TL
Interviewed by: Kristin

KRISTIN: Hi TL this is Kristin how are you doing?

TL: I’m good how are you.

KRISTIN: Very good.

TL: I’m in the studio right now.

KRISTIN: cool. What are you working on right now?

TL: A new Reggaeton song.

KRISTIN: Is it you who is singing it our or another group?

 

TL: Me and I’m calling it “Mami Mami” Our group project is done. I’m finishing up mine.

KRISTIN: When is your group project set to be released?

TL: Some time this Summer.

KRISTIN: Cool, so were there any collabs done on the cd?

TL: Yes, 2le, The Young Bosses, & Nina Ross.

KRISTIN: Nice. So what can we expect from your solo project?

TL: You will expect a Hip Hop Latin flavor, a lil Santana mixed with a lil Kanye west, and a lot of TL

KRISTIN: lol. So will that be in English or will there be some Spanish included?

TL: It will be los dos, since I love my gente and our music I will always stick to my formula.

KRISTIN: Cool. Now you also own your own recording studio how do you find the time to run your studio, be in a group and also be a solo artist?

TL: I don’t. j/k 7 days a week 7 nights of no sleep and a lot of hard work an dedication. Ok about 4 to 6 hr per night.

KRISTIN: So solo name is TL and your Group name is 3 Strikes how did you come up with those names?

TL: The name TL is short for The Loksta, all me gente from south side Modesto started calling me LOC, from there I used it so los fans could recognize me stilo. 3 strikes is a lil more complicated, let me break it down. California is the only state with the 3 strikes law; there are 3 of us in the group (Neo, Chance & me TL). It was our way of showing the public what we represent except there is diversity in the group, a Chicano a Guero and the Chicano Guero.

KRISTIN: Interesting. So how long have you been doing music solo?

TL: I have been in the under ground music indie scene. Since I was a teen. 17 to be exact I put out a small EP in 2001. I have been doing the rap thing since I was 14.

KRISTIN: Who were your musical influences back then?

TL: Well I can say Santana, bone thugs, and my fav 2 pac.

KRISTIN: Nice, and now?

TL: Kanye West, still Carlos Santana, Akwid, Dr Dre & Ice Cube

KRISTIN: Cool! Is there any artists that you would love to work with one day?

TL: Carlos Santana is on the top of my list. Mary j Blige, Akwid & Dr Dre there are so many out there with talent. Also my fav bay area Artist E 40 tell me when to go. Lol

KRISTIN: So what can we expect from TL in 2006?

TL: well we are going to start shopping to some label soon. And in six months if we are not signed to a major we will release my album this year.

KRISTIN: Cool! How would you describe your music in your own words?

TL: Off the wall, what will I come up with next, for the ladies I will bring ecstasy sex appeal and lots of love, u dig and for the vatos real heavy hip hop I’m always giving you solid game to take with you on your yellow brick road.

KRISTIN: Wow nice. Do you have your own website? Or one for the group?

TL: Yea I do well it is the MPR Entertainment web site with our myspace links. Big ups to tom from myspace.
www.moneypowerrespectent.com

KRISTIN: Cool. Now how did you form MPR ENT?

TL: Well the true story is I once was part owner of Offical Funk Ent. Do to my own personal reasons I left on bad terms with one of my partners Big Playa and took with me 2le & Hexs. So there comes Money power respect. We have MONEY, knowledge is our POWER and RESPECT is earned not given.

KRISTIN: So what exactly does MPR ENT do?

TL: We are a record recording company that goes beyond just recording artist, we produce our product, press CDs, promote and sometimes back other artists.

KRISTIN: Do you have anything you would like to say to up and coming artists?

TL: Be original, find your style, never give up your dreams, and don’t wait for handouts it takes hard work. It’s not always what u know it’s who u know it’s a small world, label guys always stick in small groups. Waiting for their turn to push their artists. Remember as long as there is fans there will be music no matter the flavor.

KRISTIN: Anything you would like to say to your fans?

TL: They know what the business is, I love them all wish I could have a drink with all the adult fans and wake up some where i don’t know where. My ladies don’t be afraid to say what’s up. All my male fans holla when u see me we can all party till the sun goes down and back up again. To all my young fans who are influenced the most by my music. Think positive think money and stay in school we need gente with minds.

KRISTIN: awww nice. Any shout outs?

TL: Yes, what’s up to the whole MPR team 2le, Neo, Chance, B Strong, J Bomber, Hexs, Nina Ross, Ruben, Nobody Boys, Young Bosses, The Rap Addict Spit Flame Ent Mike Dread, my gente in from the Central Valley, The Bay, LA, the whole USA. And last but not least Jesus.

KRISTIN: Well thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview.

TL: Your welcome, thank indie street for doing this, Angela and you Kristin. One day I will go out there and party with you ladies, have a good week.

KRISTIN: Thank you. Sounds like fun!

TL: P.S Money Power Respect, remember that slogan.