Rhyme Report

Published on August 1st, 2017 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

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T-360 & Konnect ‘Keep It 100’ (Video Premiere)

‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ is a revered slogan in the creative space; it takes a team to create a movement and T-360 and Konnect connected for a banger. “Keep It 100,” just released on T-360’s Colossal Records imprint, is pure and from the gut as the Colossal CEO and his flagship artist Konnect deliver as only those from the struggle can understand. Don’t get it twisted, this message is loud and clear and worthy of being a theme song for “Standup People,” it isn’t just for the streets; the way The Book of Five Rings wasn’t just for warriors on the battlefield.

The visual for “Keep It 100” is straight forward and not over-ambitious…everything is tight and the joint definitely keeps you motivated to be true to yourself and expect others to do the same to stay in your circle. 4/5 for me ~ JD

Who are these rising personalities? Here’s the official line on the duo

T-360 Artist and CEO Colossal Records (@TheColossalR1)

T-360 also known as “T” to his friends was raised with unique and diverse cultural differences. His parents were Vietnamese refugees who escaped political oppression by fleeing into a Hong Kong refugee camp after the Vietnam War.  T is the first of his family’s American born generation.  He was raised in North Philadelphia.

Growing up in a diverse and urban neighborhood T was exposed to many life experiences that helped mold the driven entrepreneur into who he is today. His family had to rebuild their lives after arriving in the states.  They created a present and future under challenging circumstances.

Now with successful businesses that are still the center of their universe, T is adding onto the empire his way.  He is a self-made entrepreneur with multiple successful business interests.  His passions in life drive him so the segue to music producer and record label owner makes perfect sense to those who have had the opportunity to work with him. T-360 is an example of living the American Dream.

His name T-360 represents the life that he lives. T is the first letter of his name and 360 is his outlook on life.  Well rounded, without boundaries while he keeps his world continually spinning.

T-360’s first artist signed to Colossal Records is longtime friend Konnect, who is also from the same neighborhood in North Philly.  Together they are the dynamic force behind Colossal Records.

Konnect – Featured Artist and Colossal Records Headlining Artist

Konnect is a lyrical mastermind. Born and raised in the unforgiving “Bad Lands” of North Philadelphia, his rap is clearly influenced by his surroundings. Being of Puerto Rican heritage his lyrics are laced with a unique approach to the art of Hip Hop story telling.

Konnect is a modern day street poet with a voice that captures and entices his fans. He delivers captivating story lines that speak to the heart and soul of all hip hop fans regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. His songs are heavily armed and emotionally charged with clever word play and witty punchlines which showcases his talent as a songwriter. His rich vocal tones drive his point home…every time.

One word to describe Konnect….Resilient.  He has survived gun shot wounds,  motor vehicle accidents that left him for dead and run ins with the law  Regardless of life challenges he has risen up and turned to music to share his stories in lyric and song genius.

He is the creative force behind the label’s music and a solo headlining star in the making.

We got the two together to weigh in on a few things. While their individual past stories are what have them climbing the ladder on their own steam thus far, their introduction via “Keep It 100” is right on time with the return of a global Hip-Hop mindset and the joint is hot too boot so I’d say these cats are bound for a major triumph in the business.

Tell us about your current single!

T:360: Our latest single “Keep it 100” is a song about where we come from in the Kensington Area of North Philly. It defines who we are and the men we are today. I produced the track with Konnect in mind since we all came from the same hood.”

Konnect: “Keep it 100” is the underdogs’ anthem. The timing of when the track was brought to my attention was a big coincidence since I was in the hospital with a broken arm and femur.  It was tough, ,but I made it my business to get into the studio and lay my verses down. Although my body wasn’t a 100%, the work that I put in and the mindset I put out will always be a 100%”.

Do you feel your current project is the best introduction to you as an artist?

T-360: “Yes, it gives people a chance to peep into our mindset and our background. It’s just a start and as you said an introduction. I want to do this right.  The music will speak for itself and in the end authenticity always wins.”

Konnect: “Yes I actually do! This single will set the tone for our  Not All Kings Wear Crowns mixtape  The song sets the groundwork to introduce us to the Hip Hop world. I can’t wait for everyone to hear whats next.  That is the hustle we both have, we are always working forward at Colossal Records. T and I wanted to come out of the doors swinging with songs that make a statement.

The title “Keep it 100”  is open to several meanings…what’s your take on the song from the outside looking in?

T-360: “It’s just being who you are no matter what gets thrown at you. To rise up and be a better person against all odds. I said it in the outro, It’s Champion Music. That is what Colossal Records is all about.  Being true to yourself, giving it your all, and to keep pushing forward.  Everyone deserves the chance, but sometimes you have to make your own opportunity instead of waiting on someone else to hand it to you.  I am a business owner, built from the ground up and it all started from family businesses. My folks were immigrants. War refugess, so I was brought up with a certain type of mindset.”

Konnect: “Keep it 100” has  numerous meanings depending on who I am looking at. Colossal Records does everything with muscle.  We had the vision, we created and brought the vision to life with this song and our label and we did it with our own money, our own hard work and determination. Every note, beat and lyric is authentically our own. Now don’t get me wrong we would love to work with other rappers and producers but if you want people to take you seriously you have to show them that you mean business.  We created the label name Colossal from our mindset of “Go Big or Go Home.” The music business is a tough land to travel you have to work hard and you have to deliver the goods.”

What’s on your horizon for 2017?

T-360: “Up next is a single release called “SayLe$$” by Konnect and we are aiming to release our mixtape project “Not All Kings Wear Crowns”  by the end of the year. It’ll be a chance for people to really get to hear Konnect shine as the headlining artist of Colossal Records.  I’m featured only on a hand full of tracks. Being the CEO of Colossal Records I’m cool with that. My main priority at this point is to get K. out there and have his opportunity in Hip Hop.”

Konnect: “I want to flood our audience and fans with nonstop music by taking a chapter from Tupac‘s formula of music music music. Bottom line is Colossal Records is bringing  top level quality music.”

The Hype Magazine wants to know: What’s been your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?! Or “WTF?!” moment thus far in your career?

T-360: “One of the moments that I will never forget is having Konnect in the booth to record his verses while he was still in recovery mode from a hit and run accident. My man was on crutches with an arm sling and pushing his lyrics out like it was his last. For his Love of the Game, Some how…Some way…he was getting the job done no matter what. I’m glad I was there to make it happen and to witness it.

Don’t miss this evolving story…connect with Colossal Records

Website:  www.thecolossalrecords.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@thecolossalr1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolossalR1/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TheColossalR1

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About the Author

Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.


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