Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
When he was growing up, music was something of an escape for Clinton Brand. Now he wants to share his own music with everyone he can, as a light for others in the dark.
“There are a lot of people in general who are struggling and I want to be that light,” he says. “To show them don’t give up, if you have a dream you can chase it.”
Brand, better known by the stage name CB3, is an emerging hip hop artist who overcame countless obstacles in his childhood before realizing he had a gift for music. He was taken away from an abusive mother at a young age and sent to live with his grandparents. When he was 8, with his grandparents experiencing homelessness and his father no longer in the picture, Brand ended up in foster care for several years. His mother eventually passed away when he was a teenager.
“So I’m an orphan at 14, getting bullied in school and I just started writing,” he says. “Writing down my feelings. Later on I think those two kind of intertwined, the music and the writing and the writing slowly turned into me going to talent shows and performing in front of the school and people started telling me, ‘Wow, you’re really good at this. Ever thought about actually making music?’”
His answer was always no, but years later a music career has become a reality for the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native. This month, CB3 released his newest single, “Tick Tock” featuring Aylius.
Time is ticking, don’t wait for nobody
I’m on a mission, to be great like Mohammed
I got tunnel vision, I can only see the top
But time is ticking, tick tock
That mission, Brand says, is to “uplift others, build a foundation for my family, face my fears and overcome them. Be the best me I can be and then more.”
It’s an inspiring track, but not a lighthearted one. Brand says it’s not a song to be listened to carelessly.
“You’ve got to actually hear the words and feel it,” he says.
The single features a beat from Freek van Workum and American producer Aylius, and CB3 is trying to put together more collaborations for his future releases.
“I might even try singing,” he says. “I’ve always been able to sing, but I’m scared to. I might have to give that a try.”
CB3 adds that, “a life lived in fear isn’t a life lived at all” and he’s focused on bringing his music to as many people as he can.
“I never thought I would be doing it professionally,” he says. “I remember having friends over and we would stand on the couches and play music and I remember when I was dancing and singing along with the music thinking like wow, I actually like this feeling inside. It kind of ignites my soul. That probably sounds corny but it feels good. That’s when I realized I love music and it’s something I want to pursue.”
Stay connected to CB3 on all platforms for new music, videos and social posts:
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While most high school students are figuring out homework and what to do with their free time, one rising hip-hop and rap artist out of Mississippi is busy making music on his terms. At 17, RAA Trey (born Alvin Peyton III) is showing up for his future self in a big way with the recent release of the new single, “Song of Da Year,” earlier in November. The track provides a preview of what to expect on his upcoming album 1OF1, featuring 14 songs that will drop this December.
RAA Trey, whose name is an acronym for “Respect Above All,” learned early on growing up in a family of entrepreneurs about putting in the work to make your vision a reality. He was only in seventh grade when he started his label, Take Money Records and Entertainment, which he still runs today, and began building a home studio to pursue his dream. The same drive and confidence remain, carrying over to his new work.
“Song of Da Year gives off a championship feel to it,” says RAA Trey. “I’m just letting everybody know to respect me as soon as I come in this game because when I’m coming, this is going to be over the top. That’s why it’s called Song of Da Year. Respect this.” Aware that his home state may not have a music scene such as other parts of the south like Memphis or Atlanta, RAA Trey shares he follows his own sound and whatever he feels at the moment.
Mixed and mastered by Shane Thomson with lyrics by RAA Trey, who writes all of his music, “Song of Da Year” features powerful lyrics of assurance with one particular part paying tribute to his mother: my momma worry / I told my momma she ain't gotta worry / evea' since I was young, you been nervous / I promise I'm gon' make it with these verses.”
As for performing, RAA Trey is a natural performer, gracing several stages, including a show to thousands featuring rapper a well known rapper from Louisiana, among other events over the years. Fans can expect to see him even more in the months ahead, as he plans to tour, expand his fan base and launch merchandise.
With “Song of Da Year,” RAA Trey, is manifesting, making his mark—and he hasn’t even graduate yet. Those who want to learn more and listen to his latest music can follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
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