"Standing at 6'3, weighing about 280lbs, I'm dominating, mesmerizing, and stunning," boasts East Sacramento native, Tristan Mateo Gray, better known as the flamboyant T-Ripper whose perfect avatar would be Mortal Kombat's Tsang Tsung, declaring war on the rap game by "stealing rappers souls, using their rhymes against them and beating them with their own senseless for trying to stop me."
We find ourselves chatting about his future goals in the music industry, and the hard, long road he has stomped on trying to mark his own musical territory with his self-proclaimed Hip Hop euphoric movement called T-RIPPER HOP which he describes as "classic, penetrating, and soulful," that leaves you imagining a grassroots twist of escapism and music 101.
L: Give us some background about T-Ripper, the rapper.
T: I've been through a lot of ups and downs, experienced pleasure and pain, hustled and struggled through the peaks and valleys in my life. My music helps me to release it all. I grew up in the Southside of Sacramento, ended up in East Sac better known as Rancho Cordova. I am the only person in my family born in Sacramento; everyone else is from the Bay Area. As a kid, I remember seeing Kriss Kross rock it out on MTV, rest in peace Chris Kelly, and they made me believe that I could do it, too.
L: You are featured in the upcoming "Fruitvale Station" directed by Bay Area native Ryan Coogler. What do you think of his film?
T: I am, first, and foremost, friends with Ryan. I knew him from playing football with him at Sacramento State. He is an up and coming, award winning director. It was an honor to be in his film "Fruitvale Station." It's powerful.
L: How is the acting business different from the music industry?
T: They are the same two beasts. Even live stage performances are like theatrical performances. We always have to be ready, at any time. No rest for the weary and in both [industries] you have to put on your thinking caps and kool-aid smiles because there is a lot of rejection. Both industries are different, yet they are universally connected. Most rappers are actors, just most actors don't rap.
L: Speaking of rap, which artists, past or present, have been your biggest influences?
T: E-40, Yukmouth, TQ, Kurt Cobain, The Jacka, 2pac, Slum Village, Dwele, Biggie and Puff, Kurupt, and T-Pain.
L: Who have you collaborated with?
T: 1st Place of the Federation, DnD, CQ, D-Jordan, and Akil. I've also did some video production for The Jacka, E-40, Eric Roberson, Traxamillion, and IAMSU.
L: How much time do you spend on your music?
T: 24/7. I live my craft. I dream it. I used to do freestyle competitions and win first place all the time. Now I'm focusing on the production side of it, and just doing my solo music. I want to share my lyrical repertoire.
L: How many albums have you produced?
T: I am working on an official LP scheduled to drop this summer. I'm in a few mix tapes, East Sac All Stars, Hibernation, Fa Sho, and NORSOCAL.
L: What is T-Ripper's stage presence like?
T: I'm a call and response performer.
L: Shot caller?
T: I can get the crowd hyped and involved whether it's at a small lounge, outside street corner, outdoor amphitheater, maybe even a stadium. I like engaging with the fans whether it’s at a meet and greet autographing a couple of CDs, giving away t-shirts, cash, gift cards, or souvenirs.
L: Where do you see yourself in a year from now? Three years from now? Ten?
T: I can see myself doing up to five shows a night, touring the nation. In a year, living in a nice high rise loft downtown Sacramento. I would be in SAG. Three years from now I can picture myself touring the world living from hotel to hotel enjoying life in the fast lane. I would love to visit Sydney, Ethiopia, Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, to name a few. I would love to make a movie based on my experiences.
L: What separates you from the other upcoming artists?
T: I put in the work and I prepare myself for success and advancement in this game. I'm competitive. I don't stop bringing the heat. I don't just rely on my dreams. I don't stop at the input. It's difficult to get praise and opportunities outside of your hometown, or the Bay Area, including SoCal. I need local support. Music in my outlet, music is universal, so if I put in the work, there will be no obstacle for me.
L: Have you thought about signing onto a reality show and showcasing your skills that way?
T: Yes. I'm a natural competitor. The X-Factor, the Voice, and American Idol. I would love to audition just so that I can get some criticism, and enjoy the excitement of the crazy crew.
L: What do you want people to experience when they hear your music?
T: EUPHORIA. The place to escape from the world's negativity.
L: Interesting, I look forward to seeing your acting chops in the upcoming "Fruitvale Station" movie, and maybe even on stage. Good luck with your movement, and keep me posted on your upcoming release.
T: Expect to hear major buzz coming from T-Ripper Entertainment in 2014.
Email : officialtripperent@gmail.com
Twitter : @officialtripperent
IG : officialtripperent
