Tree (@MCTreeG)

Tree, photo by Proclaimed-Truth.com

For the second installment of my newly created blog series Qwik Interviews, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chicago's own emcee, Tree. I'm not sure what I find to be more impressive about Tree, the incredible amount of buzz he's generated within the last 18 months, or the fact that he's been gathering this publicity without the help of a major label. While some sites have been posting Tree's music since the beginning, it seems as if ever since MTV Hive writer Andrew Nosnitski named last year's Sunday School mixtape as one of America's "Top 5 Mixtapes of 2012 So Far," that Tree's stock has really skyrocketed. He was later named one of Spin Magazine's "5 Best New Artists of August 2012" and also earned himself a cover story in an issue of the Chicago Reader. Just one month ago, his first visual offering from his latest release Sunday School II debuted on MTV2. He's recently been invited to perform at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago this summer. From his raspy voice to his compelling lyrics, from his work ethic to his work on the beats, in one way or another, Tree will earn your attention. Either get on board or get out of his way because Tree doesn't plan on slowing down for anyone. 

For those who may not know you, who are you?

TREE: I am Tree. The curator of (the music genre known as) "Soul Trap" and fellow Chicagoan. 

What's the origin of your name?

TREE: My granny started calling me "Tree" as an abbreviation of my real name.

How long have you been rapping by this name?

TREE: Since day one.

Do you consider yourself to be a solo artist? How would you classify your status with Project Mayhem?

TREE: I am a solo artist, yes. Mayhem is my team, my clique.

How many mixtapes/EPs have you released thus far?

TREE: I wanna say eight or nine in three years. There's an industry tape, two collaborative efforts, one where I invited my city to feature, and five solos from me.

What is the one project that you're most proud of? Why?

TREE: The whole Sunday School series. They define me properly. 

What is the one song that you're most proud of? Why?

TREE: "Thankful" from Sunday School II. I'm at that point where revisiting life just fills you with thankfulness. Thankful to answer questions, thankful to be reviewed, just thankful. 

When can we expect your debut album?

TREE: Soul Trap, produced by Frank Dukes and me, dropping at the top of the new year. 

Are there any tracks that were intended to be on Soul Trap that ended up being placed on any of your more recently released projects instead?

TREE: Yes, "Busters."

Who would you be interested in working with in the future? Both artist(s) and producer(s)?

TREE: I want to work with Mariah Carey or Jeniffer Hudson and Timbo and/or Dr. Dre.

What kind of advice would you like to offer to an artist who is interested in working with you? What would be a preferred email address to provide for someone like this? 

TREE: Hit TreeGbeats@gmail.com and we can talk. Have your money ready.

What inspires you to create music?  

TREE: Life. The struggle. Seeing artists getting it undeservedly. 

What motivates you? 

TREE: Money, power and respect.

Anybody you'd care to shout out that's been down since day one? 

TREE: God.

SPEED ROUND (Where one word answers are perfectly acceptable)

What's your favorite dish at your favorite restaurant?

TREE: Steak tacos at Maravillas in Hyde Park. 

What's your favorite drink? 

TREE: Vodka, straight.

Do you watch TV? If so, any favorite show(s)?

TREE: Nope. None.

Do you have a favorite movie?

TREE: The Shawshank Redemption

Favorite genre of music to sample when creating beats?

TREE: 70's Soul

If you were mayor of Chicago for one day, what would you do?

TREE: Kill myself.

What's the first thing you'd buy if you had the money?

TREE: Foreclosed properties around my city. 

Lastly, what's something that many of your fans may not know about you?

TREE: I don't back down. Fuck 'em all.


To hear more from Tree, you can download his latest mixtape Sunday School II for free by following this link. You can also find, follow and tweet Tree using this widget right here.

Tweets by @MCTREEG

Thank you for your time Tree, and thank you to my readers.

-QW

For your enjoyment, here is the video for the first single off of Sunday School II, titled "Devotion (Get It)" directed by Creative Control.