-
Promotions
May
14
Tell me about Truth Universal?
Truth Universal is Trinidad born, New Orleans raised, liberation minded eMCee.
Please discuss post Katrina New Orleans?
People cannot still are not able to come home because the rent is exorbitant. There is a housing crisis right now. Hundreds of people are homeless, and the city’s housing projects are being torn down. There is military occupation. Working class people’s best interest is not order of the day here. How money can be made is!
People are just trying to get their lives back together. In the Hip Hop community, we’re rebuilding as well.
Who have you found to be the audience for positive and intellectual Hip Hop?
The way I do what I do–I strive to provoke thought, but not be boring over production that no one wants to listen to–I get a good cross section of the community. I get college students, young professionals, everyday folks, so-called thugs, etc. It’s mostly consumed by underground Hip Hop heads with internet access though. That’s just what it is. Because I don’t have thousands of dollars to pay these people (radio, tv, magazines…) that’s where we’re most visible.
Can you discuss ways that you build awareness for what you do?
The main avenues are college and non-commercial radio, independent video shows, publicity campaigns, rockin’ as many shows that I can, internet banner campaigns, mixtapes and email blasts.
Can you elaborate on marketing activities that you have been involved in?
I’m always in the streets flyering, postering, stickering…whatever! I just pressed 1000 promo mixtapes and sent them across the globe. I actually need to re-press because I have some more territories I need to cover. I’m hitting clubs, neighborhoods, second lines (street parades), college campuses. Also, if there’s a mic open, I’m on it most times! Since my DJs aren’t with me for the spontaneous joints, I have a 6 minute performance medley disc I keep on me. [laughs]
How many performances do you do per year?
For the past couple years at least 50 per year. As the years progress, and there are more opportunities, that number grows. For instance, we’re not half there this year yet–we’re approaching 30 shows.
What have you found to be some of the best promotional opportunities via the Internet?
The website is the best. MySpace is a very good tool. I’ve also found mailinglists to be very effective. I gather email addresses at shows, in the street/clubs, and via the net. I have about 1000 names on my main list. They actually support. I need votes for this year’s People’s Choice Award I was up for. I sent out the call and 577 people voted. I would say that’s a good response. They have also supported my releases.
Please discuss your new album.
The new album is called “Self-Determination.” It gives me pleasure to mention guest appearances on the album. I was blessed by Wise Intelligent of Poor Righteous Teachers, Stic man of Dead Prez, Cee Know the Doodlebug from Digable Planets, my man Tondrae Kemp, and my Sister Sula of Zion Trinity. There’s production by Bass Heavy, S1 of Strange Fruit Project, Panik of the Molemen, Natural Born, Andino, nick tha 1da, Gensu Dean, and Dan Freeman.
How can people find and buy it?
You can find and buy at www.truthuniversal.com/buysd.html
It’s nationally distributed so it SHOULD be in your local Mom & Pop shop. It’s on iTunes. You can also order it from Amazon, Circuit City, FYE, Best Buy, Target, etc., both in-store or on-line.