Torae: Bar Enlightenment Pt. 2

In the conclusion of our interview with Torae, we discuss the inspiration behind Heart Failure, his daughter questioning him about being on TV and the one song that sums up his career.

TWV: How would an artist who aspires to be on the majors deal with remaining true to themselves and unique in an industry where there is constant pressure to conform?

Torae: That’s difficult. It’s about making choices and compromising. On a major, there are things you have to do to cater to what that company wants. At the same time, you can’t lose artistic integrity because if it doesn’t work, what do you have left? Lyor Cohen’s name isn’t on the album as the artist, that’s you. At the end of the day you’re the one left holding the ball, and it should be the ball that you created and wanted to bounce. I face this dilemma daily because I love being independent, but I want my grandmother to be able to turn on the TV and see me.

My daughter watches 106 and Park and is like “Daddy, don’t you know Rosenberg and Angela Yee? So why…?” It’s hard to explain. Any artist who pursues rap as a career wants to support themselves yet make incredible music, and there has to be a way to do that without giving yourself away to be on a major. How come you can’t have Kid and Play and NWA? Why is everything so one-way? Hopefully everything gets better, but if not, thank God for the independent, underground scene.

TWV: “Music has returned to the roots and the essence, went from the star student to the dude teaching lessons.” (Off “Can’t Go On Like That” from Snowgoons’ Kraftwerk)

Torae: I was a student of Hip Hop culture, and watched the culture grow. Now I’m a part of it and people are looking up to me, and asking for advice. That was a play on that, and I also used to actually be a teacher. I used to literally stand in front of a class and teach lessons.

TWV: How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist?

Torae: I’ve seen more. I don’t feel I came in naïve, but I have a better understanding of how things work. I’ve done seven tours, and been to almost every country in Europe. Twice. Seeing different cultures, eating different foods, and being around so many iconic people…I got drunk and threw up off a cigar from Michael Jordan in front of Dominique Dawes and Derek Jeter. I’ve done so many things in my life, and I’ve grown and will continue to grow. Everyday you should learn something, as cliché as it sounds.

TWV: “You the type to have me change my Facebook status, a lot of bad girls here, you the baddest, night time is the right time, and you Gladys.” (Off “Outta Here” from Heart Failure)

Torae: That’s smooth guy talk. I’ve been accused of being a charmer and knowing the right thing to say at the right time. That’s me being witty with some word play. People can visualize [the Facebook status], they feel connected when I say it. And that’s a lot of what music is and should be – to bring the listener into your world and share your story. None of it was inspired by any particular female, but rather my experiences being a charming guy.

TWV: Tell me about Heart Failure.

Torae: I felt coming off Double Barrel I needed to do something different. I didn’t want to be stuck in a box as a one trick pony. With Valentine’s Day approaching, why not do something that shows a different side of me and my storytelling ability? Do something to show my playful side that the ladies would be interested in. The mixtape version will be mixed by DJ Blazita, and the non-DJ version, the “EP,” will be available digitally. The songs follow the meeting, courting, pursuing, dating, getting with, loving, making love to, breaking up with, getting back together…the whole relationship.

“Outta Here” is the first track, of two people meeting. It’s something people can relate to. It’s conceptual, like Double Barrel, in the sense that it holds one theme for the entire project, but content-wise it’s totally different. I was a little nervous about putting it out, because I didn’t want to alienate any fans I had gained with my last project, but I also didn’t want to cheat the people out of who I am as an artist. Me as an artist is more than just Torae being a rapper and trying to sell records. I’m giving you who I am via music, videos, and interviews. It would be unfair to give people only one side of me.

TWV: If you had to do an interview but you couldn’t speak, and you had to pick out one song that embodies who you are, what would it be?

Torae: Wow, that’s the greatest question ever. One song? That’s difficult. I think I’m going to go with “Tayler Made,” which is a song from Daily Conversation with me telling a story to my daughter about music. She’s actually on it and does the hook. When it’s all said and done that’s me, I’m just a dude who loves music, life, and my kids. My son isn’t on the record unfortunately, but I only had one song to pick! I’m telling her she’s part of the reason why I do this. I want her to have a better life. At the end of the song I said whatever you want to do with your life, if you want to be a wife, pursue your career, be a student, an emcee, whatever, just make sure you give it your all. It leads into her coming into the booth and being on the song with me. It’s one of my favorite joints. People love it. I was in Germany and did my set, and a guy said, “Why didn’t you do ‘Tayler Made’?” It blew my mind for so many reasons because it’s such an obscure album track. It means a lot to me, but I didn’t feel like it meant as much to others. But it really touched so many people when it came out. I wanted to do it just to make sure I did something to represent my daughter and my love of my kids.