The Evolution Of Tia P.

Let’s hop right into this latest single / video, “Green Cadillac,” produced by DJ Battlecat and featuring The Lady Of Rage — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

Well, I really wanted to partner with someone who was undeniably affiliated with the West Coast, SoCal to be specific. Not only that, but I wanted whoever that would be to actually vibe with me, and I be able to vibe back. Never in a million years did I think that person would be DJ Battlecat, and shortly later The Lady of Rage. My co manager’s cousin, Dwayne “Muffla” Simon, knows Battlecat, and thought it would be the perfect collab if we were interested. Of course, I was hyped, but for 2 reasons: one, DJ Battlecat is a legend. I easily put him in the conversation alongside Dre and others as West Coast Hip Hop producer royalty. (Kurupt’s) “We Can Freak It” is my shhhh, okay! Two, this serves as a perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between generations of Hip Hop creatives and listeners. This would be something for errrbody. After writing and laying down the track, I left the third verse open. I honestly just didn’t have a bridge yet, but it felt like another voice in that space would be cool – but who??? Muffla, being the plug that he is, again suggests The Lady of Rage. I’m like, “Rough and stuff with my Afro puffs, Death Row, Baby D, Lady of Rage?? Let’s go!”, hehe! What can I say? The rest is on the track.

Of course “Green Cadillac” comes courtesy of your still forthcoming solo debut — What all can you reveal and / or divulge about upcoming said body of work?

Wow, you’re right – this actually is my solo debut – in an album sense. It’s growth, but it’s still me; bolder, smarter and just better – but still relatable. It’s taken various forms over the years, but I think I’ve decided what story I want to tell on my forthcoming body of work: my story.

How then does this new material(s) either differ and / or compare to previous Tia P. entries?

It feels like an evolution. I’m known for seamlessly crossing many genres in my music, because I both rap and sing. They can expect nothing less on the new project. The new material is just as versatile as previous Tia P. entries, but everything is bigger – from the production to my presence on the track.

“Green Cadillac” is a 6X Entertainment release — What particular string of events actually led up to this inking?

Well, 6X Entertainment is my management company. I’ve been with them since I got started in this industry, and have since become their flagship artist amongst phenomenal new acquisitions to the roster throughout the years. Founder and manager, C.Von Parchman, alongside his business partner, Marty Arnold, are my team, but they’re more like family. However, just like blood family, we butt heads sometimes, but it’s always about the best intentions for the artist. The point is this: we get ish done, and we do it with excellence.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

Honestly? Anywhere. I know that sounds vague, but it’s true. If the music is already done, I usually let the track speak to me how to flow or what it needs. Sometimes I’m creating from scratch. Usually, I get hit with inspiration at some of the most random of times. The best ones usually come in the shower, in my opinion. It starts off as a phrase – maybe with a melody, maybe without – then my mind takes care of the rest. I’ve got some kind of story to tell now.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Tia P.?

I come from a family of musicians. My mom sings and my dad plays drums, writes and produces. There’s a photo of me at 2 or 3, sitting on the floor of my living room with a makeshift drum set I’d made – unprompted and of my own volition – with a few pots, and an egg whisk and a spoon for drumsticks. My mom said, “I guess we’ve got another drummer in the house!”

I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t love music or have it in me. It all started in church. You know that’s where most of your favorite artists came from? Ha ha! While my dad played for praise and worship and the adult choir, I started playing for the kid’s choir. At the time, my church owned and held service at The Great Western Forum {currently named the KIA Forum} it was there that I got a chance to perform my first gospel song, “Holy Ghost Party,” and at that very moment I knew I was destined for this.

Now you’re a native of Inglewood, CA, correct? So, growing up in the ‘City of Champions,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes, I’m an Inglewood native, born and raised. INGLEWOOOOD!! Ha ha! But for real, I was exposed to such a variety of music by my parents, my strongest influences come from all over. Being a Cali girl, I couldn’t help but be influenced by the GOAT 2Pac Shakur, of course. His flow was just stupid and his subject matter knew no boundaries. Also, I must credit the other GOAT, Missy Elliott. The music she was making was so different from any other artist, male or female, but it was still dope, still cool, a lil rough, yet feminine. I’ve found that she, along with my other strongest influence, both rapped and sang.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

My style is exciting. My sound is always commanding, yet inviting; whether rapping or singing. My style is witty, yet thought provoking. Laid back, but syncopated. My sound is refreshing like a bucket of cold water being dumped on any given summer day (in) Vegas. My diverse sound is an open-ended standing invitation everyone is invited to.

Switching gears here…

What do you feel will be the key to your longevity?

Remaining honest while bringing the fun. Whether as Tia P. the artist, Tia P. the songwriter, the producer, drummer, actress – whatever – I have to stay true to who I am, otherwise I have nothing to give. Because I know who I am, I can be as diverse as I choose and it’s still real to me and my audience. Whether they hear me on the radio, at a show, or my voice/ music on TV or in a commercial, I’m gonna make you feel something. That’s the other part – not closing myself off to any mediums just because it may not involve being on an actual stage. I’m blessed that what I do can transcend the stage into other forms for people to hear and enjoy for years to come.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Above all, I want people to feel the love and the passion. It’s not enough love and passion in music – the world really – right now. Like it’s cool to like something, but to love it requires a certain boldness. It’s cool to want to do something, but being passionate about it will likely end with a better result. Get energized, get renewed, get a grip, get yo’ life! LOL! Honestly, I want your viewers and the masses to understand that female artists are more than just the projected sound and image of the selected few. My music is really for everybody.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

Hmm…I’m not sure if happy is the word I’d use. This is in no way indicative of every single artist, but the state of music is just…ehhh, it’s cool, it’s a vibe – but it rarely moves me. Not saying everything has to be a conscious head twist de Revolucion, but it just seems like nothing is made to last. We’re losing legends, but we’re not creating them – however, millions – and sometimes billions – of streaming numbers for various artists could persuade some otherwise. I just feel like people really downplay the power of music, you know? Everyone has access, but very few have a gift to create it. Do more than create it – make it dope! Don’t just be shock value, add VALUE. Music is sooo powerful. It can manipulate or educate.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Absolutely! My degree from Howard University is in Psychology. I’d actually like to create an organization that not only helps families who are homeless or receive low income with food and shelter, but also with counseling and psychological help they may not have access to otherwise.

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Wow! That’s a loaded question. LOL! Being welcomed by some of Hip Hop’s greatest Legends, i.e.; opening up for The Teacher – KRS-One – and him literally saying, “Yo, welcome to Hip Hop” and MC Lyte telling a room full of Deltas that what she admired about me most was the fact that she could tell that I was a well-versed student of the game and that I had “MY OWN VOICE!” Most recently, my song “Fortune” – which is the theme song for Season 3 of HBO’s Emmy wining show, A Black Lady Sketch Show – was played live on this year’s Emmy’s as the show’s recipients received two more Emmys that night! Like, huh? What?!?

Another great moment happened earlier this year when my manager was contacted by another manager asking if I would be interested in collaborating with the Alabama Shake’s lead vocalist, Brittany Howard. Not only did I jump at the opportunity, the song we created “Running with the Angels” became the anthemic theme song for the Angel City Football Club, the first female majority / minority owned Soccer team. To top it off, me and Brittany got a chance to perform it in front of 20,000 fans during the team’s home opener at the new Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. I’m also in the latest Cheetos commercial featuring Bad Bunny; I’m on the drums as he’s walking down the street. And, of course, my latest collab with DJ Battlecat and The Lady of Rage. Not only do I get to put on for my city, but I have two undeniable West Coast legends stamped on it! Not only does this song just feel good, but it makes me proud of what the power of Hip Hop can do in bridging the gap.

What’s an average day like for you?

I wake up around 5:30 / 6 am., walk Puggle, hit the gym, go to Starbucks, then come home and shower. If I remember, I’ll do the “daily calm” meditation from the Calm app. Then I’m in a space to create. Sometimes I just need to Postmates and take a break. Other times, I’m done with my tasks by the afternoon and I’m out and about having lunch somewhere I love or have never been! I’m back home by 5 / 6ish to walk and feed Puggle again. In the evening, I try to keep open for jam sessions, movies, making more music, but mainly to relax. If it’s a “work” season, I’m probably just in the studio recording from the morning til the next morning if I have to.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I’m very personal with my fans, a healthy amount of personal. At shows, I give you everything both on and off stage. Sometimes my managers have to force me through the crowd after a performance because I’ll remain there taking pictures and talking to fans all day – especially the kids. Tia loves the kids! *wide grin* I think it’s because we’re all around the same height; I don’t know. Anyway – on social media I try to respond to every DM, and every comment, positive or otherwise. I connect and let them in on my day whether music is involved or not. When I speak words of encouragement to them, I’m encouraging myself and my audience gets that, too. It’s not being cheesy, I just capture the raw moments of who I am as a musician, but more so as a human being.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

The freedom and flexibility I have and not having to work a 9-5. Now, that’s no shade to anyone who does. I know many musicians who do the 9-5 as well as create, and I’m not knocking that. I just know I wouldn’t be able to operate in a way that’s been conducive to the growth in my career. My turnaround time is impeccable, and that’s one of the things that keeps me working, especially in the sync licensing game. In that same breath of not working a 9-5, I also can say I don’t have a set schedule. It’s sometimes hard to plan trips or take breaks, because I just never know what opportunity will strike next. Usually, it takes precedence over whatever I have or had planned, but that’s the nature of the beast. Sometimes it’s the opposite – dry as the Sahara – but I still have to find the inspiration to create regardless. Creativity is a gift, but it doesn’t make sharing that gift consistently any less draining than any other job. It’s about finding balance, and that just comes with time and maturity.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Learn from others’, their successes, and their failures; but ultimately you have to create your own path in this thing called music. Don’t be afraid to be different, but also be strategic. Strategy / planning and creativity are not mutually exclusive things. Keep a trustworthy team around you, people who aren’t afraid to say no. Most importantly, do you; but don’t do it if you don’t love it!

Lastly, what’s next for you, Tia?

Well, well, well…look the way things are going right now and the way God is moving, who knows? But I’m prepared for whatever that next move may be. Of course, I’m still acting, so a TV or movie role could be on the horizon! Hey! I don’t know, man. I’m just looking forward to finishing this album to give to the fans.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

I feel like we covered some ground, however, having been doing this since I was 11 years of age, I suggest we do a part 2 next year! LOL!

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

If you made it to the end of this interview, you’re a real one. Ha ha! Kidding aside, I sincerely appreciate you and thank you for taking the time to chop it up. “Do you and be blessed” Oh! Don’t forget to: – Follow me @iamtiap – Visit my website www:iamtiap.com and join my mailing list – subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/iamTiap – Get my single, “Green Cadillac” on all DSP’s!!