TREL MACK (June 2010) | Interview By: Chad Kiser

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Interview was done in May 2010

Questions Asked By: Chad Kiser

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Dubcnn Exclusive – Trel Mack
By Chad Kiser



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Dubcnn: Back-story: tell us about growing up in Philadelphia…

Growing up in Philly was rough and still is. I mean I wasn’t born with a silver spoon, so it was hard coming up. But things started to get better as I got older. The crime rate is still high, so that’s never good. Just got to stay motivated to do great things and make it out. I still love my city though.


Dubcnn: You have your own independent label called Street Knowledge Entertainment. Fill us in on what’s going with the label?

Well as of right now we are just taking care of structuring the business. We are more than half way done with our trademark. The plan is to become the next big label coming out of Philadelphia. We have Philadelphia International Records, but it never made that transition into the Hip-Hop or new age era. I mean, it can be a state of mind where they want to protect their brand and keep the core of what music meant to them. When you got old school groups like the O’ Jays, The Blue Notes, and other artist like Teddy Pendergrass who have made a impact, you want to keep the legacy alive, and with all the crap the industry is provided now I don’t blame them.

Now the industry is turning; it’s a perfect way to destroy a brand. As far as SKE is concern, we want to touch all aspects of the entertainment industry, not just music alone. When I write down my Laws of Attraction I zoom in and create what I really want Street Knowledge Entertainment to be as an enterprise. We are even working on scholarships for Music and Journalism, there is a lot to be done. We will be releasing new music this year, maybe have some additions to the teams.


Dubcnn: “You are now about to witness the strength, of street knowledge” - - Is Street Knowledge Entertainment any kind of ode to NWA?

We have used that phrase in my previous release The New Dynasty. I like NWA, they have definitely made an impact in the gangster rap era. Musically, we are in two totally different directions, but the phrase itself is inspirational. For someone to witness your strength of knowledge is a great thing.


Dubcnn: Who is the sickest emcee that most people have never heard of from Philadelphia?

Myself, I like Meek Mills. It’s not too many people I really deal with on the Philadelphia independent rap scene or like to be honest with you. I’m not sure if anyone heard of Baby Blak, He is a dope MC from Philadelphia. He had an album out titled “Once You Go Blak” and this crazy record on it called “Starvin”, I love that album, and it was just dope you should look him up. I might even reach out to him to do a record in the future. I don’t know Philadelphia is missing the soul in the music; everybody still wants to be a killer. Don’t get me wrong I love my city and rep it to death, but most of the people I collaborated with at this point were on the outside of Philadelphia. If you asked me who was my favorite independent artist from Chicago I would tell you Marvo. Hopefully I can find these dope emcees in Philadelphia and create something great to revive our city.


Dubcnn: Break down the five-year plan for yourself and SKE?

The plan changes as the industry changes. You will have to stay current and not get left behind. If I go into details I will be all night, but our five year goal ultimately is to have everything in-house, creating an annual revenue between 200,000 and 500,000 a year and that’s just being realistic. We are looking to own our own publishing company and I am talking to other independent film companies to see if we can do business and make something for the world to see. As for me releasing music that’s an ongoing process and the plan for that changes as well depending on the state of the music industry. Sometimes you just have to analyze things before jumping into the equation. I will keep you updated.


Dubcnn: How did you hook up with industry insider, Quinton Hatfield?

I linked up with Q in the library. We were two young hustlers in the library everyday working on something staying productive. This was back when he was writing for HHNLIVE.com, and I was working on my first CD Mack of the Year. He was networking and I was trying to find outlets to get my music out there. We didn’t have laptops or computers in our home at the time so we were always at the library. Q has grown a lot as a businessman and journalist. He has accomplished goals that would take the average person almost 10 years to accomplish. People look at me a say damn you are doing big things, but I tell them all the time that in no way I can take all the credit because Q made a lot of things possible for me. We are becoming smarter every year.


Dubcnn: Who are some of the people, both personally and musically that have inspired you along the way?

My partner Q, has inspired me a lot. He put me on the Laws of Attraction, and provided me with a lot of knowledge and insight on life. My other partner Brandon, He is a Member of SKE. He always reminds me of how good of an artist I am. He will become our A&R in the future. I would have him in control of a lot of creative decisions for our label. Him and Q are good friends, they are more like my family.

Musically, Tupac. His music is something made for life situations. It is easily to down one day and listen to a Pac record to build your momentum back up. Tupac to me was far beyond just a Recording Artist. He was somebody who many people can relate to whether you knew him personally or not.

I don’t want to burden you too much with my musical inspirations because it’s a list and each one inspires me in their own unique way. I would note that Jay-Z makes the list; the way he does business is a great factor.


Dubcnn: What’s one piece of advice you’ve received along this journey that has impacted you and the way you approach music and the industry?

Do your research! As simple as that. Without research how are you going to know about anything that you approach? I believe if we as people and musicians do more research we will be better off. Attaining proper knowledge is important when you are trying to pursue anything.


Dubcnn: You’ve obviously been successful with the independent way of doing music, but do you have any aspirations to go to a major? What would be the pros and cons for you, in considering aligning with a major label?

I have been very successful I think. It might not seem like it to a lot of people. But success has a different meaning for different people trying to succeed. I do plan to go to a major at some point, however everything involved with Street Knowledge Entertainment has to come with me, or at least give me the opportunity to build the brand in even bigger markets. I think we need a better deal when it comes to the labels. I’m not a big fan of the 360 deal at this point; however it may work for some artist. Everybody have their own way of accepting offers. I’m approachable, and if we can make it a fair deal then it’s a go.

There are so many pros and cons, when your independent you have a focus, when you’re on a major the focus is scattered. When you’re on a major you have the ability to expand markets, when you’re on a independent you are limited. When you’re independent the chance of you making more money is extremely high. When you are with a Major, expect to give away high percentages. That’s just how the game is designed.


Dubcnn: Describe your signature sound & style for those out here on the west coast who may not be familiar with you yet.

My sound is more soulful and universal. I can take you to mars and back. I love experimenting with different ways of using sound. That’s why I try to collaborate with other artist in different nations to create something never heard of.


Dubcnn: When you begin a project, where do you start, with the concept and build from there? On the other hand, is it with the music and you just kind of go with the flow, so to speak?

It varies, I mean I can dream something and come up with a concept; it can be title of an old movie from the 1700s that helps me draw a concept. The old movie titles are a new formula I use to come up with ideas. The producer and his or her production is a big factor, because when I hear the beat it creates a scene on what I want to say or the direction I want to go in.


Dubcnn: What are some of the current projects you’re involved with and working on?

Well right now I’m just getting in the mode of recording again; I haven’t really released anything in a while. The reason is because we needed to find the proper approach. I'm back now though.

I am working on a EP that will be my next release. Q is also planning a mix tape that will be co-signed by athletes in the NBA, NFL, and MLB, you know Q is a sports nut. It’s something new for the industry to see. Expect to see my music in some movies this year too.


Dubcnn: What are some of the ways you’ve been able to be so successful? Are there certain strategies that have worked best for you & SKE?

Networking is the key. We are a big fan of the barter method. Basically, just building and fostering relationships with people that matter. There are certain strategies; I’m not going to break them down. But I guarantee if someone does their research they will find them.


Dubcnn: With so much saturation in the music industry right now, what makes Trel Mack & SKE different from the rest of crowd?

We like to be futuristic. We experiment with sound, that’s goes back to when I was talking about collaborating with people in other nations that has that distinct sound and incorporate to what I do and make something different. Many artists don’t have creative control of their own creations. I’m pretty sure a lot of these artists don’t choose to come out the way they are. But that’s the game you have to play when you want to be in the lime light.


Dubcnn: Who are some of your favorite west coast artists – both old and new school?

Tupac, Snoop Dog, Nate Dogg, Ice Cube, Dilated peoples, Fashawn, Planet Asia. Its a lot man west coast definitely had and still have great acts.


Dubcnn: What is your most memorable west coast experience?

When Death Row Records was on top. The beef between West Coast and East Coast was intense, and it really created a crazy rivalry buzz. I just didn’t like the outcome 2 of hip hop greats lost their lives.


Dubcnn: Where can fans contact you and listen to more from you and Street Knowledge Entertainment?

You can go to our website Streetknowledgeent , MySpace, we are also on Twitter. Hit me up on email to it don’t matter.


Dubcnn: What’s kind of advice would you give to aspiring artists that want to achieve some of the same things you have in this business?

First you have to believe in yourself that you can accomplish anything. Pick up some Law of Attraction books and read. From there just put the plan together and great short-term goals that would create long term goals. Do a lot of networking, build many relationships and keep them. Do things for people from the heart and you will get triple in return.

Aside from that just work on the craft and invest in it to make it better.


Dubcnn: Are there any lasting words you’d like to say to the readers out there?

Trel Mack and Street Knowledge Entertainment are back. Go check out that Qthequestion and check out RedhandsTV to see latest interviews by your favorite celebrities.

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