Real Big Faces Interview: Trel Mack

Introduce yourself?

My name is Trel Mack an up and coming artist from the city of Philadelphia signed to my own independent label SKE Records.

What was the first project you have ever did, and what have u learned from it now that you didn’t know back then?

 My very first project was “The Mack of The Year” that was back in 2007, it was new to me to understand the business and marketing that goes behind releasing a project. Also it just crazy how I have grown as an artist and when I look back at my material, you can just see the growth.  It was the same with my 2008 release “The New Dynasty” and it funny how “Inspired By Greatness” my 2012 EP is the one that has taken my career to the next level.

   What inspired you to label yourself Trel Mack?

Well people have always viewed me as a ladies man and my real name is Katrel, so there you go Trel Mack lol.

 Is it true u have u have been featured on Mtv, The Source, DJ Khaled’s wethebesttv.com & allhiphop.com?

Yeah SKE Records go hard and shout to my bro, Q The Question, Q believes in my talent a lot and saw the vision, he been going hard for me and now it’s paying off. Being on The Source was a dream come true and even the other big outlets that just feel in love with the music and support the movement. 

   I see u have co – founded a record label as well as being an artist, tell us some of the challenges of managing those 2 things at the same time?

   It’s tough because I always have to focus on my music and then join in with Q The Question and DJ YRS Jerzy on the next business moves. Business is always before music as it a crazy job to understand marketing and much more. Running a label is not easy especially when you are independent learning to brand yourself one day at a time.

  If you had a chance to do a feature with a major artist who would it be and why?

   I would love to work with Big Krit, Wiz Khalifa, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and also J. Cole. Those dudes I just mentioned are beast on the mics and are keeping hip-hop culture alive. J. Cole “Born Sinner” album is amazing and I love the record “Let Nas Down”. It only a matter of time before I’m in the studio with them dudes.

I see you have a new video titled “Trust No One” What inspired that single, and who is the feature actor in the video?

Well the song is about how you can’t trust anyone in life and it features me, Q The Question, Petter Jones and Shawn Archer. It was a team project for sure and we are all so amazed the great feedback the video has been receiving in 2013 it going to be crazy.

You have recently dropped a new mixtape “Inspired By Greatness” explain a bit about that?

  Yeah my 2012 ep “Inspired by Greatness” was crazy and it caught fire on the net and I’m so thankful for all the fans who love it. Many fans favorite record is “Dreams of a Winner” and “No Holding Back”. Fans are waiting for a video to “Who He Think He Is” and “One & Only” which are coming soon. The beat selection I took my time and took mad time to write the songs and now the feedback is being well respected among the industry.

Where do u see yourself in the next 5 – 10 years from now?

SKE Records a major conglomerate and I would love to go down as one of the best to do it and keep this hip-hop culture alive.

What do you hate about the music industry and think should be changed?

The politics the politics will never change lol, but it’s part of the territory.

Have you ever worked with any major artist or dj’s before?

Soon I will as many big timers are taking notice of the SKE movement I can’t name any names, me and Q was talking about this the other day. The key is to keep working let them respect the craft and soon hits with other big names are on the way.

 What would u advise to all the new upcoming artists trying to be successful in the hip hop game?

Study the business and read, read, read. This game is really business first music second, many artists have great talent but have no business mind of how to generate money and push their craft, the lack of knowledge hurts many artist.

What’s your definition of success?

 It depends with each individual but to keep his basic, being free in the mind and being able to provide for my family.

Who do you think are some of the hottest artists out right now that inspire you and why?

I’m working with a new artist Tatianna Barbosa and she is a beast, also SKE Records has Petter Jones he on the rise too. I also like Chris Brown I believe we can make a hit and Big Sean too, cats be sleeping on Big Sean. His album “Finally Famous” his first major album was dope to me, I love his record with John Legend.

If you could change one thing about yourself as an artist what would it be?

 I want to learn to make beats. I was working on it for a bit and fell back, now it’s time to get back on it. Big Krit and J. Cole inspire me as there are producing their own projects.

 How can people get at you if they wanted to work with you?

Talk to Q The Question hit him on twitter @qthequestion and check www.skerecords.com

CHECK OUT TEL MACK’S LATEST VIDEO & SHORT FILM