Terry Milla is the voice of a Hip Hop revolution—on a roller-coaster climb to keep progressing, improving, and changing the game. Anyone who’s had the pleasure of speaking with Milla knows that his “Keepin’ It 100%” mentality isn’t just a shtick or ploy to tug at heartstrings—it’s a way of life, adopted from a past marked by unimaginable hardships and profound loss. Hailing from Atlanta, this Hip Hop veteran has “done everything already,” only to be left disillusioned by “growing up in this madness.” He realized continuing down the treacherous path he was traveling wouldn’t bring the fulfillment or internal wealth he was seeking. So, he embarked on a journey of wellness in every sense of the word, a decision that completely transformed his life for the better. His momentum has only continued to build since.
Milla imparts his inexhaustible well of wisdom through music designed to motivate, not judge, offering solace and connection to those feeling lost or stuck in place. But music is just one piece of Milla’s greater mission. He leads by example in every venture: as a founder, mentor, and instructor, and more, all rooted in a genuine drive to empower. Through his company, 100 Trillion Entertainment, named after the estimated 50-120 trillion cells in the human body, symbolizing the limitless potential that lives within, he uplifts those leading the charge in Hip Hop maturity. It’s time to reinvent the status quo—and Milla is carrying the torch.
Milla’s previous single, “Learn Ya Bout Me,” offered listeners a glimpse into his story, touching on his many years in the game and motivating others on their own journey. But “GoodBye Baebe” is Milla at his most vulnerable yet, providing fans an intimate look at his complex upbringing and offering a much-needed push towards revival, stability, and prosperity. With each new release, Milla continues to come into his own—not just as an artist, but as a visionary. Everything listeners hear on “GoodBye Baebe” is quintessential Terry Milla—from the speaker-rattling beat to the commanding bars, the infectious hook, and the soul-stirring lyricism. The organ-like cries of the melody evoke an almost spiritual atmosphere, making Milla’s candid storytelling all the more emotive. It’s here that he paints a clear portrait of the connection between agency and greatness, tenacity and triumph. Milla is no longer the person he used to be—and that transformation is what makes him the leader he is today. This reflection of his grit spotlights the strength and power of showing up for himself, something he wishes to pass along to the younger generations. He believes that when one follows their heart, anything is possible. It’s up to each person to tap into their voice and “rewrite the story to another life that’s better.”
Adorning the side of a vegan juice and smoothie bar in the West End of Atlanta is a vivid mural that’s hard to miss—two legends, rapper Nipsey Hussle and healer and herbalist Dr. Sebi, meeting eye to eye. Sitting just between them, a striking sentiment: “The Highest Human Act Is To Inspire.” That’s exactly what the “GoodBye Baebe” music video sets out to do: inspire those who feel like their lives don’t matter with a true story of resilience and tenacity. It’s one thing to see Milla recount the days of his youth from where he stands now—a multi-faceted professional who’s found success in all areas of life without suppressing an ounce of his personality—but it’s striking to see this juxtaposition come to life on screen. Interwoven photos of Milla’s days “living like yung villains,” watching his “potnaz die and go to prison” are distant memories, but memories all the same. He lived through it and made it out the other side. Though he’s said goodbye, he remains the spirited, voice-of-the-streets rapper fans revered several decades ago. And now, as he enters a powerful new chapter, that effulgent spirit is poised to shine even brighter.
You’ve been through a lot to get to this point in your career—what motivates you to keep positive even in tough situations?
For me, it’s just about getting the results I want. If I stay in a negative place when something bad happens, I only create more negative results. If I can find my way back to being optimistic and focus on solutions, I can find an answer to the problem. Plus, staying mad about it only raises my blood pressure and adds to my stress. It’s a form of powerlessness and self-punishment. You’re still a victim of what happened to you. By controlling my reactions and working on positive outcomes, I can take control of the situation.
How did growing up in Atlanta shape both the artist and the man you are today?
Atlanta is the “Black Mecca,” but it’s in Georgia, which is still the country’s South. We have our style, culture, and language. Atlanta music was more booty-shake club style back in the day. We have a lot of strip clubs here, like Miami. The dope game and strip clubs heavily influenced the Atlanta music scene. In the late 80s, early 90s, East Coast hip hop was deep in ATL. Then came OutKast, etc. They brought lyrics, beats, and social content to the music scene.
Meanwhile, I was still independent. Doing my music but living my life outside the spotlight. I turned down several record deals cuz the situation wasn’t right. For example, MCA Records wanted me to be in a group called “Exit 31”, with some other rappers I had never met or heard of. The idea was, we were supposed to be prisoners out on work release, picking up trash off of “Exit 31”, smh. This and other situations showed me how wicked this game is and how powerful the music is. They have criminalized the music intentionally. This led me to do the opposite and make music with a message. I also had to keep the music pure. It has to be a genuine expression, not some formula crafted by talentless, greedy record execs just to make money.
Turning those deals down led me in a different direction. I stepped into my power. This whole journey has made me the artist and man I am today.
What was your recording process like for “GoodBye Baebe?” Was the process different from other songs you have made previously?
I wrote the song on a plane coming back from London and Cambridge, England. I was coming back from 2 weeks of intense training with the lead instructors of Silat Buka Lingkaran (Indonesian martial arts). The whole experience was powerful and transformative. That’s the mindset and energy I was in when I wrote it.
The original beat was made by another producer, a brother I’ve known and worked with for a long time. He ghosted me and abandoned the project, so I made a whole new beat with a different sound. I came too far to let anything or anyone stop me. I recorded, mixed, and mastered it in my private studio. I wanted a fat, analog, classic feel, so I added some vinyl effects like noise and crackle to the background. Other than that, it was pretty much the same process. I make sure I get a clean take on all the vocals. I stack the chorus at least five times so I can pan the vocals left, right, and center. Then I work on getting a solid mix. I checked that mix on several sound systems (headphones, car, earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, monitors, etc.). I get feedback from my people. Then move to mastering.
“GoodBye Baebe” is reflective and deeply personal. Was it difficult for you to revisit your own story on this track?
Yeah, it was. One level is just thinking about the past drama can be nostalgic, or it can trigger you back into old patterns. Another side is me telling part of my past that people don’t know about. It’s easy to stay low-key and live in the shadows. I decided to do it cuz it’s my truth. I should live in that space, and the game needs a fresh perspective. Hip-Hop just turned 50, but a lot of the music is still in a teenager’s mindset. When people see how I am now, they don’t see how I got here. I stopped “smokin and drinkin” cuz I smoked and drank more than everybody. I’m not running wild in these streets, cuz I grew up doing that and saw the consequences of bad choices.
What was it like to film in front of the “The Highest Human Act Is To Inspire” mural in the West End of Atlanta? How did this location fit into your vision for the music video?
That mural is powerful (painted by @artistkeenanchapman). It’s on the side of Wadada’s in the West End. When I first saw it, I knew I was going to use it as a video or photoshoot background. To have Nipsey Hustle and Dr. Sebi looking at each other shows the power of generational communication. The wisdom of the elder is reaching the mind of the young G. That’s what the game needs now.
That quote, “the highest human act is to inspire,” is pure truth. We all have the potential for greatness, but if we don’t see it in real life, we don’t think we can live like that. “Goodbye Baebe” shows that it’s possible to change your situation, and this mural delivers that message.
Do you see yourself as a mentor in today’s hip-hop landscape?
I see myself as someone who has made many mistakes and has learned from them. I share my experiences and perspective in my music, but I don’t want to be put on any pedestal. What one man can do, another can too. The youth need guidance and direction, but they have the same potential and capabilities for greatness that we all do.
How has wellness changed the way you write, record, and perform?
This whole journey has changed me in a good way, I feel. When I was young and dumb, I didn’t realize how powerful my voice could be. If everyone around you wakes up and gets drunk, smokes a cigarette, sells dope, has no purpose, etc., that becomes your normal. If that’s your normal, you do what they do and don’t see anything wrong with it. As I grew wiser, I started to see how broken it was, and I didn’t want to be another victim or statistic. That mindset now influences everything I do in music.
What do you want to be remembered for as an artist and a motivator? What teachings do you hope your audience takes with them?
Remember me as a man who believed in himself and refused to quit. Remember that I chose to walk my own path. Remember that I stood on truth, when others kneeled to lies.
I want my audience to understand that life has a purpose. Find yours. Walk and live in that.
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