Terry Gray, known as TGray, is a fourth year UCLA undergrad who has a strong passion for rap. He is an independent artist and is in the process of debuting his first mix tape The American Paradox.
Interviewer: Rasheed Tulay/ Nommo Staff
RT: So when did you start rapping and what motivated you to start rapping?
TG: I been rapping since I was nine consistent, but I started recording in the studio when I was about 17. I grew up in a hip-hop infused environment. It was the 90’s so my folks were always playing hip-hop and soul music and it just stuck with me.
RT: Who are your favorite MCs of the moment?
TG: I don’t really have favorites, but I definitely mess with Kanye, Jay-z, Eminem… you know the Gods. I think Kendrick is definitely one of the best right now. I just try to emulate the greats, so I don’t really focus on newer artists
RT: Where do you see yourself in five years in terms of music?
TG: I really don’t know, in five years I could be getting my PhD.
RT: I saw your College N**** video and thought it was dope, what challenges do you face pursuing a rap career while trying to stay ahead in school?
TG: So many challenges especially at UCLA. Constant time constraints, but school obviously has to come first. One thing I hate is people mistaking me as a “student rapper,” like someone who just raps as a hobby instead of serious occupation. I try to put as much time into my rapping as I do in the books.
RT: What is the relevance of the name?
TG: It is about how in the hood, I was considered the “white kid” of the group because I talked differently and was more focused school-wise, but then when I got into UCLA I was constantly reminded of my blackness. As a black male on campus, you’re not given the same respect because many people assume that I got in UCLA because of affirmative action or because I’m an athlete. So when I rap I try to bring different points of views together to show my versatility.
RT: How do you feel about the black presence on campus?
TG: I think the black community on campus could definitely be stronger. I know that the community is there, but it’s hard to feel it sometimes seeing how our school is predominantly Asian and White.
RT: If you could collaborate with any rapper of your choice right now who would it be? DOA (Dead or Alive)?
TG: Either Biggie or Em. Nah actually Biggie.
RT: Do you have anything planned in terms of shows at the moment.
TG: Not at the moment, but there are some definitely coming soon.
RT: When does your mixtape debut?
TG: It is coming in November and it is called American Paradox. It’s basically about the transition period between me leaving south central and getting acclimated into UCLA, a whole different community.
RT: Any collaborations on the album?
TG: Nope just me, no features. It is meant to be an introduction to me as a person to the outside world. Just me.
RT: Who are your producers?
TG: I just find random producers online, but I try to only get quality. It’s kind of hard due to my lack of resources, but I make do. I try to keep the focus more on my lyrics.
RT: Yeah I saw your Figueroa R.A.P. video before you walked in. Who shoots your videos?
TG: Mike Le and he is cold behind the camera, I’m co-director though. I just try to give the best art I can give you know? Whether if it’s the video, the production, or the lyrics. I just try to craft the best art I can.
RT: If you could sign to any major label or group who would you sign with?
TG: I’m not even thinking about that right now. I’m on an independent grind. The internet makes it so that you don’t even need to be signed to a label to make it.
Twitter: @TGraytheparadox
Facebook: TGray