This album is not just a set of songs that T.Y produced but a strong narrative about surviving the worst that life throws at us and trying to push on through the same with strength and determination. This album constitutes a new beginning in the career and life of T.Y to express personal tragedies and triumphs that have made them what they are today.
Produced in a very challenging period, with the tragic death of the younger brother of T.Y, the song is an amalgamation of brash confidence, unapologetic vulnerability, and storytelling. Diverse sound ranging between melodic tracks with auto-tune, bragging raps, and emotional passages, this album reveals the spiritual maturity of T.Y as a human being as well as an artist.
During this interview, T.Y leaves no stone unturned as they share the motivation behind the album, the creation process, memorable collaborations and the message of hope and strength that they hope fans will get by listening to the album. Get prepared to listen to the song of an artist who is really due to a win and is willing to share such a journey in the form of powerful music.
Listen to DUE 4 A WIN
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“Congrats on the release of “DUE 4 A WIN”! What does the title mean to you personally?
Well first off, thank you so much. This album, being my debut one, definitely signifies that but it also signifies a place and time in my life where things were really dark. So taking all those losses and not letting them define or dictate where my life will go, made me feel like I was “Due 4 A Win” .
What was going through your mind when you first started writing this album?
Well, I knew I wanted to drop my debut this year and showcase my talent and everything, but it was originally only going to be 5-tracks or so. But in the midst of the recording process, tragic life situations happened and really inspired the title of the album and just having more to say on it.
Would you say DUE 4 A WIN is about a specific moment in your life or more of a general message?
Both, actually. I do speak and touch on specific things that happened in my life that affected me, but it’s also a general message that anybody that listens to this can recognition with, tragedy and triumph and the cycle of that as life goes.
What’s the main emotion or message you hope people feel when they hear this song?
Triumph. That no matter what you’re going through in life, dark places and such, that you overcome them and still win. Embrace them, process them, and then come back stronger.
How would you describe the sound and energy of “DUE 4 A WIN” to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
Well it’s definitely diverse, I think there’s a bit of everything here for everyone and every taste. Definitely a bit bragadocoius and cocky, but also vulnerable and open. So a pretty good blend there.
Did you experiment with any new styles or sounds on this album?
Yeah, definitely lol. Things like auto-tuning and being more melodic on tracks like “Head Huntin”, different flow pockets on “New Drama” and really just pushing myself to dig deeper and challenge what artistic bonds are.
Can you walk us through your creative process while making this album from idea to final mix?
It developed as the recording process tooo place. When I started it, I didn’t have a name or title or anything, I just knew I wanted to showcase my rapping ability. But as time went on, I decided to get a little more personal and give the listener a chance to not just see me as an artist or rapper, but as a person too. So Everything just really started falling into place naturally.
Did you work with any producers or collaborators on this album? How did they help shape the final sound?
Yeah, Douggie produced damn-near 80-90% of the album. We’ve known each other for a while but really connected on the music aspect this year and started working together. This album wouldn’t have been what it was without him and his creative genius with producing and mixing, and even him criticizing and telling when to do a verse over or that it’s “not enough”. Really pushed me to tap in more and give the album what it needed. Shoutout to Angie Candenas too for her amazing vocals on “Rainfall”.
Was there a moment in the studio where you knew this song had something special?
Yeah, recording the first track “Due 4 A Win” really showed me that. From watching Douggie make the best from scratch, do how effortlessly we went back and forth on the track and how it sounded sonically, I knew this was going to be something great.
“DUE 4 A WIN” sounds like it carries a message of determination. Can you talk more about that?
Yeah absolutely, I feel it does. As people, we naturally go through hardships and tough moments in our lives, and I just decided to use that as my motivation on this album. Tragically losing my younger brother earlier this year and music also being his passion, made me want to give that same level of determination and dedication to it because I know it would’ve something that he was proud of.
Are there any specific lines in the song that feel especially meaningful or powerful to you?
“Cherish those you love the most, Never know when God gon’ tap that shoulder, say “It’s time to go”.
How does this album reflect where you are right now, both musically and personally?
I think it’s an exact representation of both. This album, “Due 4 A Win”, is all about overcoming and triumph, so that definitely to my music career and the amount of success I’ve had early on now, and even in my personal life with overcoming hardships.
Are there any visuals or music videos planned to go with the release?
Yeah, definitely in the works. There are visuals that are coming, along with a couple of music videos and are going to drop soon too. So look out for then lol
What can fans expect next from T.Y any live shows or new drops on the way?
Definitely more music this year, maybe some singles and feature verses for sure. I want to end this year off strong with some live shows to really feel that energy and see in real time how “Due 4 A Win” translate to the masses.
