How well do we actually know a person? Whether you’ve known them for a short or long period of time, you never really know a person’s story until they actually tell you. Being talented is one thing but the story that comes with a person’s growth and perseverance is what makes you respect them even more. The first time meeting this guy, I was at a family reunion cookout and he was the photographer. That cookout was a lot fun and I instantly remember how cool this guy was. This guy also happens to be family, my older cousin. 6 months older. Social media taught me that this guy not only does photography but he actually makes music, he’s an artist. During those days, I remember him trying to get me out to his side to work on music but at the time, I didn’t have the money nor did I want him to pay for anything…. I know, weird. Why not let someone who believes in you help you out? Pride gets in the way of your opportunities. Something I quickly learned over the years but back to the real story at hand. Trust Tate, a 27 year old artist who was born in The Bronx, NY and then moved to Jersey City because of horrific incident that happened to him as a child. Shot in the arm accidentally by a man trying to aim at someone else, being pushed in a stroller by his grandmother. It’s both sad and shocking. It’s a story that made the papers in April 1994 but this time around, there’s a new story to tell. Born on September 18th, 1993, Tate grew up with his father, stepmother, and a younger sister in Jersey City. He continues on about his childhood. “As a kid, I loved playing basketball, running track, wrestling, working out, writing poetry, acting, riding my bike and skateboard, watching cartoons, eating a bunch of snacks, and playing video games with friends. I went to Rafael De J Cordero public school from elementary to middle school, and then went to Cicely L. Tyson’s school of performing and fine arts where I studied TV/film. As of 2018, I am an Rutgers University Alumnus with my own home music studio chasing the dream!” Incredible! Super inspiring too. How can you not give props to that? Chasing our dreams in this world isn’t so easy. Definitely got to start from the ground up. Tate continues by telling me what inspires him. “Hip Hop inspires me, Rock inspires me, jazz inspires me… but I’m also so inspired by so many aspects of life that have nothing to do with music. Like the people I’ve met along my journey, the women I’ve loved, the laughs I’ve shared with loved ones, the friends & family I’ve lost due to drugs, guns, or prisons, and the racial inequalities taking place all over this country.” You can definitely tell a lot about an artist by what and who inspires them. It’s always in their presence and of course in their art. Our personal experiences definitely tells stories that not only help us but others who listen and pay attention to what artists have to say. You never know whose paying attention. Life in itself is the greatest form of inspiration. My personal favorite part about learning about artists is knowing what planted the seed inside them to do what they do today. Tate says, “I wanted to be free to express myself musically without financial or time restrictions. The only way I could do that was for me to be able to pay for the equipment, learn it, and then have enough space to fully utilize it. I started out just rapping. I would go to producers and engineers for their expertise then upload it to my SoundCloud. I got signed my sophomore year of college to T.O.G. Music Group, and they gave me financial & educational opportunities I’ve never been exposed to.” It’s the humble beginnings for me. I can personally relate. As artists nobody wants restrictions. Complete freedom to create is the greatest feeling in the world. You then reach a point as an artist where you actually succeed and create projects. Right now, Tate’s project “Saint Alexvnder-Beautiful Chaos” is out now on all platforms. To be a witness of someone’s growth and greatness, I always ask them where do they see themselves years from now. Tate replies, “I see myself still making music. Just with better equipment, a better bank account, a nicer crib, a clean whip, and a loyal team by my side to keep grinding!” Any regrets? “I wouldn’t change anything for the world.” And there you have it! A very dope, smart, and talented individual like Trust Tate can be found on social media. Follow him on Instagram @trust.a.tate, Facebook: Trust Tate, and of course, check out his dope music on SoundCloud.com/therealtrust.
Written by Jalen Hemphill