Straight out of Memphis, Tennessee, comes a promising talent by the name of Don Trip, whose been making a name for himself on the Hip-Hop scene as of late. The new Interscope Records signee is making waves with his current sober-taled single, “Letter To My Son,” which features the soulmaster, Cee-Lo Green. And, after listening to a few of his songs, the rap audience may catapult Don Trip into the next rising star. However, before co-signing him, there’s still much to learn about Don Trip. AllHipHop.com caught up with the Memphis MC to ask him a few questions and give him an introduction in this brief interview:
AllHipHop.com: Welcome to AllHipHop.com, Mr. Don Trip. Please tell us about yourself.
Don Trip: I’m probably one of the most honest musicians you’ll ever meet. I’ve been writing since I was 11 and recording since I was 16. I started releasing mixtapes throughout my city, and when the Internet era started, I jumped on YouTube and started putting up videos every other day. The song, “Letter To My Son,” was one of the most popular ones, and Interscope grabbed on to it.
AllHipHop.com: When did you sign to Interscope? And, what are you working on right now?
Don Trip: Back in February of this year. I have a Gangsta Grillz project with DJ Drama coming out, and then the album will be ready by the 1st or 2nd quarter of next year.
AllHipHop.com: You mentioned “Letter To My Son.” Cee-Lo jumped on the remix to that song. How did that come about?
Don Trip: The record got so big, and we felt like we needed something to make it complete. When the label asked me about adding a hook to it, I told them that it had to be someone with some soul like Cee-Lo. Once I said that, they went and made it happen. Once I heard the record, I knew he was the one to go with.
AllHipHop.com: Did you have any prior dealings with Cee-Lo?
Don Trip: No. The first time that I met him was at the video shoot, but he’s cool people. I was proud to meet him. It was an honor. I feel like I’m getting somewhere. There’s plenty of more work to be done, but I feel like I have accomplished something with the work I’ve already done.
AllHipHop.com: Some Southern artists are lyrical, and others just make music for the club. What’s your approach?
Don Trip: I paint the whole picture. The ones that have club music can’t spit, and the ones that can’t spit have club music. I want to be able to do all of it. I want to be the Michael Jordan of rap, and I’m going to keep going until I achieve it.
AllHipHop.com: Can you make a good club record with lyricism? One usually has to sacrifice one for the other.
Don Trip: Naw, it’s just untried. I prefer the road less traveled. It’s a challenge, but I’ve got no problem with that.
AllHipHop.com: Name some of your musical influences.
Don Trip: Andre 3000 is one of the biggest ones. Of course, there’s Jay-Z. I started off listening to Kriss Kross as a child. N.W.A. – I’m a big Ice Cube fan. I’m also an LL Cool J fan, too. There’s a lot of music. I live in Memphis, and it’s considered the South and the Midwest at the same time. We’re privileged to a lot of different styles of music. I’ve learned from everybody.
AllHipHop.com: Who else out of Memphis, aside from yourself, should we be on the look out for?
Don Trip: Young Dolph. He’s got his grind together, so I’m pretty sure you’re going to be hearing from him soon.
AllHipHop.com: You’re touring with Game right now. How did that come about?
Don Trip: Somebody made some magic happen. I don’t know who did it, but I appreciate it! I’m also on BET’s Black College Tour. I’ll be dropping the Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama soon, so be sure to follow me on Twitter at @mrdontrip.