Interview: ABKTRAUMA Discusses His New Song "Trap Coat"
We connected with Camden, NJ based rapper, producer and Classy Trap Society label founder ABKTRAUMA for an exclusive interview to discuss his new single “Trap Coat”. We also learned more about ABKTRAUMA’s plans for “Trap Coat” as part of his upcoming debut album, “First They Love You”, as well as how his time in the Army has impacted how he moves as an artist/producer in the music industry, and much more.
After reading our Q&A with ABKTRAUMA, be sure to connect with him on social media, check out some more of his music on Spotify, and be on the lookout for his upcoming debut album “First They Love You”.
Congratulations on the release of your new single "Trap Coat"; what can you tell us about your creative process for the development of the track?
Thanks! I made the beat a few months back. It was supposed to be for my label's project but I decided to keep it for myself. But shhhhh don't tell anyone lol. I started freestyling one day and that's how “Trap Coat” was born. The song is based on real life experience from when I used to be in the streets.
Will "Trap Coat" be a part of an upcoming project you release this year? If so, what can you tell us about it?
Yea. “Trap Coat” is going to be on my debut album called “First They Love You”. It's the first in my upcoming album series. Next is “Then They Hate You”. And last is “Then They Love You Again”.
You're not just an emcee, but a producer as well. What software/hardware to you use to make your beats and how do you decide which ones to keep or sell to other artists?
I've used everything from the MPC to the Fantom to more. But nowadays I just use FL Studio. I like the workflow in the program. It's really easy but professional at the same time.
Honestly I make beats so fast that it's never really a problem deciding. I make about 40 beats a month and send out snippets of them to all of the artists on my Classy Trap Society label, major artists and indie artists too. If an artist on my label selects a beat first then it's theirs. If someone else wants to buy it, then it's theirs. First come first serve.
How would you say that the time that you served in the Army has impacted the way you move as an artist and producer?
I just keep everything nice and professional. I treat everyone how I want to be treated. Respect gets respect. I don't burn bridges. Ever.
At the end of the day, this music business is small. There's a lot of people that rap and make beats but on a professional level? It's a small game. It's small game of chess. And I'm good at chess so I keep all of my moves like I said, nice and professional.
With "Trap Coat" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2020?
“Trap Coat” is literally a street single. A single for the streets. But my first real single is called "Ghost". “Ghost” is about how people say they'll be there when you need them but they end up ghosting you.
“Ghost” is going to be the song that really puts me on the map. I'm already known for being a social media influencer, but this song right here? Yea this is the one that's going to solidify my rap career. It's going to blow my 2020 up and beyond.