Tireek photographed by William Hammel
1. At what age did you realize that music was your passion?
“I think I realized that Music was my passion at 12 years old. when I was 12 that was the first time I went to a recording studio and I just fell in love with the process. I love being in that environment catching a vibe and just seeing what happens. seeing where the music takes you and what stories you can tell the whole thing is just fire. so it’s from that point on that I knew I wanted to do music for the rest of my life”.
2. When did you really start pursuing music with laser focus?
“In all honesty I feel like I started pursuing music seriously seriously in 2020 - 2021. I have been doing it professionally since 2017 when I was in a rap group called Room 4. we were doing shows and building a good name for ourselves but I want to say in 2020-2021 is when I started taking things super serious as a solo artist. I started building that team around me. I have an amazing manager, I’m working with dope photographers and videographers and building my brand and just going full force. I released my first official project with 90s baby, I had a super dope collaborative album called “Crookland” and now I’m just pushing myself to be better and better each and every day so yeah I feel like the artist that I am now is leagues ahead of the artist that I was just because I’m more consistent, I’m more focused ,and I know where I wanna go or where I wanna be and what I need to do to get there”.
3. What advice would you give those who get stuck on this journey?
“This is going to sound very annoying or maybe very cliché oh because even I feel some type away when people tell me this but it’s the honest truth just don’t give up. if it was easy then everybody would do it, you know? if it were easy than everybody would be successful but if you ever feel stuck or lost and you don’t know what to do just do what you love do something that inspires you, something that makes you feel like you’re being productive and just keep going keep pushing. I think that’s the best way to get out of any rut or slump and just keep pushing out if it’s your passion”.
4. What’s your favorite song that you’ve made?
“My favorite song that I’ve made is definitely always changing just because I’m always making new stuff but I would say at the moment it would probably be “Work” and the reason I say that it’s just because of the story behind it in the story behind a video and just the amount of connections that it’s allowed me to make just because of its popularity”.
5. If you had to pick 1... who has been your favorite person to work with?
“Aw man this is a tough one. Man I love working with everyone I hope no one gets mad because I didn’t pick them but I would say Rozotadi.. Not only is he a dope artist and a brother to me but when we’re in the studio together it’s like friendly competition. We’re always pushing each other to do better and trying to outdo each other on a track but it’s all love. Everytime we have a session I feel like I learn something new or like I’m a better artist/writer”.
6. Who do you see yourself collaborating with next?
“I NEEEEEEEED to work with Smino in the near future. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for that one. He has been one of my inspirations for a while I hope I get to meet and work with him eventually”.
Tireek photographed by William Hammel
7. If you could thank 2 people right now who would it be and why?
“My mother first of all. In all honesty none of this is possible without her continued love and support. She’s definitely one of the main things that keeps me going. The next person would be my baby brother. He’s only 3 right now but he is one of my biggest motivators and he doesn’t even know it. Every day he reminds me of the importance of life and laughter. I love to watch that kid just live in his own world doing what makes him happy. I know as a child that’s all they’re really supposed to do but it’s honestly a reminder for me to try and do the same thing”.
8. What artist did you listen to most growing up?
“I could go on forever! My tastes are always changing and the list keeps expanding but I would say but the artists who inspired and defined my earlier years are Nas, Lauryn Hill, Bryson Tiller, Biggie, Andre 3000, Drake, J. Cole, Goldlink and more. My number one would probably be Kendrick Lamar though! That man doesn’t miss!”.
9. What has been your favorite moment on this journey?
“My favorite moment so far was my first headlining show. Just being on stage performing songs that I wrote in my room and hearing everyone in the crowd sing along and show love it was beautiful. That is one of those moments where I knew I can do this and that whatever I’m doing, I’m doing it right. I can’t wait to see what happens next on this journey”.