AllHipHop.com: We haven’t had a chance to catch up with you since you made AllHipHop.com’s “Top 25 Underground Artists of 2011” list. What’s been going on with you in 2012, and how have things changed for you since making the list?
Top $ Raz: First of all, let me say thank you to AllHipHop for even including me on that list. I definitely wasn’t expecting that. Since making the list, I’ve been making sure that I live up to that listing.
A lot of personal things have changed for me. New place, new borough. Been out here in Bushwick for the past eight months are so. There’s a lot of art and musicians out here. It’s inspirational for me.
AllHipHop.com: Yes, it’s an inspirational place for sure.
Top $ Raz: I’ve also been in the kitchen, so to speak, cooking up this new project for the masses. A lot of people haven’t seen me in a while or heard from me in a few months as far as music is concerned, but come September 18, they’re going to see the wait was definitely worth while.
AllHipHop.com: What is the concept for the new project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
Top $ Raz: The concept of Reign on the Parade is an entirely new shift of focus. Imagine yourself at a parade and you’re thinking, ‘Wow, what could be better than this moment right here’ – and then all of a sudden somebody comes riding through on a two-headed dragon completely shifting everyone’s focus towards it. That’s what this project is. It’s a completely new lane and focus for myself.
AllHipHop.com: Have you shot any videos for the project yet?
Top $ Raz: Yes, we just put out a video for “Race”. We went with “Race” as the first single and video, because it displayed that shift in focus we’re creating for the music. It’s completely different than anything I’ve ever done. The video, the beat, the lyrics, all of it.
We’re gonna keep pushing the boundaries of what’s expected and accepted from an underground artist with the next video for the second single “FRESHOUT”. The treatment is crazy! Wait till y’all see that! Buahaha!
AllHipHop.com: How has signing with Throat Chop Music changed your career?
Top $ Raz: I’ve joined forces with people that have always had my back from the beginning, Q of Throat Chop Music and Jessica Estevez of iHD Management. Unlike most of these cats signing out of desperation and fear or just for a quick buck, the Throat Chop Music deal is in it for the long run. It’s a partnership between individuals who truly believe in each other’s work. There’s no yes men on this squad, and I love that! I love the honesty and integrity of Throat Chop Music. I know that sky’s the limit with these folks. We’re all excited for what’s to come next.
AllHipHop.com: What would you say has been the best part about getting signed, and has it been what you always thought it would be?
Top $ Raz: The new lanes and avenues I’m able to build with outlets that were otherwise unattainable on my own.
AllHipHop.com: What is the next step for Top $ Raz?
Top $ Raz: First, Reign on the Parade September 18. You can look out for this Throat Chop Music/Top $ Raz thing to become a movement. It’s going to be a movie, like one of those three part epic movies that get better with each installment.
AllHipHop.com: Lastly, how can people keep up with you, be it on the net or otherwise?
Top $ Raz: ‘Topdollagotit’ is the handle for everything – Soundcloud, Twitter, tumblr, instagram – the name is ‘topdollagotit’. Search it and follow it!
Skyyhook is CEO/FOUNDER/General Manager of Skyyhook Radio and a contributor for AllHipHop.com. Follow her on Twitter (@SkyyhookRadio).