A word of advice: If you get the refrain to Tt the Artist‘s dance single “Pussy Ate” stuck in your head, DON’T SING IT AT WORK.

Even though it is really damn catchy…

Earlier this week I reached out to Tt for an interview. Unfortunately, our schedules clashed—while Tt was busy doing her musician/community activist/designer/collaborator/filmmaker thing, I was stuck on the Number 3 bus to Cromwell Bridge. That was the last place I wanted to conduct a phone interview. So, I emailed her my questions. When I got up the next morning, there were her answers, just sitting in my inbox.

 

AH: What’s the primary message you want conveyed through your music?

TT: Most people know me for my Baltimore club tracks which tend to be raw and unfiltered, but I explore many themes through my music. As people, I don’t think we are one-dimensional, so I write songs that are inspired by everyday life. Whether I am writing a record about falling in love or partying until the sun comes up, I just want to make music that sounds and feels good.

AH: Tell us a little about how you got involved with Queer-ology?

TT: I saw a need for more LGBT/queer cultural activities in Baltimore City and Queer-ology is more than the typical LGBT party. Aside from hip hop Thursday nights at the Hippo or dance parties in the back room of Grand Central, there aren’t too many places where the community can come out and play. I wanted to create an event that offered culture as well as the best entertainment, so when developing the series I wanted to make it a monthly event that showcases LGBT films as well as creates a platform for LGBT artists to perform. My goal is to generate more awareness to those who may not be as familiar with the culture here in Baltimore. Queerology is a place where you come as you are and be free!

AH: Who would you love to collaborate with?

TT: I’m inspired by many artists both musically and creatively right now but here are a few I’d love to collaborate with in some way: Daft Punk, Jeff Koons, Azealia Banks, DJ Uncle Al

AH: Tell us a little about Artistland Productions…

TT: At a certain point in my career I felt the need to create a brand separate from “Tt The Artist.” A place where my community work could exist. Artistland became that place. Artistland creates art and cultural events and programming through collaborations and community partnerships. We host art and media workshops, dance classes, and we coordinate events.

AH: What was music’s/hip-hop’s role in breaking free of your strict upbringing?

TT: I grew up in a very strict religion. As a child I was restricted to do so many things. A big part of me feels like I missed out on a lot growing up. I wasn’t allowed to listen to secular music on the radio but I would always sneak in my room and turn on the radio and listen to some Foxy Brown, who was one of my fave rappers at the time. I would pull out a notebook and try to write all her rap lyrics down and memorize them, (this was before there was Google and you could just look up lyrics to music). In high school I started writing and reciting my own raps. I felt like I finally had a platform to express anything I felt and that was empowering.

AH: What was it like working with Diplo?

TT: I have actually had the opportunity to meet Diplo 2 times at a couple of parties. Our collaboration was actually done completly through the internet. Rusty Lazer, a friend and former manager of the late Nicki D B (R.I.P) called me and asked me “Have you ever heard of Diplo?” I replied, “Have I ever heard of Diplo?! Of course!”

The rest was history. They sent me the instrumental to “Dat A Freak” and in less then 2 weeks the record was out. Today, the music video, produced by award-winning French animator Maxime Bruneel, has almost a half million views and has been featured as a Vimeo Staff Pick.

AH: What did you think of Missy Elliott’s surprise appearance in the Super Bowl Half-time show?

TT: OMG, how did I miss that?! I will have to look this performance up on YouTube. For the first time I didn’t get a chance to watch the Super Bowl. I was actually moving into my new place.

AH: Anything else you’d care to add?

TT: Just stay tuned for upcoming events. Also my new project Art Royalty EP will be coming out this month and you can can catch me live Feb. 14th at the Metro Gallery for the official release party! You can keep up with my latest at www.tttheartist.com

 

Catch TT tonight at The Crown