The state of Delaware seems to have quite a few artists playing the AITP Festival online in September joining them is Tripuhl iii. We’ve been having a ball learning all about the performers for this years big show. Following is an interview with the smooth DE rapper.
MTM: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How and why did you start music?
iii: I started making music my freshman year of college which was the Spring of 2009. Some old high school buddies of mine convinced me to start rapping and eventually putting out a mixtape. We called ourselves A.I.M. and released our first mixtape entitled “Chillin Coolin Coastin”.
MTM: Why do you do it now?
iii: I do it now because of have a true passion for music. I was raised in a family filled with musicians and singers that possessed amazing talent but never exceeded their expectations.
I feel as though I have the opportunity to cross boundaries they never reached and do the unthinkable. I as well as my fellow 1stClass comrades (Primo Nellz, Arshon/Aboogie) have the same vision and goal. We all started together and we wanna finish together. To show the world that DE is a small state but has BIG talent. And to show people that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything you want in life.
MTM: What were some of your early influences, and what inspires you today?
iii: I would have to say my great grandmother. She passed away when I was 14 from Cancer and I’ve used her loss as motivation ever since. I loved her dearly and even though I was blessed to live with both my mother and father it felt like SHE raised me. At times I took her for granted and when she died I promised myself that I would make it big one day to make her proud. She inspired me to be great and that’s just what my intentions are.
MTM: What was the last song you listened to?
iii: “Don’t Hold The Wall” by Justin Timberlake. Ima big R&B fan and JT is a beast!
MTM: How did you connect with Artists I The Plus and what attracted you to working with them?
iii: I was actually contacted by John Voshell about AITP. He had the opportunity to check out the latest video I have out with Primo Nellz titled “Everyday’s A Weekend”. He was very impressed and wanted to contact us about future investments. After gaining knowledge from him about AITP and what they stood for we have been making fabolous progress. Sky’s the limit from here!
MTM: Last years festival was a huge success and changed a lot of things about music on the net. Were you apart of that?
iii: Unfortunately I wasn’t apart of that but now that I will be attending the festival for the first time I will be looking forward to the experience.
MTM: What would you like to see as a result of the festival, this year?
iii: Growth. Being able to interact with many artists from all over and building a connection that could potentially last a long time. Also the opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd. It’s one thing to go in the studio and create music but its nothing like having the chance to perform it in front of a live audience and showing people the character behind the music.
MTM: Have you been using services such as Hangouts On Air, U-Stream, Street Jelly or others to perform live via video online? What kind of reaction are you getting?
iii: This is the first venue I will be apart of via video online and trust me it won’t be the last!!!
MTM: Village Studios in LA will be hosting the festival this year and there will be a studio stage in North Carolina and another in Norway. Will you be traveling or performing remote from your own studio.
iii: We will be traveling that way we can get the full effect of this unique environment.
MTM: If you could ask one performer to join you on a record. Who would it be?
iii: Kendrick Lamar. Ive been a fan of his long before mainstream. I think he’s changing the hip hop culture and adding elements to it that’s never been seen before
MTM: What’s one thing you would change about this world. If you could?
iii: World hunger. I believe every human that walks this Earth should have something to eat. It’s just not right
MTM: Where can we find you and your music?
iii: You can log onto www.1stClass302.wix.com/mello
www.facebook.com/1CMusic
Instagram: Tripuhl_iii
Twitter: @Tripuhl_iii
MTM: In closing, is there anything you would like to add or anyone you like to shout-out?
iii: I gotta give honor to God up above for blessing me with such amazing talent. My parents for believing in me and my dreams. Mello Jones who has been one hell of a manager and puts in so much work all because she knows we have what it takes to take our craft to the next level. Rob C-Rock Cintron from Grind24Seven productions for making us look great on camera with tremendous visuals. And last but not least the fans. Whether you’ve been here since Day 1 or yesterday, your love for 1stClass music is greatly appreciated. DE this is for you!!!!
