[New] Interview with The Legendary Traxster

If you know anything about the history of Hip Hop and the music scene in Chicago, then you may already know who this man is. If not, you need to remove yourself from whatever rock you've been living under. Known as "The Legendary Traxster", this guy here has been making hits (both rapping and producing) for over a decade. While you may not see his name in mainstream media like some of these other producer's, this Grammy Award winning producer has definitely made his mark on the industry and continues to create hit songs and beats for artists who have been fortunate enough to have him on their tracks. Traxster recently released his first album since 2001 entitled " The Return of Gangsta Music" which is definitely a must have (if you have not heard it, check it out on ITunes). I had the opportunity to interview The Legendary Traxster himself and find out a little more about the man behind the music. So for those of you who may not be familiar with who he is and what he has accomplished you're about to get educated! I have to tell ya, I took a moment to reflect and listen to some of the old school tracks he made and produced, such as Twista's "Adrenaline Rush" and even "Magic" by Psychodrama, and it brought back so many amazing memories and feelings...makes me miss being back home on the South Side of the Chi, going to the Rink or hanging out after a basketball game at Hirsch LOL! Who exactly is "The Legendary Traxster"? How did you begin your career as an artist and Producer? The Legendary Traxster is embodiment of the Chicago Sound. I'm part of the foundation of Chicago Hip Hop. I began my career as an artist by first DJing then started making my own records which lead to me forming a ground breaking Chicago hip hop group called "D 2 The S" with another artist named "K-Tone" Many Traxster fans know you and your music through many of the local artists that you have worked with, such as Twista and Do or Die. But who else have you collaborated or produced music for? Mariah Carey, E-40, Camron, The Ourlawz, WC, Bun B, Scarface, TI, Mystikal What makes your music stand out from the other artists out today? It has a dark edgier sound but still a lot of energy. I don't follow the norm, I take what's hot and transform it into my own sound. Now, I'm telling on myself about my age, but the first songs I heard (that I later found out that you produced) were "Magic" by Psychodrama and "Po Pimp" by Do or Die. Didn't have any business listening to it since I was in middle school (lol) but even today I love listening to them because they remind me of the city. What are some of your favorite, older tracks from the 90's? Of course those two. some of my other favorites are Adrenaline rush by Twista, Time Verses Life by Phychodrama, Serching by the Snypaz and Still Smokin by Mystikal. Is there any producer or musician that you would like to possibly collaborate with one day? A lot. Anyone that is a fan of my work that I haven't made a beat for ie. Jay-z, 50, Kanye, etc. But really I want to do more music with artists from the 60's & 70's. I love the musicianship and vocal tones from that era. Tell us a little about "The Return of Gangsta Music" album. The Return of Gangsta music is my first solo project since 2001's "All Hell Breaks Loose". Basically the album is the return of the sound that put chicago on in the first place and It features some of my favorite Chicago artists. It goes Hard! Rapping or producing...which do you enjoy the most? I enjoy rapping the most because I like performing. Making beats comes easy to me. I can make like Five in a day. Beats are the foundation of everything I do. Producing is how I make my living. I rap purely because I love doing it. What projects or collaborations do you have coming up in the near future? Twista " Catagory F5" & Ludicris & Shawnna "Battle of the sexes" and of course Traxster " The Treat of Violence" In your opinion, what makes the Midwest's music so unique (or better) than the east coast, west coast, or south? It's pure expression. We don't have the Indusry machine downtown to influence us so we end up making more sincire music. How can fans find your music or learn more about you? Join cwalmob.com !!!! [code]Source: www.shaesdesk.net[/code]