spotlight | an interview w/ T.VaL

Previously covered on our "the radius" feature, artist T.VaL recently had a follow-up conversation with co-founder/contributor Ashley Kay about his background, influences, and the intentions of his music. Check the full interview below.

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Ashley Kay: What would you say influenced you? T.VaL: My Influences, Jay-Z, 2Pac, Biggie [Smalls], Kanye West, and friend Joe Brand not only influenced me but was the spark that inspired me. I can't forget about my family. My blood Quick Kusher and Chuchi Jones helped season me when I was struggling with the art.

AK: Who is your hero? TV: My hero, even though I sin and don't live by the Word like I should... I would have to say God. My reason, God allowed me to create my son. I would have to say, him being born has changed my whole outlook on life. [laughs] I actually felt like I can conquer the world that night! Childhood hero was Michael Jordan.

What made you want to get into the music business? Well that's around the time when I begun to hang  around my college friend Joe Brand and Donald Thomas aka Don G. Joe always talked his dreams and goals. Long story short in a studio in Kentucky. Joe inspired me that night. I will always remember that moment. Real shit.

What is the most difficult thing you had to endure in life? Growing up in the Midwest period. Staying in the harbor/EC. [East Chicago], East Hammond and GI [Gary]. I was shot at, at the age of 14 years old. TiL this day I remember what the bullets sounded like past my ear. Deep right?! That was definitely divine intervention. But I seriously hate gun violence. I've lost 3 cousins in the past 3 years to gun violence. Still can't believe that, though.

If you could compare yourself to an already established artists, who would they be and why? I wanna be great at this like Jay-Z but leave a legacy as strong as 2Pac. There's no other way I could answer that. [laughs]

What do you think your listeners will get out of your music? They gonna get a different style -- that'll be my mark on the game.  I strive at trying to be different. The problem with the game is that people mimic today. In the '90s, that wasn't allowed. Now anyone can  sound just like you and be your competition. But those types of artists don't last long anyway. They also will get soul and passion. Inspiration to carry on in this messed up, cold world. Hopefully learn something, too. I want to change lives for the better. Let my art be a spark.

What do you hope to do with your music? With my music, I hope to inspire and empower people. Also, create a life for my son I never had.

How does it feel to finally get your foot in the door or your big break? Big break? I'm still waiting. [laughs] But it finally feels to good to found my flow. We sizzling hot right now! Wouldn't you say?! [laughs] Nobody knows how much I'm ready to live out my dreams.

With your new single "Grind State of Mind", what were you thinking when you developed it? "Grind State of Mind" came about during my constant struggle to pay for my own place an to feed my dream. The music industry will try suck you dry. Everybody got they hands out. Even when you're trying to come up. They don't care if you got a deal or not. If you got talent, they at you. You mention money in one song, they at you shit crazy. I wrote this for every person's struggle in "the grind". I want people to turn this on in the morning and be motivated to continue their grind. "Grind State of Mind" is one my masterpieces!

What is one word you would use to describe you? One word to describe me? I actually have two words -- highly favored.

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Make sure to look out for "Grind State of Mind", dropping soon. In the meantime, follow and connect with T.VaL: twitter/IG/soundcloud/bandcamp/ReverbNation


You can reach the author of this post, Ashley Kay, on her website or Instagram.