Interview: Rep Talks About His New Collaborative EP With Tramel Entitled "But He is Strong"
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“I’ve always said that it’s [music] a universal language. It speaks to people of every race and in any environment. Today, there is so much unrest. A lot has happened in just half a year, and I think artists need an outlet to express because art is how we cope with things.”
Congratulations on the completion and release of your new EP "But He is Strong". What does the EP title represent to you and what are you most proud of with it?
I think I'm really proud of the diversity of the project. Each song is really different and has a different feel. I know the chill pop crowd will like something, the trap crowd will like something, and so on. I'm not a fan of just sticking to one sound. I want the challenge of doing more.
On this EP you worked with Tramel, as well as the Sweden based True Justice and MNPLY. How did you make these connections and what did they contribute to the project?
I honestly didn't know what to expect with this EP. Originally, Tramel and I wanted to work on a project together because He really wanted to get back into music, and then True Justice (who I've worked with before) wanted to produce an EP with several artists.
Tramel and I were the ones who were really pushing for this. So, we started formulating what we wanted this to look like. With covid-19 happening and quarantines, plus the fact that True Justice is from Sweden, we had a lot of texts and Facebook messaging going on to mesh everything together. It was definitely awesome to work as a team.
Can we expect visuals for any of the EP's six songs? If so, which ones?
Yes. The plan is to do something for all six songs. Maybe like a mini docu-series. Haha.
I haven't brought up the idea with Tramel and True Justice yet, but it'll come soon. I'm ready for it.
With the state of things in the United States and around the world right now, why is music so important to you as an outlet to express yourself?
I've always said that it's a universal language. It speaks to people of every race and in any environment. Today, there is so much unrest. A lot has happened in just half a year, and I think artists need an outlet to express because art is how we cope with things.
Fans usually think we create music solely for them, but it's our therapy first, and then we share it hopefully to benefit others.
If your EP could be the soundtrack to any movie, which one would you select?
Sheesh....that's tough. Can I just say anything with Will Smith? I'm going with that answer.