You can say he’s young in the game, nonetheless, when your accomplishments has ranged from producing for KRS-one, Camp-Lo, to finally having your own recording and label deal, at age 21 Bronx native…Tribeca has proven age is truly nothing, but a number. We agreed to the interview at Major League Entertainment’s office, and across the table was a 6’4″ a little over two hundred fifty pounder. That goes by the name…Tribeca. He is the epitome of what will be success, humbled but confident, giving way to learning more as this diamond in the rough is discovered. Tribeca had recently returned from a very successful tour of Europe, when we spoke about an array of things, we jumped around the board, but I now give you his chronocle.
Although he counts only his professional experience, he admits that his success comes from the years around those already in the business, seeing their pitfalls and contract deals, vowing not to reiterrate those basement deals and complain later, Tribeca says, “Get on top of your business people, get a lawyer, an accountant even a para-legal, get on top of your game.” He started rhyming at age thirteen in the Valentine section of the Bronx. Not taking it serious, until 1997 when Camp-Lo from his hood was signed, he then saw the route to success, with enthusiasm and creativity on his side he chose producing. Produced tracks, sold tracks to some independants at age seventeen, then produced for Camp-Lo and others, B.E.T.’s Joe Claire, Blaze finalist Killa Tactics, an unreleased song for KRS-one’s current project.
Where did the name Tribeca originate from?
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It was funny, see I was infatuated by the lifestyle in the district of Tribeca Downtown N.Y.’s lower Village area. I had dreams of making it and living in a big loft. Nonetheless my friends sought to make fun of my ambitions…you know saying, Tribeca ass n—a. Now that name has garnerred a big following, getting play on hot 97, so to all that made fun of me, you get no copyright credit to the name.
How did he sign with Major League?
My group Topp Gunn shopped demos to M.L. Ent. which I did the production, Matt Marcus liked my work, but needed production for another artist. I played more production work, but had intentions at that time to shop my solo demos elsewhere. Matt was intrigued to listen, heard two songs and pitched the current scenario. Now it’s all good, I feel like I have stepped out of the minors to the Major Leagues.
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What was it like recording “The Life” with Pharoah Monch and who made that decision?
The concept and recording of the theme song for “The Life” I can’t take sole credit for the creativity, the ESPN TV show needed a theme song, they heard me previously, I got a copy of the show, viewed it, put myself into one of the character athlete’s and the song is what it is. Working with Pharoah Monche, I had nothing to do with the choosing, ESPN felt they needed to add another person, there were good options but I liked the idea of working with Pharoah Monch, he just had a successful song and being a dope artist, why not? Plus like we discussed if he wasn’t on there I probably wouldn’t get the love I am seeing. We never meet until the studio session, and it was an artist connection, we dapped each other then talked about the song he also complimented me saying “I see there is a big future in it for you”, that’s big coming from him. The creativity and greatness of Pharaoh peaked…one take and his parts were recorded, the man is just that nice.
Other than his experiences thus far, he’s inspired by artist such as, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and M.O.P. also producers Timbaland and R.Kelly. I did not limit his choices, but when I asked Tribeca who he would like to work with he first gave light to his own artist coming in 2002 on Market Men Ent., Karnegy Kobane, along with M.O.P.(can I live, can we spit) Remy-Martin, Jay-Z, KRS-one I want to do back to back verses and R.Kelly he says “I’ll let him do the production I just want eight bars.” I had an opprotunity, before having this forum to preview somethings from Tribeca, “Training Day” Training-Day soundtrack and if it goes to album “W.A.R.” along with “Wheel of fortune” all should be some treats to look for when his album goes to stores in early 2002. What you are not going to get is his freestlyes, unless you plug into the site and request the mix CD show format.
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As always, I extend thanks to Matt Marcus and his staff for the exclusive, much success to Tribeca, and when U.W.A.G, Rhythm delivers…Later
