Conducted by Todd Davis
Staten Island, New York’s own Theo Bailey, professionally known as Trife Da God, first became familiar to the masses after debuting on his mentor Ghostface Killah’s 2001 opus Bulletproof Wallets. From there, the young & hungry upstart went on to appear on, the self-proclaimed, Ironman’s The Pretty Toney Album, before releasing a joint project, Put It On The Line, with GFK, that following year. Trife has since made shining cameos on the last three Starks’ LPs, leading up to his highly anticipated, just bowed, premier outing, the appropriately titled, Better Late Than Never.
MVRemix: When did your love for Hip-Hop first begin?
Trife Diesel: I first became interested in music by watching Video Music Box after school while doing my homework. I remember watching the (Eric B &) Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie videos, and saying, “I wanna do what they doing!” I wanted to be on the screen expressing my talents. And that’s basically how it all started for me, just enjoying the culture and art form for what it was at the time.
MVRemix: You grew up in Staten Island, a.k.a. Shaolin, correct? So, musically who were some of your early heroes?
Trife Diesel: Yeah, I’m from Staten, the fifth and forgotten borough, born and raised in Stapleton Projects. My influences were Wu-Tang, of course, Biggie, Nas, and the whole Queens’ movement at the time ‘cause they had a strong impact on the rap game at the time. I used to play the block with the hood radio, breaking day, just listening to the (DJ) Clue mix-tapes and DJ Doo-Wop mix-tapes real heavy.
MVRemix: You mention becoming interested at a young age, but when did you get serious about pursuing rap professionally?
Trife Diesel: I wanted to pursue music on a professional level when I saw the nine members of the Clan breakthrough the industry. It kind of gave me more hope, and I became more driven ‘cause these were people that came from where I came from: The Bottom! And plus, I always try to accomplish what I set out to do. That’s just what has been instilled in me by my pops ever since I was a youngin’.
MVRemix: How did you even manage to hook up with Wu Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah, and later become an integral member of both the T.M.F. and Theodore Unit families?
Trife Diesel: There wasn’t any particular events that led up to me linking with brother Starks. You know the story, a nigga get on and he comes back through the ‘hood to scoop the hottest nigga in the ‘hood at the time. And, it just so happens I was that dude! Plus, his family and mines were basically cool with each other. I was cool with his brother, and I used to just shoot darts at the Ghost every time I saw him. As far as T.M.F., that was the crew that I was running and hustling with and doing music in Basement Studio on the Island. To this day, me and my T.M.F. brothers are still close ‘cause without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It’s T.M.F. to the death and Theodore for life!
MVRemix: Define for me your sound…
Trife Diesel: The music I create is just beautiful to the ears of all listeners I touch. I define my music as universal. I try not to just speak about one topic constantly. When you listen to my album, you’ll see and hear many subjects. When it comes to creating music, it’s like being a professional athlete. You have to be well rounded in every aspect. I want you to feel my music and get something out of it at the end of the day, ‘cause I make music with intent to satisfy the fans as well as myself.
MVRemix: Who actually dubbed you Trife Da God? And, since you are now going by Trife Diesel, what signifies the changing of your name?
Trife Diesel: I got the moniker Trife from my man back in the ‘hood, and through the years I just kept evolving. I evolved from Da God, (and) now I’m known as Mr. Diesel. And when I say “Diesel,” it means strength, that good shit. I’m like a good batch of dope!
MVRemix: You recently released a mix-tape, The Project Pope, as a precursor to your solo debut,…
Trife Diesel: The mix-tape is basically a few joints I been did, mixed with a few new joints. It (was) just something to throw out there so I can get reacquainted with the people. And, I titled it The Project Pope ‘cause I’m like a messenger for the ‘hood to spread good music to the people. Plus, the title had a real catchy ring to it. That might be my new moniker over the years!
MVRemix: Why did you decide on calling your first effort Better Late Than Never?
Trife Diesel: Yeah, that’s the title of my debut album. I named it that because I couldn’t have named it anything better. When people hear my name, they say, “When is dude dropping an album?” And, that was like a question I got asked everywhere I went. One day somebody asked me that, and those were the words that came out of my mouth, “Better late than never!” So, I just stuck with the title, and now y’all finally got it! It just means so much to me just dealing with all the shit in my life during the time of me recording the record. This album I feel is what truly defines me as a mature artist, and you can hear the growth in it from when you got your first dose of me on the Ghostface albums.
MVRemix: Why was it pushed back or delayed from its original release date?
Trife Diesel: I really can’t say why it’s been delayed so long, but I can say I just wanted to turn over a new leaf in my life. This is my new beginning for what is to come for Trife Diesel, and I promise you you’ll never have to wait so long for another release from me. I was just used to things happening instead of making things happen, so you can say that’s why it’s been delayed so long!
MVRemix: Lyrically, where do you find your inspiration behind your songs?
Trife Diesel: I draw inspiration from my everyday life, straight up! It doesn’t have to be what I’m going through now, it could be about something in the past that (I) went through or my niggas that I’m surrounded by has been through. Sometimes it’s the track itself that will have you paint a picture that you thought you could’ve never painted. There’s a song on the album titled “Blind Man” that made me write a tremendous story, and when I finished writing and recording the song I truly felt the words and appreciated the song for what it was. It was like I became a fan of myself in a sense, ‘cause the song is that dope!
MVRemix: Who did you collaborate with on Better Late Than Never?
Trife Diesel: I worked with a variety of producers on this project. Mental Instruments, Lewis Parker, this kid Lee Bannon, DJ Snips from London, and my dude Blunt from Canada who laced me with like six off the wall bangers! When I get beats from producers we vibe back and forth. I create good relations with the people I work (with) ‘cause I’m just a down to earth dude. I’m deeply involved with (the) creative process, ‘cause I’m the one that has the final say on how I want my songs presented to the public. Sometimes I’ll tell the producer what I hear on a certain track and they’ll lace it up a certain way for me. Even when I’m recording the song, there’s a certain way different songs should be recorded. So, I play a major part in the process.
MVRemix: Do you have a(ny) personal favorite track(s)?
Trife Diesel: Truthfully, I know a lot of artist say this, but, they are all my favorite! From the opening track to the final track, ‘cause I’m telling a story from front to end. So as the record progresses, I like each track at that particular time as my favorite — If that made any sense? Ha! Ha! Everybody who played a part on the album came through. But, if I had to pick one today, I would say “Mother Like You,” ‘cause it’s dedicated to the two important ladies in my life right now.
MVRemix: What do you feel it is that will help sustain you in this business of music?
Trife Diesel: The key to my success, and this is advice for other (artists) also, is to just believe in yourself, stay consistent and keep the right people in your corner. You got to stay networking the best way you know how to get your name and the product you trying to promote out to the people.
MVRemix: Is there anything else that you’d like to branch out and do futuristically speaking?
Trife Diesel: Yeah, I would like to get into some type of charity work to give back to the less fortunate, and to sick people who have addictions. And, as opportunities come along, I will tackle those at hand.
MVRemix: What are your true feelings about the current state of Hip-Hop?
Trife Diesel: The current state of Hip-Hop, it is what it is. But, you can’t stop that from doing what you do. In life, everything has changes. I’m pretty sure that goes to say with any industry, whether it be the entertainment, sports, and the music industry itself.
MVRemix: With that being said, how has the rampant running of illegal downloading, file sharing, and bootlegging effected, not only you, but the whole industry in general?
Trife Diesel: Like I said, it is what it is because I believe the system was designed that way when the whole shit was created.
MVRemix: What’s the one thing about Trife Diesel that you want everyone to know that they won’t automatically get just from listening to your music?
Trife Diesel: Basically, I’m a regular person just like you. I put my pants on one leg at a time also. I’m a humble (person), and easy to work with.
MVRemix: What do you enjoy doing in your free or spare time?
Trife Diesel: You can catch (me) with my family. But, in this industry, and especially at the point where I’m at right now, there’s no time for a day off ‘cause you got to go hard. Or, should I say extra hard!?!
MVRemix: To date, what has been your biggest Hip-Hop moment?
Trife Diesel: The biggest career highlight for me is just to travel and see the world for what it is — To see different cultures and how people live in different places of the earth. But, my biggest highlight has yet to come.
MVRemix: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in a 5 to 10 year span?
Trife Diesel: I see myself enjoying life on top, smiling down at the haters who said none of my dreams were possible, and living more comfortably than I am right now. Having a well built foundation for my family, and putting my son through the best college my money can buy. I believe in giving my son what I didn’t have, as long as he stays on the right path.
MVRemix: As for the immediate future, what’s next for Trife Da God?
Trife Diesel: You know, the mix-tape is out now! Go download that online for free, and the album (just came) out July 21st. (Also, just shot) the video for the first single “Respectfully,” featuring Ghost, and I’m getting ready for the road. So, Y’all stay in tune! While I’m on the road, I’m (gonna) just be leaking new music and videos online for Y’all to see how I get it in on the road.
MVRemix: So, there will be a Trife Diesel tour?
Trife Diesel: Yeah, (later) this summer and during the fall! I’m a be posting the dates up within the following week, so please check for that!
MVRemix: What’s the “live” experience gonna be like?
Trife Diesel: You can expect the unexpected! You will definitely get your money’s worth, ‘cause I know it’s a recession so cash flow might be a lil slow for the consumers.
MVRemix: What’s up with the Theodore Unit?
Trife Diesel: As far as the Theodore Movement, I’m pretty sure we’ll work something out to bring to the people. But right now, go check out Better Late Than Never! But, after this album, you’ll (see) a joint from me and my T.M.F. affiliates ‘cause that’s truly long overdue. We’re actually working on that right now, as we speak!
MVRemix: Is there anything I may have forgotten or left out by mistake?
Trife Diesel: Yeah, just check me out on My Space, Facebook, and Twitter, so you can get all the info and updates of what’s going on with Trife Diesel.
MVRemix: Sadly, Thursday 06/25, the world lost the greatest entertainer who ever lived — What was your first reaction upon hearing the tragic news? How does Michael Jackson’s untimely passing affect, not only you, but, music in general? And, in the wake of his demise, what does this mean for the future of recorded music?
Trife Diesel: I just think it’s truly sad. When I first heard of the news, I was in my car driving and it was like, “Nah, that can’t be true!” It felt like the world stood still for a quick second. They started playing his music, and just brought back so many good memories of my childhood. It will affect everyone, if (it) hasn’t already. But, his music is timeless! So, M.J. will never be gone as far as his music is concerned. I remember meeting Michael Jackson in the Hit Factory Studio in Miami. It was crazy! It felt kind of weird. I felt like I met the messiah, for real!
MVRemix: Do you have any message for our readers?
Trife Diesel: Yeah, I just want to shout out the whole Staten Island and to the whole world and make sure you go cop the album in stores and online!
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