 Growing up wasn’t the picture perfect life that Trudell had painted for himself. His parents divorced when he was five, which left him in the care of his father. Living with a lack of money, his Dad worked hard in striving to prepare a better life for him and his siblings. With the only two possibilities of role models – outside of his father – Trudell’s brothers gave him not much hope or expectations of a prominent future.
Both heavily involved in gangs; one was given life for a murder, and the other was sentenced to 17 years for an armed robbery. Even through all these dark clouds, Trudell found room for just a ray of sunlight to make him still be able to shine. Writing, getting his education, and making music became his way out. His main influences are Tu Pac, Jay Z, and Nas. In his songs, he talks about growing up in poverty and what he saw in the streets.
Trudell’s song titled “Da Tops Betta Than Da Bottom” is a prime example of the things people dream of having when they are poor and how they want to reach the top. The top can mean a variety of things; it’s not always associated with money and fame. Currently Trudell is completing his BA at Columbia College and is definitely working on making his way to the top.
Tell our readers, where your from? Chicago
Where did your name originate from? Michael Trudell Miller. It's my middle name.
What is a typical day like for you? Wake up go to work, school home and write music.
Other then music what do you do to make that paper? Teacher.
When did you first become introduced to hip-hop? When I was 13.
Coming up who were your influences in music? When I was thirteen it was Cash Money. As I got older I started getting into more music by Tupac, Nas and Jay-Z.
What artists/people in your life intrigued you to get into the business? Tupac, Nas and Jay-Z
How would you describe your style? Chicago. It's a soulful, realistic, street sound.
What artists are you currently working with? None now just producers.
Who would you enjoy to work with? Kanye or Just blaze.
Tell us about your current projects? "A Dreamed Turned Reality" is an eight song mix tape to just let people know what I'm working with. A mix tape that has album songs. Every song has a meaning or purpose I should say.
What one reason would your fans say separates you from the norm? My story. My sound and the reality of which I talk about.
What shows do you currently have lined up for this fall? N/A
What would you say makes you different than the average recording artist? The realness of my music every song. And lyric I write serves a purpose
What's currently in your CD/MP3 player? Jay-Z
What’s your formula, how do you come up with the concepts for your material? I hear the beat and the song writes itself. I just guide the lyrics in the direction i want to take them so it relates to me.
Where do you see yourself in the industry in the next 5 years? as a platinum recording artist.
Where do you see the industry in 5 to 10 years? The same place, I see the world digital, completely.
What final words do you have for our community and the prospects of hip hop? It's my goal to put out great music that people can learn from and enjoy. I wish music was how it was in the 90's but that's impossible. So as long as I have tell the talent I will deliver quality music also respecting the business. So this message is to all rappers be scared very scared.
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