DJ Trouble Enuff

 

'Troubled Times & Troubled Ways' speaks to our news-numbed sensibilities, instilling fresh hope for a better tomorrow even as it rocks the spot.
 

It was once the stated ambition of rap music (circa 1990, the Public Enemy era) to redefine the national discourse on race relations. This failed to transpire as an onrush of capital into the category quietly extinguished its ideals and a long succession of self-aggrandizing musicians conscientiously traded social concerns for the more marketable aura of celebrity life and fan worship. It really sucked to watch it happen if you were there at the time, and now our hopes for the genre lie with fresh blood like DJ Trouble Enuff, who takes an uncompromising approach to both philosophy and songcraft. Deeply dismayed by the state of our world, there is no mistaking the authenticity of his anguish - 'Troubled Times and Troubled Ways' will make a believer out of anyone looking for a revitalized image of rap music. Independent reporter Alexis Adams recently had the pleasure of interviewing him to learn more about his music and his aspirations for the coming days.

ALEXIS: When did you first get that feeling that your music career was gaining momentum?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: It happened almost immediately after Parle Magazine recognized me in an online article. Parle magazine is considered the ‘The voice of urban entertainment’. Shout out to Kevin Benoit at Parle magazine for the feature. Also that momentum continued when I met the Akademia team. After receiving an Akademia award for our song ‘Troubled Times and Troubled Ways’ myself and co-author Titus Baker’s (whose stage name is Sphere TU) music careers have taken off. The Akademia, which is located in Los Angeles, California, acknowledges excellence in music around the world. Shout out to the Akademia team as well.

ALEXIS: Your song ' ' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: Performing is what I like to do. It has been a passion of mine since I was a kid. As a kid, I dreamed a being on stage and performing in front of huge crowds. I would perform the songs of my favorite artist at talent shows. Whenever I would listen to my favorite artist on the radio, I would imagine someday that would be me. Consequently, it was a bit of a surreal moment for me when I heard our song Troubled Times and Troubled Ways’ on the radio.

ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: Co-Author/Featured artist Titus Baker, A.K.A. Sphere TU and I wanted to address issues that are happening across the world. These are issues that are deeply troubling to the both of us. This world is experiencing more troubled times than ever before. People are in need jobs, there is little or no unity in our congress, the middle class is tired of being pushed around, there is poverty on a large scale around the world, there’s a refugee crisis, the ISIL terrorist group, racism and police brutality throughout the country, mass shootings, and deadly gang violence in Chicago, just to name a few. PBS Newshour reported that the number of shooting deaths in Chicago climbed in 2015, despite having two years where numbers decreased. Troubled times in this world are reaching epic proportions. There is a direct correlation between the troubled times we are experiencing and the troubled ways some people are exhibiting in their behavior. We refer to this behavior in our song as people having ‘troubled ways’. There are more troubled times and people with troubled ways than ever before. Recently there have been more people shooting innocent people than I have ever seen in my life. This world is in serious turmoil right now. Today, it is hard to sit through an entire movie without thinking about the possibility of an active shooter. This is very troubling. In taking all of this into account, we see troubled times on a global scale, which has a great deal to do with why people have troubled ways as well. As the chorus of our song indicates there are ‘so many troubled times and troubled ways’.

ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: I grew up in a place full of promise. However, due to my home town of East St. Louis, IL, being an economically disadvantaged city, this placed me at an immediate disadvantage. I could have complained or let that stop me, but there was no time for complaining, only time for action. It is because I came from hard times and succeeded in life that I can empathize with others. It is my desire to give back. I did not make it to this point without help, so I need to grab someone and pull them up. My musical desire is directly related to the passion I have in helping people. I am hoping to use the music platform to be able to help others. It is not about me but rather the people who need me to be a leader. I see enormous poverty that many children are subjected to, socially and economically, and there are still significant wealth disparities. Some people today are living without the very basic necessities of life—food, water, housing and sanitation. There are a large number of people in this world that live on less than $1 a day and many of those who are children. These facts are according to worldcentric.org, By using music as a platform, it is my desire to help as many people as I can.

ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: I would say that, at times, I am all of the above. For the most part I am a down to earth person who appreciates very much the opportunity that I have been given. I love people and interacting with them. However, I can be a serious person, especially when it comes to my craft (music) and making sure that things get done. In other aspects of my life I am not a perfectionist. However, when it comes to music I am. I like my visionary goals to be projected fully in my projects. I believe in zodiac signs. My zodiac sign is Leo the lion, so I am a friendly and good natured person. Even though we are good natured, it may not be easy to be friends with Leo people. This is a true statement for me. I am definitely a complicated person to deal with at times. Despite being a Leo the lion, I am grateful to have a lot of friends and family that love me. My friends say that I am fun loving as well and have a wonderful sense of humor.

 

ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: I had an amazing experience working with people on my team and those who are not. Everyone I worked with knew exactly what we were trying to do with this song, which made it easier for us to convey our true vision. I created the initial concept and vision for the song ‘Troubled Times & Troubled Ways’. After that I brought that vision to a local deejay and studio engineer named DJ Sio of Bremerton, WA. Sio sang the chorus exactly the way I had envisioned. He also made the beat for ‘Troubled Times & Troubled Ways’. DJ SIO is an excellent deejay and studio engineer. However, when I met Titus Baker, who is the co-author of the song, we decided to complete the project elsewhere. Titus Baker, a.k.a. Sphere TU introduced me to Jinx from Jinx productions. Titus (Sphere TU) Baker is a lyrical genius who expresses our point of view in the song in a major way. Also, Jinx from productions did a terrific job as studio engineer of mixing and mastering our song. Overall, it was an amazing experience working with both, those on our team and those who are not.

ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: Several of my family members were previously involved in entertainment and some are either new to entertainment or still performing. I have two cousins who played guitar in the warm up band for Parliament Funkadelic. As a deejay, my brother, Andrew Clay, provided most of the musical inspiration for our family through parties and his love the Funk. He introduced us to Parliament Funkadelics music before we even knew that we had cousins who played in the band. His son Andrew Clay, Jr., a.k.a. NuNu Gottie, is a talented rapper, song-writer, and producer who has made songs with well-known artist such Juvenile, formerly of the group the Hot Boys and others. My brother Gilbert Farmer is currently a deejay who specializes primarily in playing old school music but can play the latest tunes as well. Known as DJ Gilman, he is still exciting the crowds with wonderful DJ Mixes. DJ Gillman and my brother Andrew Clay have an extensive music library that is admired by many.

ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: The most rewarding part of being an artist is the freedom of expression aspect. It is essential to the continued message of economic and social progress. The most challenging part of being an artist is occasionally being misunderstood with regard to the message I am trying to convey.

ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: George Clinton, Public Enemy, Run DMC, Ne-YO, JZ, Beyonce, Nelly, Katie Perry and Drake,

ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: My best performance was in Vancouver, Canada. The crowd was really excited, and I could tell they appreciated my performance.

ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: First and foremost, never give up your dream, and never listen to those that say that you cannot make it in the industry. Also, at one point in your career, you will have to trust someone. You only need two to three songs. At least one of those songs needs to be ready for radio. Instead of making a lot of songs, maybe devote some of that time finding reputable businesses and people that you can trust. These people need to be people who can keep furthering your career. Time is valuable, so when you deal with people, you need be able to see progress being made because of their association with you.

ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
DJ TROUBLE ENUFF: I am working on two new songs as a matter of fact. One is titled ‘Down No Mo’. It is about a relationship that has gone sour. Don’t want to say too much about it right now. The other single I am working on is titled ‘The Game Needs Me’. I will perform a little of spoken word on this one. I will also sing the chorus on this song and maybe do a rap verse or two as well. Both songs will be produced by me on our independent label Troubled Entertainment & Indie Music Management. First, before my two songs are released, we will release the debut single of Sphere TU. He is the co-author of the award winning song ‘Troubled Times & Troubled Ways’. We will release his single as well on our independent label. We also will create two or three music videos this year and the early part of next year. I am very much looking to be a part of the directing aspect of the music video as well. I am looking forward to introducing myself to world.

ALEXIS: Thanks for your time! We expect to hear great things about your career in the coming months!

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