A Message from the Ambass…..

What’s going on world?  I’m reaching out to you today to give you a quick run down on what’s been going on with TC.  Well let me tell you.  I‘ve been busy creating a breath of fresh air for hip hop.  Not only is “A Breath of Fresh Airr” the title of the free MixCD I’ll be dropping in February, but it’s also my mission to give hip hop something new.  It’s time for balance, and who better to give you that then TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop?  Yeah I’m from the hood, but growing up and experiencing what I did, it gave me a different perspective on life and how I should go about living it, as well as assisting others to do the same.  With my breath of fresh air movement, I’m bringing to you “The 1^st of Me”, which will be my first nationally distributed album.  I’m working hard on it and it’s almost complete.  It’s something fresh for your ears.  None of that computer generated beats and basic flow; I give you real music with bangers for days and content for years.  I’ll be demoing the album soon, so be on the look out for details on that. 

Until the next time, be easy and God Bless and be on the look out for “The 1^st of Me”, dropping May of this year!

Sincerely Yours,

TC

TC of 39^th Ave Music in conjunction with The Nash Youth Association will host a charity Christmas party at The Carr Square Community Center in St. Louis, MO on December 19, 2008!  The day will consist of food, games, live entertainment and gift bag giveaways to the kids of Carr Square.  This is an event that was started last year as a way of TC giving back to one of the communities he spent some of his child hood growing up.  TC is President of the Nash Youth Association, and utilizes the non-profit foundation as an outlet to give back to the community.  After the success and enjoyment of last year’s event, the kids of the Carr Square Community Center requested TC and the Nash Youth Association to come back this year.  With no resistance at all, they accepted the request and will celebrate Christmas with the kids of The Carr Square Community Center!

TC of 39^th Ave Music has signed a one album exclusive production agreement with Urban Legendz Muziks, based out of St. Louis, MO.  The production team will produce TC’s upcoming album, “The 1^st of Me”, which will drop nationwide May 2009 via 39^th Ave Music/ TMG!

"The Gift to the City" inspired by the creativity of STL in its fashion/style and the way we party. TC wanted to give something directly to the people that have supported him and also to the new fans as well.

Since The Last Time We Spoke…

After having a wonderful time at the O Zone Awards, it was finally time for me to travel back home.  When I arrived home, in the mail I had a small surprise.  It was a contract from a label that wants to do an album deal with me.  Not only did I have that in the mail, I received a call from two other labels that want to do business.  Now that’s what’s up! 

Well I guess now I have to take some time to do my homework and see which label will be the best fit for me and my situation.  One thing that I can say is that it took a lot of praying, hard work, persistence and determination to get to this point.  Also it took me being a student of the game and putting my self in position to be equipped for what’s soon to come my way.

I want to thank everyone who has supported TC and his movement, and I ask that you continue, as this is only the beginning.

Google me….TC of 39^th Ave Music & Sta2ff!

Be Easy & God Bless

TC

TC, the "Ambassador of Hope" is a terrific resource for anyone interested in promoting positive outcomes for youth, families and communities.  His "Hope Hop" music embeds a positive and uplifting message in a medium often more known for a very different message.  TC himself has an inspiring story.  He speaks of his successful Division I football career, including how he overcame a very serious injury to become a captain on a bowl-bound team.  He also describes his work with youth in the community who desperately need a positive role model.  And his work with the Damien Nash Foundation is itself moving and motivating.  TC has managed to retain an authentic identity that resonates with young people, while embracing the highest of values.

 Greg Holliday, Ph.D.

 Psychologist and educator

St. Louis is a city where there are so many talented artists, so much passion for making music, my home town and an opportunity to be a vital city to the record industry; but it’s all drowned out by so much HATE & NO UNITY!  The local entertainment industry in St. Louis, from my perspective, is somewhat dead.  This close to death scenario is caused by the words I highlighted above, HATE and the inability to UNITE!  It has also been brought on by greed and bad business decision on the part of certain individuals, who had the opportunity to open up the flood gate for the city of St. Louis within the music industry.

What I mean by “flood gate”?  I mean creating outlets within St. Louis, which allow artist to grow and prosper to the masses outside of St. Louis.  One saying that kills me that I hear a lot in the city is “YOU GOTTA GET OUT OF ST. LOUIS TO GET ON”!  At this point, it may have turned that way, but it shouldn’t be that way. Although I do agree that once you get your city behind you and take care of home, you should hit the world and make it happen everywhere.  That, “you got to get out of the Lou to get on”, is Bogus.  Did Luda have to leave the ATL to get on?  Did Memphis Bleek have to leave New York to get on, plus a bunch more I can name?  No, they where put on in their city and then hit the world.  The people that had the ability to create opportunity’s for them right there in their city, did that.  That’s how DTP and the ATL are surviving.  That’s how Roc-A-Fella was able to make the run that they did.  They got put on in their city and their city rode with them to the masses when it was time.  St. Louis, that’s what we need, bottom line!   

As an artist and CEO, I have had the opportunity to see both sides of the game, when it comes to dealing with artist, and the tastemakers here in the Lou.  I’ve reached out to artist to do songs or even offer them my service of a show, just to try and create a unity bond in the city.  This may not sound like much of what I’m doing, but I think that it’s big.  Reason being, the same services that I’m reaching out to them to offer for free, I should be charging.  Reason being, I’m a signed artist.  I have my own legit label, which will soon sign a major distribution deal as well as a possible major label deal, if I decide to go that way.  I may just stay independent, because I have the distribution on my side, but if the major can match my independent return numbers and offer me something of value, not necessarily monetary, then I may join forces with a major.  That’s why!  I’m not telling you about my situation, hoping that it happen, this is what is on the table for me right now!  So basically what I’m saying is, I could be on of the ones who posses hate and no unity, and not reach out to anyone.  I do it, hoping that others will get the idea to reach out and try to work with each other, no matter what success level you’re on, or think you’re on.  Hopefully by them seeing an artist of my magnitude coming from the local scene, having these opportunities on the table, but still have the realness to reach out to others to try and create a different mood and feeling in the local scene, will encourage them to follow. Same thing goes for the tastemakers.  Get off this me, me, me trip!   

I guess you can say that I’m one of the few who will step up to the plate to try and help my city prosper in the entertainment industry.  I’m on a mission to create outlets and a vital source that can push out hot talent straight from the STL, to the world.  All local industry tastemakers, dj’s, personalities, media, promoters, etc., you are a vital part to the game, and the success of our city.  Let’s work together to make a change for our city, that will benefit the city as a whole, while creating outlets for artist to be successful out of our city to the world. You can be the start!  But it’s going to take a different mind set!

Artist, lets grind harder and smarter, and UNITE for the cause of uplifting our city.  Everybody gotta play their part for the good of the whole.  One thing I have learned dealing with record executives, is that they don’t like spending money on items (cities), that don’t posses UNITY.  You can have your crew and fam, that’s all good, but just don’t make the next crew your target or enemy.  Let your crew be a reason why St. Louis is popping on the map.  Make them your allies in getting this industry money.  Make St. Louis the city where you come to see every label and artist getting money.  But  Let me keep it real, like I always do, everybody isn’t gone prosper in the game, because that’s just reality, but the ones that are built for this and posses the necessary skills to be successful, go for it!

That’s just my thoughts!

Be Easy & God Bless

TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop

Google me:  TC of 39^th Ave Music & Sta2ff

My Family The S.T.A2.F.F (Strong Together As A Family Forever)

-The Sta2ff was formed in 1999 and consist of seven former student-athletes who became brothers while playing big time college football for the University of Missouri-Columbia.  Although the Sta2ff was founded by the seven brothers, there are other members who have since joined the sta2ff.  This family has bonded together to embark on a mission to be successful members of society.

TC and the Sta2ff are currently making a mark in the Record Industry, with their self started label 39^th Ave Music LLC.  This label is the label of the future, so make sure you look out for them.  For more info on TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop, 39^th Ave Music or The Sta2ff, go to www.myspace.com/sta2ff or www.tcstompingground.com!

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?

TC: I’ve been involved in making music since I was young, but I was 16 years old when I realized I wanted to become an artist.  It started off as just a free style for me, but after spitting for so many different people, I was getting the same response and feedback (you hot, keep doing what you do).  So from there I just transformed my freestyle into writing.  Once I start writing and creating records, I realized that I have a God given talent to do this, and not just rap, but be a complete artist. 

Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music.  Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?

TC: I can say one thing that influenced me was the reaction and feedback that I was and continue to get from the fans.  They let me know that my whole brand and what I’m doing is hot.  They are the ones that motivate me to keep going.  That’s what matter to me and carry’s big influence. 

Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?

TC: Jay Z- For his swag and ability to charm the audience as well as his glow on the mic.  I also respect the hustle off the mic

50 Cent- For his aggression and his ability to capture the audience attention.  I also respect the hustle off the mic!

Nelly- For his boldness and crazy delivery on the mic.  He reminds me of myself, how I just do me and the rest follow.  I also respect his hustle off the mic.

Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?

TC: That’s simple.  I’m the artist of the future.  I’m well rounded in my approach to the entertainment industry.  I will fit what I believe will be the music industry model in the near future, the 360 deal for artist who make quality records, but who can also do quality business off the mic that will benefit the labels.  I have and will continue to build myself as a brand, and not just an artist trying to make a song to get a deal, to never be heard of again.  I’m putting in the hard work so that I can maintain longevity in this game.  Not necessarily as an artist, but someone who remains relevant to the music industry even after I hang up the mic.  I’ve been building a solid foundation under me.  Also my style of music is different from the other artist.  I’m bringing that Hope Hop!  I’m on a mission to help bring hope back to the game of hip hop, and not just in terms of music, but my overall representation of the culture.  TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop….That’s separates me right there!

Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry.  If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?

TC: No I wouldn’t.  Because in the end I don’t think that I will be well off!  Can’t sell my soul, which is what I stand for, for a few dollars.  I feel like the brand that I’m bringing to the table is perfect for what’s going on not only in hip hop, but the world.  It’s also 100% marketable with a niche.  My music represents hope and change!  You got to be true to your beliefs, but also back that stand up with hard work and actions.  Make what you believe in and stand for work for you!  A perfect example for me:  My music is main stream hip hop.  It’s some of the hottest music you will hear out today.  The difference in my music is the content of it.  I’m not using the B word, the H word, the N word, or none of that.  I don’t talk about drug slanging and beefing and all that; even though I come from the hood and have been around this stuff most of my life.  If the labels ask me to switch up and start talking about this stuff to get on, then I wouldn’t.  If I switch up and do what’s not me, then I’m losing my self respect, which will in turn make others not respect me.  That’s the true meaning of life, having respect and being who YOU are!

Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another.  What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?

TC: Strategy is the key!  Just what I spoke of above, about the content of my music.  My Ambassador of Hope Hop theme will be the key.  I have a whole game plan in store to present this idea and my records to the world.  I am an Ambassador, and it is campaign season, so I think that I have the perfect strategy in mind.  I’m just campaigning now, so that I can be elected (album drop) in November!  

Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache? 

TC: It’s very important.  The old equation was 90% business and 10% music, but I think that the new one is 99% business and 1% music.  Especially with the 360 deal format coming around.  You got to be about your business 100%!

Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now.  What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?

TC: Stay ahead of the game.  Don’t just go out and run wild to try and get a record deal, have a game plan. Build yourself a foundation, which will assist you in putting your brand out to the world.  Be a student of the game (business & entertainment). Find other ventures that work hand and hand with your music that can assist you in putting your music and brand out to the masses.  Have the will power and work ethnic to make it happen.  Stay persistent in what you do, because it’s not going to happen over night, not saying that it can’t!  Remember, hard work pays off!

Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home.  In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?

TC: I’m actually involved in non profits right now!  I’m Vice President of The Damien Nash Youth Association www.nyausa.org, which was started in honor of my homeboy who passed away after playing in a charity basketball game that he and I put together.  He was an NFL player, and we always did community work together.  After his sudden death, I felt that it was only right that I associate myself with his foundation, to help continue his legacy and great community outreach program. 

Also I’m doing work for Urban Future!  The reason I’m doing this, is because it allows me to assist under privilege and troubled youth in turning their lives around.  I’m doing a summer Hope Hop course for the kids at Urban Future.  The course will consist of learning social skills, life skills, and hip hop business as well as how to become leaders to their peers, so that they can assist them to do the same.

Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors.  There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival.  No one said it would be easy.

TC aka The Ambassador of Hope Hop…

-A Diplomat to the game of Hip Hop, who serves as an official representative for the culture to the world, while keeping the message of Hope alive.

A lot of people have asked me what I mean when I use the term The Ambassador of Hope Hop! I'll be happy to explain that to the world, so that my fans can understand my approach and take on the hip hop game. When I use the term Ambassador of Hope Hop, I'm basically stating that I want to use my diplomatic skills to help bring hope back to the game of hip hop, and not just in terms of my music. I want to represent the culture in a respectable manner on and off the mic. I truly believe that I posses the skills to have a positive lasting effect on the music industry and world. My drive as the ambassador, is to help broker the hip hop culture to the world on another level. My music and message of hope is for the masses to take in!