Wednesday, July 30, is the final date to cast your vote the Flyer’s annual Best of Memphis. Just sayin’. Do it.
Categories
Month: July 2014
New plans emerged Tuesday at Memphis City Hall to ease the pain of employee and retiree benefit cuts that came with the new city budget.
Officials from Memphis Mayor A C Wharton’s administration brought a plan to ensure retirees and some employee spouses will have access to “quality, affordable” health care insurance.
The Memphis Fire Fighters Association and Memphis Police Association brought a new health care insurance plan that would supplant the city’s current plan. The new plan would stop a 24 percent hike to insurance premiums for current employees and restore health insurance subsidies for retired city employs.
This plans came to light during the regular quarterly meeting of the Memphis City Council’s health care oversight committee. The meeting was packed in light of the council’s recent decision to change benefits for city retirees and employees.
In the audience were city employees wearing shirts that showed their support for Memphis police and fire fighters. But council member and committee chairman Edmund Ford Jr. warned the group to mind their manners.
“This is not a pep rally or anything of that matter,” Ford said. “If the chair sees that transpiring, I will give one warning. If that warning is ignored I will ask (the sergeant at arms) to escort you out of this room. I also have the full authority to adjourn this meeting and we will re-convene it again in three months.”
Wharton’s plan is called the Healthcare Assurance Plan. It provides an array of options for retirees to help them get insurance if their city-sponsored plan is cancelled. This options include Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and a 25 percent subsidy for some retirees. Retirees without some kind of Medicare plan will remain on their city-sponsored health plan, so will retirees who were disabled in the line of duty and the spouses and eligible dependents of employees killed in the line of duty.
The plan would also set up a free clinic for employees and retirees at the corner of Union and McLean. Participants could get medical check-ups and prescription drugs at no cost.
Also, the plan would establish a $2 million trust fund to provide assistance employees and retirees with financial hardships. That fund already has a $1 million promise from Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and a $550,000 promise from Cigna. Technical assistance has been promised from Saint Francis Hospital, Baptist Health Care Corp., Regional One Health, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.
The administration will host a series of 13 meetings across Memphis to educate employees and retirees about the Healthcare Assurance Plan.
The fire fighters union presented a new healthcare plan that restore all retirees to the city plan, would allow all spouses of employee to stay on the plan, keep the 70/30 payment split with the city and employees. The high deductible plan would have employees pay more out of pocket before insurance started paying on their medical bills.
A union official said the new plan should lower monthly premium rates by $150 per month. Implementing the plan would save the city $24.6 million each year.
The union plan will be introduced to the council’s personnel committee in 30 days. Any change to city healthcare plans must be reviewed and voted on by the city council.
Categories
About That New CA Website …
The Pesky Fly has a little fun with the Commercial Appeal’s redesigned website.
I recently interviewed Gordon Alexander, a Memphis artist and businessman who was also music editor for the Dixie Flyer, an alternative newspaper the preceded and inspired the Memphis Flyer. Our primary topic of discussion was Ed Perry, a locally-trained artist who passed recently, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work. We also talked briefly about Alexander’s time with the Dixie Flyer, and after the interview he sent a couple of great sample details from Memphis’ original bastion of alt-journalism. But that’s not all he sent.
Alexander also launched a funny paper inspired by National Lampoon called the Bluff Town Buffoon. This shot is a sample from the Buffoon‘s sex issue.
We here at Fly on the Wall like to honor those who came before us, paving the way for the kind of silliness we now provide on at least a semi-regular basis. So here’s to the Buffoon.
Salute!
Well, what is it? The absence of the cheesy Memphis skyline profile, maybe? Or possibly the inclusion of wacky click bait with ledes like, “In the truth is stranger than fiction department…”
The Fly-Team’s favorite feature has to be the Commercial Appeal‘s “Kilroy was here”-style headshots. You know—
like this.
And this.
And this.
Your Pesky Fly has managed a few blogs in his time and is all too familiar with the phenomenon of uploading photos that look great in a preview but mysteriously post sideways or upside down, or photos that self-crop in odd and inappropriate ways. These things happen. But since receiving its new digital makeover there are some image posting quirks at the CA that are so consistent they almost seem like a design choice. So the CA wants to show readers what these guys might look like peeking in a window, maybe?
In a few more extreme cases the images are cropped even higher. This is former CA managing editor Otis Sanford’s literal head shot as it appeared next to a story about his induction into the Tennessee Journalists Hall of Fame.
TV-5 anchor Joe Birch, is also being inducted and was given the same hairy treatment. Of course Joe is immediately recognizable.
To give readers some perspective, this is what the headshots look like in context.
Brian “Skinny” McCabe, the booking agent and jack of all trades at Newby’s, has won so many Best of Memphis Awards that he got a tattoo. Read Bianca Phillips’ interview with him about that. Friday is his birthday. What else would one do but celebrate with some Clanky’s Nub? The Nub is … god knows what. But their drummer is Jay Sheffield. Read Sheffield’s bio below the video for Clanky’s Nub’s “Linchpin.” Also on the birthday bill are the Soul Thieves, and KPhonix. Happy Birthday, Skinny.
Skinny’s Birthday at Newby’s with Clanky’s Nub
Jay “Pokechop” Sheffield has been a professional drummer in Memphis for 22 years. He has been in or with in no particular order: The Scam, Snotjet, Mash-O-Matic, The Mudflaps, The Stumblers, Kick’n Chick’n , Chicken Head, Homemade Flavor, Uprisin, Ross Rice, Joe Norman and The Beakers,The Lakesiders, Daisy Cutters, Lance Strode and the Cathouse Ramblers, Greg Hansen, Eric Lewis, Deep Shag, Dust For Life, Corder-McCormack, The Riverbluff Clan, Dave Cousar, Jim Wilson and the mighty neckbonz, The Coolers, Greg Hisky, Jimi Davis, Davis Coen, and Clanky’s Nub. He is truly the finest drummer you can afford.
Categories
Ostrander Nominees Announced
The 2014 Ostrander Awards nominees have been announced. Chris Davis has the details.
Categories
Translee, Translated
Louis Goggans interviews up-and-coming hip hop artist Translee.
It’s time once again for the Memphis theater world’s biggest annual party. The 2013-14 Ostrander Awards will be handed out Sunday, August 24th, at 6 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. For ticket information visit this link.
COMMUNITY OSTRANDER AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS
2013-2014
SET DESIGN
Mark Guirguis Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Dan Kopera and Bill Short The Royal Family Theatre Memphis
Chris Sterling Haint New Moon Theatre Company
Jack Yates Harvey Theatre Memphis
Jack Yates Proof Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
COSTUMES
Paul McCrae As You Like It Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Rebecca Y. Powell Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
Rebecca Y. Powell Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Andre´ Bruce Ward The Music Man Theatre Memphis
Andre´ Bruce Ward The Royal Family Theatre Memphis
LIGHTING
Jeremy Allen Fisher Jesus Christ Superstar Theatre Memphis
Jeremy Allen Fisher Proof Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Jeremy Allen Fisher Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
John Horan The Diary of Anne Frank Playhouse on the Square
John Horan Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
PROPS
Betty Dilley The Miracle Worker Germantown Community Theatre
Ashley Palmer Red The Circuit Playhouse
Ashley Palmer and Katharine Stubblefield Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Katharine Stubblefield Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Jack Yates Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
HAIR/WIGS/MAKE UP
Nicholas Bursoni Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
Andrew Chandler Frankenstein New Moon Theatre Company
Alexandria Gore, Ellen Inghram and Paul McCrae Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Rebecca Y. Powell and Caleb Blackwell Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Barbara Sanders The Royal Family Theatre Memphis
MUSIC DIRECTION
Gary Beard The Music Man Theatre Memphis
Jeffrey B. Brewer Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Renée Kemper Gypsy Playhouse on the Square
Renée Kemper Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
Renée Kemper Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
SOUND DESIGN
Zach Badreddine 4,000 Miles POTS@TheWorks
Zach Badreddine The Diary of Anne Frank Playhouse on the Square
Zach Badreddine Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Eric Sefton Haint New Moon Theatre Company
Eric Sefton Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
CHOREOGRAPHY
Leah Beth Bolton Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Christi Hall The Music Man Theatre Memphis
Jordan Nichols and Travis Bradley Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Courtney Oliver and Standrew Parker Reefer Madness The Circuit Playhouse
Shorey Walker, Jordan Nichols, and Travis Bradley Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Elisabeth Cross Hipp Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Morgan Howard Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Lynden Lewis Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Caroline Simpson Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
Jaclyn Suffel Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Gregory Alexander Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Jonathan Christian Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Rob Hanford Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Jordan Nichols Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Kent Reynolds Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Ken Zimmerman Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Leigh Eck Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Carla McDonald The Great American Trailer Park Musical The Circuit Playhouse Carla McDonald Monty Python’s Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Courtney Oliver Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Bill Andrews Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Justin Asher Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Marques W. Brown Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Philip Andrew Himebook Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Jordan Nichols Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Scott Ferguson Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Dave Landis Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
Gary John La Rosa Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Cecelia Wingate Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Monty Python’s Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
The Music Man Theatre Memphis
Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Jillian Barron As You Like It Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Mary Buchignani Clybourne Park Playhouse on the Square
Meredith Julian Clybourne Park Playhouse on the Square
Ellen Saba The Miracle Worker Germantown Community Theatre
Christina Wellford Scott The Diary of Anne Frank Playhouse on the Square
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Stephen Garrett Proof Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Michael Gravois Clybourne Park Playhouse on the Square
Stephen Huff As You Like It Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Kinon Keplinger The Submission Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
John Maness Grace The Circuit Playhouse
The 2014 Ostrander Awards will be presented Sunday, August 24 at 6 p.m. at The Orpheum Theatre.
LEADING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Jillian Barron Proof Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Jessica Johnson The Submission Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Karen Mason Riss 4,000 Miles POTS@TheWorks
Christina Wellford Scott The Royal Family Theatre Memphis
Lena Wallace The Miracle Worker Germantown Community Theatre
LEADING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Gabe Beutel-Gunn The Submission Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Jerry Chipman Other Desert Cities The Circuit Playhouse
Tony Isbell Red The Circuit Playhouse
Stuart Turner Boeing Boeing Germantown Community Theatre
S.A. Weakley Proof Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
SMALL ENSEMBLE ACTING (Cast of 7 or fewer)
Clybourne Park Playhouse on the Square
Proof Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Red The Circuit Playhouse
The Submission Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
LARGE ENSEMBLE ACTING (Cast of 8 or more)
As You Like It Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
Les Misérables Playhouse on the Square
Monty Python’s Spamalot Playhouse on the Square
Seven Guitars Hattiloo Theatre
Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
FEATURED/CAMEO ROLE
Jonathan Christian Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
Barry Fuller Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
James Dale Green Young Frankenstein Theatre Memphis
Jo Lynne Palmer Harvey Theatre Memphis
Kim Sanders Hairspray Playhouse on the Square
DIRECTION OF A DRAMATIC PRODUCTION
Jerry Chipman The Submission Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Stephen Hancock Clybourne Park Playhouse on the Square
Jo Lenhart As You Like It Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
BEST DRAMATIC PRODUCTION
As You Like It Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
Clybourne Park Playhouse on the Square
Proof Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
The Submission Next Stage @ Theatre Memphis
BEHIND THE SCENES AWARD
Sameka Johnson Hattiloo Theatre
Cathy and Harold Richardson Theatre Memphis
Andy Saunders Germantown Community Theatre
Katharine Stubblefield Playhouse on the Square
Mystie-Elizabthe Michelle Watson New Moon Theatre Company
THE EUGART YERIAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
John Rone
[jump]
COLLEGE & University OSTRANDER AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS
2013-2014
SET DESIGN
Kathy Haaga Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Mandy Kay Heath Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
Brian Ruggaber Chess U of M
COSTUMES
Amie Eoff Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Amie Eoff Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
Melissa Penkava Koza Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
LIGHTING
Laura Canon Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Laura Canon Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
Kitty Devany Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
Mandy Kay Heath Chess U of M
MAKE-UP/HAIR
Amie Eoff Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Janice Benning Lacek Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine U of M
Rachel Lawson Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
MUSIC DIRECTION
Jacob Allen Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? U of M
Andrew Drannon Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
Angelo Rapan Chess U of M
SOUND DESIGN
John McFadden Chess U of M
John McFadden Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
Eric Sefton Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
CHOREOGRAPHY
Tracey Bonner Chess U of M
Tracey Bonner Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? U of M
Travis Bradley & Jordan Nichols Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Léerin Campbell Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
Maggie Robinson Chess U of M
Miriam Rodriguez Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? U of M
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Christopher Calderazzo Chess U of M
Conor LaRoque Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Allison Huber Chess U of M
Amelia Sutherland Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? U of M
LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Jacob Allen Chess U of M
Luke Hefner Chess U of M
Bradley Karel Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? U of M
Corbin Williams Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
Chess U of M
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Miranda Fisher Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine U of M
Misty O’Neal Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Madison Tallant Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Justin Burgess Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
Luke Hefner Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
LEADING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Rachel Harris Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Katie Marburger Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Allyson Truly Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine U of M
LEADING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Jon Castro Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
David Couter Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
Luke Hefner Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine U of M
LARGE ENSEMBLE (Cast of 13+)
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
Chess U of M
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? U of M
SMALL ENSEMBLE (Cast of 12 or less)
Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine U of M
FEATURED/CAMEO ROLE
Jake Bell Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
Willie Derrick Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine U of M
Katie Marburger Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
BEST DRAMATIC PRODUCTION
Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine U of M
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Jordan Nichols Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson McCoy Theatre
Stephen Hancock Chess U of M
BEST DIRECTION OF A DRAMA
Bob Hetherington Anton in Show Business McCoy Theatre
Paul Revaz Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead U of M
John J. Yorke Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine U of M
Theatre Award attendees will receive $3 parking at Best Park garages when they mention the Ostranders. Lots are located at Beale and Front, the Best Park lot on MLK Avenue between Front and Main, and the Premier Lot on MLK Avenue between Mulberry and Second.
A rap artist who is sonically different from the bulk of spitters flooding iPods, websites, and airwaves is hard to come across nowadays.
But for up-and-coming rhymer Translee, this fact isn’t disheartening. It’s more like motivation. He embraces being one of the game’s exceptions with open arms.
Equipped with a distinct sound and delivery, a solid arsenal of punchlines, and a strong desire to exhibit more honesty and education than deception and sensationalism, the Huntsville, Alabama-bred lyricist is poised to bring something refreshing to hip-hop.
In May, Translee released Cultur3 Junky, an impressive installment littered with rewind-worthy, thought-provoking (and humorous at times) rhymes complimented by organic production, entertaining voicemails, and excerpts of statements from influential figures.
Translee talked about what prompted such an unparalleled mixtape, some of his musical motivations, college/street life, the origin of his name, and he explained what it means to be a culture junky.
Follow Translee on Twitter and Instagram
Visit knowtranslee.com to get more familiar with his movement.
I was highly impressed by Cultur3 Junky. I thought it was well put-together and had a refreshing sound. Tell me about your mental process and method behind creating the mixtape?
It’s really a whole lot of different angles that I take when I’m creating music. It’s not always just one process. I might have been sitting in my drawers in my bed writing a lot of that shit, or I might be out somewhere and a line comes to me and I’ll just jot it down. I just kind of get it from life. If I’m out somewhere and something comes to me, I’ll just jot it down.
I write in the most awkward places or will piece a song together in the most awkward places. It hasn’t been just one certain thing that I do. And then the occasional herbal refreshment helps with the situation sometimes, too. Other than that, it’s just life.
Prior to dropping Cultur3 Junky, you released a couple of solo mixtapes along with some collaborative installments. In your opinion, would you say your latest project is better than all of the previous efforts you’ve delivered?
Yes, and I say that because I feel like I’ve gotten a lot more vivid with what I try to get across. On a lot of my last projects, to a certain extent, some songs, I may have gotten lazy on bars. It’s certain things with my flow that I feel like I wasn’t all the way in pocket with. I’m always trying to get better. With this project, I felt like I fell in pocket with a lot of stuff I wanted to do. I’m definitely looking to get better and bring more stories and crazy things to the music, to make people be like, ‘Wow.’
The cover art for Cultur3 Junky displays you seated on a sofa with a nude chick next to you. She’s bent over with a parental advisory label concealing her ass. Explain what you sought to convey with that cover.
I wanted the cover to kind of be an eye-catcher. I wanted you to see this white girl and me just sitting there like…I feel like the white woman is the ultimate prize. In any race, everybody likes a good, wholesome white woman. I just wanted to put that there to show I’m still here, but I’m in my own zone. And I think that captures people’s attention. The dead look on my face really gets people. We were trying to be visually appealing.
I hear elements of Andre 3000, Nas, Eminem, and several other exceptional lyricists in your style. But you still manage to distinguish yourself. In a time where the majority of artists try to emulate the style of whoever is commercially dominating, how are you able to stand out?
I was raised in Alabama. It’s not too many artists like me. Well, really, it’s never been an artist like me to come out of Alabama. Growing up in Alabama is a different experience, so I think that sets me a part from 99.9 percent of the industry. I can talk about things that are going on in my life. It just comes off different. I think I have a different way of relaying my reality in a way that nobody has ever seen before. I think that’s why people are really taking to it.
Alabama is a major inspiration. You don’t have anybody really to look at. If I was from Atlanta I’d have a host of people I could look at and say, ‘I need to get how they got.’ There’s nobody to look up to in Alabama. Rich Boi did it. And Doe B was well on his way. Rest in peace, Doe B. That was the homie. But as far as Alabama artists, nobody’s gotten to that point, and I feel like it’s because nobody has really grabbed the people and got people’s attention. Nobody’s really thought about what people really want to hear, and that’s what we’re bringing. That’s why I think the response has been like that.
On Cultur3 Junky, there are various excerpts of statements from iconic and/or motivational people. Why’d you decide to incorporate that into the project?
I think it’s just something different. Sometimes, the stuff that you need to hear is better for you if somebody is just saying it versus me trying to figure out a way to rap what they’re saying. Sometimes, you can’t get it no better than right out the horse’s mouth. We wanted to add a lot of commentary…placing them in spots where I rapped enough, like, ‘Now let this vibe and let’s let them talk, because they’re saying great stuff that I enjoy hearing, so I know people are going to enjoy hearing the stuff. And they need to hear it.’ Nothing makes me happier than when they’re playing it at teenage parties, banging my mixtape, but these kids are getting that message, too. That’s the whole goal.
What makes you label yourself a Culture Junky?
I indulge in all of culture. I’m not just a conscious, nigga. I don’t just sit around and be like, ‘Oh, my gosh, let’s go out and feed the hungry.’ I go out, and I smoke weed and drink. I indulge in all of that. I may be in the strip club Saturday night, but then I get up and go to church Sunday morning. That’s being a culture junky, and I think it’s a lot of people like that, so why not talk to them.
In your music, you reference being involved in the streets, but also attending college. Explain that dichotomy.
I been out there. I’ve been in the streets a lot. My best friends were the ones that were trappin’—still are. That’s just one of them things. I picked up a whole lot of knowledge about that culture, just because I was in it. I done been on the late night road trips. I done had the shit sitting in my car. I done unpacked it and broke it down, had my homeboy’s momma’s house smelling like a weed barn. We done all that shit. We done had guns pulled on us. All that shit done happened, so it’s like, I’m gonna talk about it.
My momma, who passed away back in ’01, she always wanted me to go to school, and I always wanted to go to college. My first year, I went to Alabama A&M, but I transferred to North Alabama. We did the school thing, graduated, and then we moved [to Atlanta] in ’09. We’ve been working ever since, and we’re finally getting to where everywhere we go people know our name.
On your track “Cultur3 Junky,” you mention helping kids concentrate on college, even though your degree, you probably could have did without it. I find it interesting that you’re open and honest about that, because truth is, a degree doesn’t guarantee you a job or success.
If you get out here with enough drive, determination, knowledge, and experience … those are key, too. If you get out here with enough of that, man, you don’t need that shit. Nine times out of ten the person that you’re working for don’t have one or the person who owns who you’re working for don’t have one.
A lot of people tell me, ‘I listen to your music while I’m studying.’ That’s why I put that line in there. ‘Maybe help a couple college kids concentrate on college, even though my damn degree I probably could have done without it.’ I just wanted to throw that out there. If you’re inspired enough, you can do it without that.
Where does the moniker Translee originate from?
That’s my name, bro. That’s my real name, and I’m the third. My first name is Translee.
I’ve never heard that name before.
Believe you, me, I feel like it ain’t nobody else in the world with a name that nobody has ever heard of. I done searched. It’s like some company somewhere in China or somewhere with the name Translee. That’s the only thing that I’ve ever seen.
Who are some of the artists that have been inspirational in your career thus far?
Andre 3000. T.I. was a real big influence, because when he was first coming out, and was really, really poppin’ that’s when I started rapping. I was like, ‘T.I., that’s that guy right there. ‘ I listened to a lot of his music. I remember when I first started rapping. My style was kind of like his, because I really didn’t have anything else to kind of pull from. But through growing and everything, you kind of realize that you get nowhere with somebody else’s style, because that’s their style. Definitely Tip. Kanye [West]. Kanye changed my life. Kanye made it okay for me to talk about my life and from my angle. Before [him], if you wasn’t an all-the-way street nigga, super gangsta, lived that life, that’s what you had to be. Kanye came in, and he changed everybody’s whole mindset on rap music. It made other type of people get big in rap and not have to be a fuckin’ gangsta. And then Michael Jackson. I listen to a lot of Michael Jackson. That really clears my mind.
Before I heard Cultur3 Junky, I downloaded the Takers 3 project you delivered with Zip Kennedy last year. Where did the motivation come from to create an entire project rapping over other artists’ beats, which isn’t as common these days as it was years ago?
Me, as an artist, and Zip, too, we’ve got a lot of pressure to release. If you listen to my project, you’ll hear that it’s really focused. I don’t really wave too much. The project is the project, and I want it to be one cohesive unit. Takers is the place where we get to go and talk that shit.
Do you guys plan on delivering more installments of Takers?
Me and Zip, we’re actually putting together a few more records. One thing that I don’t think we’re gonna keep doing is beat-jacking mixtapes. Now, one thing that we talked about doing is an old school, beat-jacking mixtapes. Getting on some old A Tribe Called Quest beats, some De La Soul beats, Eric B. and Rakim-type beats … we’ve actually talked about that, but we’ve got some strong, original records that we’ve got done, and some strong concepts that we’re working on right now. I would much rather, if we put out another project, for it to be original work. It doesn’t always need to be beat-jacking, because that has a glass ceiling, as far as what you can do with it.
What’s next for Translee?
We just dropped the “Losers” video. We’re expecting that to hit Revolt in the next month. And we’ve already shot “The Return” video for the outro with the Alabama State band. We’re planning a big release with that one — MTV Jams, Revolt, and all that. Really, man, just expansion. And I’m working on new music. I don’t have a title or anything, but I’m pretty sure my next project will be an actual album. If that doesn’t drop the end of the year then definitely next year. We’re just working on that. I’m definitely going to be dropping records and thinking of new things that I can do to kind of shake the game up a lil’ bit, because it’s kind of getting a lil’ mundane. People just do mixtapes, promote, and then they die down, and then you’ve got to do another mixtape, promote, and then die down. We’re really trying to change the game.
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