The 2016 election set the stage for a tumultuous period in American history, further deepening the divide of everyday Americans across lines of political ideology, race, gender and religion. It’s a topic that seems to have no in between…people either refuse to discuss it or they rage about it. But some are able to address it with a poetic elegance and make a statement.
On his single “U.S.A.,” from his upcoming debut studio album, Together Alone, Atlanta-based rapper, T.R.3, proves he is the next generation of lyricists unafraid of tackling real issues. Produced by SoCal veteran, Ariano, “U.S.A.” starts off as an almost hip hop hymn, transposed over a backdrop of screaming protesters on the left and the chants of Trump supporters on the right. T.R.3 skillfully delivers verses tinged with equal parts hopelessness and defiance in the face of political turmoil, and questions the black community’s place in the midst of it.
Recorded in Atlanta at IMG studios, T.R.3’s rhymes and Ariano’s production are pulled together by the mixing and mastering by LDontheCut (DJ for Sublime with Rome). The accompanying video, directed by Houston-based Quite Frankly, was shot in Venice Beach, California. The artistry of the video turns a literal day at the beach into a chaos that mirrors the frenzy of the protest chants that underscore “U.S.A.”
Atlanta-born and Chicago-influenced, T.R.3 is a true artist and co-founder of the ATL-based artist collective, IMG (Instrumentalists Music Group). He has been gaining momentum over the past three years, releasing mixed tapes, collective projects with IMG, and solo projects, including 2016’s viral single, “Statistics,” as well as landing a sponsorship with renowned LA clothing brand, LRG.
T.R.3’s passion, hustle, and god-given talent have helped lay the foundation for the effortless flow he delivers on “U.S.A.”, from his upcoming debut studio EP, Together Alone.