Interview - TREE (@MCTREEG)
Today we have a Interview with chicago rapper/producer Tree . Tree's latest project Sunday School recieved lots of attention and made Mtv's top mixtapes of 2012 so far list. In this interview Tree talks everything from the Chicago music scene to going from 0 to 50 Polo pieces after becoming a part of Project Mayhem. Check out the interview inside.
All Eyez are on Chicago at the moment ! What do you think has to be done to keep the focus on our music ?
I think we as a city have to continue to push the best of the best. You cant wing it. you have to stand behind the ones with the most potential for success and not the guy on your block just because he's from your block etc. We are still at a premature stage where 1 or 2 major mistakes could be the end of our ride. What I mean by that is we are still a new wave. A new sound. And 1 bad act pushed to the forefront to represent us as a midwestern nation could potentially mean the end. ( ok we gave yall a shot. and this is what yall got to offer) I'm an artist/ producer and I have no prob giving props where props are due. THERE IS maybe 4 or 5 artist in Chicago on the scene now that could affect the game like a Ross or a TI did. But since this notoriety weve been getting evrybody with a lil cousin or brother that raps is trying to manage and push them. Not hating on that AT ALL. But most of em aren't stars, and we have to get out of this frenzy for fame and cash and make our output the most respected and or wanted by the masses. good music only should be supported.
What is it that drives you to produce and rap at such a high level while many can only conquer one or the other ?
I'll have to say my love of both. Before I ever wrote a rap I new I could rap. I only listened to the best shit at that time. I started rapping in the summer of 2000. I started producing the week after. I started makin beats cuz the producers I was around didn't make the music I wanted to make. So I taught myself to make my own. I dont make beats to sell. I will not sell my beats to just anyone. I love music in a way that the greats did. I give you raw emotion and real stories. I talk about my family the problems we goin thru and it's all real. I've been investing in myself musically since I was a teen. But to answer your question I'm driven by peoples reactions to my music truthfully. The twitter comments the youtuube views and shares it makes it all worth it. Hey it aint like we thought we could actually be rich and famous for this shit in this region before this year. well I did . lol
When it comes to sampling you dig deep in the crates . How is it that you come across some of the music ?
I come across all of my sample music via youtube. artist come to my home studio to check out some new beats and the first thing they ask is where is your equipment? I point to my mac and my wireless keyboard - then I open my closet and show them my dust covered mpc and equalizers thrown about that I never use, and it amazes most ppl. They think I got all of this expensive equipment to make these beats I make but I tell em its all about the sound not the buttons. and they usually laugh it off like yea u right.
The Sunday School mixtape has been making major noise . What can Tree fans new an old expect in the future?
Well I'm takin a break from production this summer. Aside from producing TREE FT THE CITY in an attempt to work with chicago as a whole, I'm doin a few eps with producers over the next couple months in which I will be showcasing my flow and lyrical ability. As u know I produce and SundaySchool got a lot of acclaim and made a lot of top ten list for that. But I just wanna show people that I rap. not only that, but I feel like im 1 of the best rappers. I got the "THE LIT" project with legendary Chicago producer TONY BAINES droppin Friday it's a 5 song ep filled with hits as u can expect from me at this point. I got projects in the works with S.C. ( mobb deep mary j blige p.diddy) 110 pure ( ludacris shawnna pitbull) TYE HILL, and KING THELONIUS follow me on twitter to stay up to date @mctreegThe Fashion
What are some of you favorite street wear brands at the moment?
LEADERS IS A BIG CHICAGO THING, PRPS, STRIVERS, JORDANS, WHITE TEES
What are some of the most memorable trends you can remember growing up in Chicago good and bad ?
I REMEMBER BILLION BAY COATS, THE FILAS WITH THE STRAPS ON THE BACKS, FINGER WAVES, GIRBAUDS, AIR ONES, SKULLYS WITH THE BRIM, COOGI SWEATERS, BUCK 50 HATS, STARTER JACKETS (AYE NIGGAS USED TO GET KILLED FOR THESE JO )You've been seen rocking some nice Ralph Lauren Polo pieces .Is that one of your go to brands?
Nah I'm not a Lo head thats Project Mayhems influence on me.They Real Lo Heads When I met them I didn't own any now I got like 50 pieces
What and or who have been some of the biggest influences on your style over the years ?
I'm not easily influenced at all.My life is like my music.It's organic .I remember having $8500 hidden in my mommas central ac filter and walking round in whites /girbauds and some air ones. That's just me. I am the people from the people by choice.Project Mayhem were the first to put me up on fashion in music etc The told me you got to dress a certain way for the camera . And be what the people expect to see in a star. I personally would shoot every video in white tees and hoodies cu that's who I am. I think Lennon of Project Mayhem said it best in a interview on the WGCI Morning Riot . He said I think we are what people want and aim to be. Tree is what the people are. Regular ordinary with an amazing gift. And that's something I agree with wholeheartedly.
For those not in-tune check out the stream of Sunday School below and a few TREE visuals.
For those not in-tune check out the stream of Sunday School below and a few TREE visuals.
