Tracy Michael breaks down his artistry and what's next to come..
We love to discover new music and are so happy we had a chance to interview this artist. We asked Tracy Michael a few short questions about his artistry and what to expect next. Here's what he had to say..
Every artist has a unique story. Can you tell us a little about yours?
"I am New York Bred Child of God, first raised in Brooklyn, then Long Island which I like to call (L.I. Strong), and now currently residing in Queens. I spent many days Uptown Manhattan in Washington Heights and Dyckman/Inwood as a teenager. At this point I am familiar with every borough. I have a similar story to many people in New York, I am close to the struggle, a few miles from prosperity, down the block from a church or two, and gritty enough to give the gospel through Hip-Hop Music."..
Please tell us about your art. What do you do / make / create? How? Why? What’s the message or inspiration, what do you hope people take away from it? What should we know about your artwork?
"As a rapper, singer, and producer I create different types of Christian music. Christian Hip-Hop, Praise, Gospel Funk and Jazz, along with Christian Reggae, Dancehall, and Afro-Funk. The message is always the gospel with my testimony sprinkled in. I tend to seek the heart of God to understand what he wants from me and from there songs pour out. He has poured down into me and anointed my head with oil it is my duty to give back the praise. My first goal is to lead people to the God who saved me. Secondly I hope to encourage believers and unbelievers to continue their relationship with God. Third I want people to feel comfortable giving their life to God. Christian Hip Hop is a great tool to let people know they can express themselves and love their God all at once."
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
"My music is available on all digital platforms under my name Tracy Michael. This includes Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, amongst other sources. I am also available on Instagram: TracyMichael_ and TikTok: @TracyMichaelOfficial"..
NEW SINGLE “Yah Herd” OUT NOW. Follow Tracy Michael on Spotify to keep up!
When and why did you start playing/making music?
"I started rapping as a kid but I started rapping for God around 25. I had given up on musically completely but I heard the call from God to start doing music again. I began rapping and trying to sing. I started studying music and production so that I could get better. God was pouring out on me lyrically and has brought me lightyears from where I was when he first called me."..
Tell us a little about your faith journey and how you came to give your life to Jesus?
"I was born into a Christian Family, living with my grandmother as a child. She instilled in me the belief of Jesus. I used to attend the Catholic school that she worked for as a young boy. I remember hearing Kirk Franklin for the first time and feeling intrigued like I think I can do this better than that guy. That dream died and i completely forgot about that thought until I was nearly 30 and God reminded me that he heard what I thought that day. I'm glad he didn't give up on me and called me, not only to music, but to reign eternally in his heavenly kingdom."..
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
"I have done many jobs in my life and still currently hold more than one occupation / hustle. I came out of college and worked for Best Buy and an Investment Bank simultaneously. I spent years working for Investment Banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. I have also worked in Finance for other companies. I have been off and on working for Uber for a few years. Right now I am in the midst of a FinTech Coding BootCamp. I find FinTech Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and NFT's to be an important part of the coming changes."..
How do you balance your music with other obligations - significant other, children, job etc.? Are you full time music?
"I am single with no children but between my job and other investment / financial commitments I have to be a organized individual. God gives strategy on how to manage your time and he gives me ideas that allow me to alleviate some of my time and I'm able to make music. While driving Uber I record many songs on my voice memos that become tracks later. That could be years later or a matter of weeks or months. I consistently write but I separate time out to record and produce."..
What advice would you give up and coming independent artists?
"The main thing is keeping your ear to God. In Gospel Rap Music the money is not the same as other genres which include Gospel or Christian Contemporary so a person must be mindful of that when entering. Be strategic, allow God to mold you not only as a artists but also as a Man or Woman. He has blessings stored up in heaven for all of his good and faithful servants. Use your talents wisely and allow God the grace to give you persistence to make it through to the end goal."..
Are you planning on staying independent as an artist? What's the next move?
"I don't mind being an independent artists but I am also open to deals that make sense for me."
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