ZAlebs profiles Hip Hop compiler TTP

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14 August 2013

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ZAlebs profiles Hip Hop compiler TTP

ZAlebs chatted to one of SA’s well known Hip Hop compilers TTP who tells about his role in local hip hop, how legendary U.S rapper Chuck D discovered his music and his plans for the future as a Hip Hop compiler. TTP is the second host to introduce his playlist on ZAlebs.

ZAlebs has spotted you in many events in the past couple of months, and excuse our ignorance but you seem like the right person to speak to when wanting to make the right moves in the local hip hop circuit, for those who don’t know who TTP is can you briefly give us the low down on your job in hip hop?

Before anything else I'm a music lover so I try to attend as many events as I can to hear new talent. My role in hip hop is to try and develop up and coming artists. Give them a platform to be able to grow as an artist on different platforms hence the Jomo Sono of Hip Hop tag. I’m also apart of Back to the City and SA Hip Hop Awards.

As you’ve just mentioned you’re part of the Back to the City Hip Hop Festival team tell us more about your role in the team?

Well my part is Stage Manager on the day but help with marketing of the event. There is a lot the goes in before the event so we all help out to make it a great success.

Volume 2 of your latest compilation album was released last year how has the response been from the public in comparison to volume 1 which even caught the attention of Chuck D from Public Enemy?

It’s been an amazing journey, with a lot growth and structure. The second album has also been able to get a lot of attention from media and hip hop lovers. I have also been able to work with amazing up and coming directors and producers like Pullova Entertainment, Khulu Legend-man-cool, P.J Mashoko and Denis Rolls, who has shot a lot of amazing videos for these artists. The compilation being on iTunes and Nokia ovi has given it a better platform for international exposure. Chuck D had already played songs from Volume 1 and it was a continuation on Volume 2 on his online Hip Hop radio station RapStation.com. He’s a legend and it meant a lot that he noticed and played the songs, Big ups to him.

It’s come to our attention that you’ve also worked on radio, would you ever consider going back to radio?

Yeah I did and I learned a lot being part of so many hip hop shows that shaped SA hip hop directly and indirectly. Well watch the space, working on something.

You play a very pivotal role in promoting S.A Hip Hop what great project is TTP currently busy with that we should look out for?

Volume 2 is not even a year old so still my main focus is that but will be working with the artists on the compilation. Also check out the SA Hip Hop Awards in November. We’re also about to release new videos with O'briezy and Tebogo, and not forgetting that radio space. I’ll also be shooting a documentary called who is TTP?

In your opinion to have a long lasting career as a Hip Hop DJ in S.A one must….?

Not only as a DJ but in the industry you need to have goals that are realistic and that have a logical structure. You must also be able to change with the times but also, don't forget to remain you and not get caught up in the hype of being cool. Have your own brand that has a niche and can stand out from the next. I’m also a firm believer of having a mentor who will be able to take you under their wing and show you the ins and outs of the industry. I have Vusi Leeuw and Wandi Nzimande as my role models and they have helped me with my growth as an artist.

What was the first hip hop album you ever purchased?

Damn! Let me think…all I remember is that it was a tape and not an album so I could only play it in a cassette player. I can also recall our school transport driver chucking the tape out the window because of its explicit content [Laughs]. Hmmm… back to your question, oh yes Black Star, man Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Hi Tek killed it. I think I brought that tape from a friend whose sister just came back from the States.

What can the ZAlebs readers expect to hear on TTP’s Friday playlist?

All I can say is that people must just expect good music.

How can people connect with you on social media?

Twitter: @Thapelottp

FB: thapelottp

Blog: www.ttppresents.blogspot.com

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