, so I feel unstoppable.
AllHipHop.com: That’s wonderful to hear. Congratulations on your new book, “Streetz Gon Cry”. What made you decide to become an author?
Big Tray Deee: Thanks. Well, initially when my co-author/business partner and I were brought together, he wanted me to become the editor for our company, Ave Money Publishing LLC. After I began to edit “Streetz Gon Cry” during its developmental stages, I offered a few viewpoints here and there, and as Tony (Barrow) and I got deeper into the story, he invited me to assist in its completion. So, together, we went hard and did that.
AllHipHop.com: Please take us through the writing process for this prison-penned book.
Big Tray Deee: “Streetz Gon Cry” was born in the mind of Mr. Barrow, so there was already a storyline and a direction when the chapters began getting delivered to me, and after dissecting the plot, I would implement various twists for his approval and vice versa. Tony is a spectacular storyteller, and we both came up in the gang-infested streets where cutthroat, nefarious activities were the norm in hustling. Once we fine-tuned the fictional characters, the story basically told itself.
AllHipHop.com: Now that you’ve written a fictional book, do you have any plans to write an autobiography?
Big Tray Deee: Certainly, however I feel that I have much more to experience and accomplish in this life, so an autobiography from me at this time would be premature. But when I do decide to put it together, it should be an interested read and possibly as thick as an encyclopedia [laughter].
AllHipHop.com: Are you still writing songs?
Big Tray Deee: And you know this! God gave me the right gift to write lyrics, a love of music, and a distinctive voice. Plus, I know that there are tens of thousands of individuals who’ve lived or are living the lifestyle that I address when I spit. They could give a damn about a metaphor or a simile or about spending stacks on b*tches and bullsh*t. They just want to hear that rugged and raw gangsta sh*t – and I got that all day.
AllHipHop.com: Do you have a special message for all of your fans out there?
Big Tray Deee: Fa sho! I love all y’all for ridin’ with me and supporting me throughout my career, sincerely. I know the game ain’t the same as when I left, and it done got kind of watered down by perpetrators and imitators, but don’t trip. Once the General returns to the battlefield, I got some bombs to drop on they a** and make ’em salute!
For now, y’all can follow me on Twitter (@BigTrayDeee and @avemoneyllc). Peace and blessings to AllHipHop.com. Thanks for the shine and support.