By: Lennard James
Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, TRF Boog has had a unique upbringing that shaped not only his musical sound but also his worldview. Growing up in environments that forced him to mature quickly, he’s used his experiences as fuel for his music. “Where I’m from definitely influences my sound and my content,” he says. “Seeing everything I saw as a kid and being involved in what I was involved in changed my views on life and made me grow up faster than most.”
Though he’s never been part of a band or embarked on a tour, his musical journey is deeply personal and self-driven. “I wouldn’t say any one artist shaped me,” he explains. “I’m myself, and I have my own sound that’s unique.” That’s not to say he didn’t draw inspiration from others along the way. Artists like Drake, Lil Wayne, TI, and Jeezy caught his attention growing up, but TRF Boog remains clear that his path is his own. “I think my versatility will make people think of artists like Drake or Tory Lanez, but I don’t compare myself to anyone.”
His music spans across various genres, primarily rooted in hip-hop, but with a flexibility that allows for R&B and even hints of rock influence. “I could make any genre of music, depending on how I’m feeling that day,” he notes. Melodic rap is one of his specialties, a reflection of his love for melodies from R&B, rock, and soul. “When you make melodic music, you’re naturally influenced by soulful sounds.”
Now, TRF Boog released his much-anticipated mixtape, a project he describes as “just me vs. me.” his mixtape title reflects his current mindset and journey. “I don’t see anyone around me as my competitor. It’s just me. I’m here to show the world who I am as an artist and that I’m a hitmaker—by myself, without needing a feature or a cosign.” The mixtape is a testament to his self-reliance and determination to break through in the music industry.
Photo Courtesy: TRF Boog
The songwriting process for the mixtape took about two to three months, during which he traveled back and forth between Indianapolis and Charlotte. Recording the album at the world-class Audiobox studios in Charlotte, he collaborated closely with platinum producer IGot20OnMyBeat, who produced the entire project. “We worked really close together,” he says. “When we met, we just clicked, and from there, the idea came together that he should do my entire project.”
The mixtape features three singles, each offering a different glimpse into his artistry. “Dump It” is the first single—a high-energy club record that promises to be a hit on the radio. “It’s just a fun song, made for the clubs,” he shares. The second single, “Church,” takes a more personal tone, giving listeners a deeper look into his life beyond his role as a rapper. Finally, “Stars in the Ceiling” rounds out the trio, a braggadocious track that showcases his experiences and lifestyle as a rapper.
When asked about the themes that run through the mixtape, he says, “There aren’t any specific themes, just great music. The inspiration for this mixtape was my life and living.” The result is a body of work that offers something for everyone, regardless of their musical tastes. TRF Boog is a classic in my eyes,” he adds, “and I’m excited about the songs we left off, which I’ll release later.”
TRF Boog is looking forward to gaining exposure on platforms like Lyrical Lemonade, XXL, and SayCheeseTV. He’s also a fan of podcasts like Million Dollars’ Worth of Game, Rap Radar, and New Rory & Mal, and sees those outlets as ideal opportunities to connect with a broader audience.
With his debut mixtape, TRF Boog is ready to break through the noise and make a lasting impact in the music industry. His journey is one of self-discovery, artistic exploration, and resilience, and this mixtape serves as an introduction to a versatile, talented, and driven artist who is just getting started.
Published by: Holy Minoza
