What is your background? tell us where you grew up and some information about your upbringing/experiences as a youth:
I grew up on a small island in the British Virgin Islands called Tortola. I always wanted to be different, especially in school when it came to music. There were times when I wanted to give up on life but music always kept me going , especially having people singing the songs that I personally sat down and created.
At what moment did you know that music was part of your life and what feelings did you have towards making an active impact with your music?
At that moment I realized that I can make a difference with actually helping people like me coming put of the islands that cannot make it out on their own with music. I created a local record label to try and help musicians trying to make it, at least to a certain extent I would be able to help.
What artists inspired/influences you and if you could collaborate with any artist (alive or passed) who would it be and why?
Slick Rick was one of my dirt influences, he has a way with words and turning them into a story and you just vibe to it. I have been a huge fan of Dr. Dre especially with his beats. The west cost hiphop culture has always influences the way I do music. As of recent I have more gravitated to Tory Lanez and would be excited to collaborate with him. He is am awesome artists.
What do you think about the current state of hip hop/mainstream music?
Hiphop has been changing, some people might thing for the better others might think for the worst. I’m reality things eventually change. Artists have their own unique style and have mastered at their own craft. Hiphop will always live and it will also continue to change regardless of who’s around or who likes it. All you can do is add your piece.
Currently, what projects do you have in the works that you are most excited about?
As of recent I have been working on my new mixtape called “Chapter One” the reason I decided to name this mixtape chapter one is because I feel like I have recreated myself in the sense of the way I do music and how I play with words. This is basically a new start a new chapter. The tracks on this mixtape are going to be on point and really entertaining. I am almost finished but still needs some more work.
What are your short term career goals within the next 6-10 months?
Within 6-10 months I want to be able to push my record label “Guard House Records” as much as I and to also get my music heard on an international level. I plan on also pushing out my clothing line called VanGard XIX.
What are your long term career goals within the next 2-5 years?
In 2-5 years I hope to see my company bringing in revenue and being able to support the life style as a full blooded record label. My clothing line would also be at the peak or even at a start but hopefully in full force. My music career would be growing to greater heights, hopefully would have the full a tension of the music industry .
If you had one song out of the catalogue you have created to show a person what song would it be and why?
There was one song I made when I was back in high school it was called “can you hear me” I was actually written for my grandfather, he passed away back in 2006 and it really took a toll on not only me, but the entire family. The song was really emotional but yet very lifting, it featured 2 other guys on it “headz out” and I can’t remember the other guy.
To the person who had never heard of you what is it about your music and story that you would tell them to entice them to be a supporter?
I rap about experiences and reality. There are some songs that I have that go beyond but that’s when I’m trying to put something together quickly. When I was younger I had a friend who used to always tell me “ bro if you want to make it in the game you have to be honest and tell them the Ruth and not something made up”. When it comes to music you have to be honest with yourself be who you know your suppose to be and not who someone else tells you. My music speaks for itself.
If your music could be described in five words what would those five words be?
Catchy, realistic, unforgettable, ready and me.
What do you bring to the game that is unique and different?
What I bring is an island style that I see a lot of rappers try to imitate. Besides rap I also do reggae and Dane hall, which I try to mix with hiphop at times to get a sort of flavor mix. My style is something that I have been mixing and dabbing since I was 8 years old.
To the aspiring artist who is considering a career as a musician what lessons or advice would you give them to inspire them or to uplift them in the journey?
The best thing you can be is yourself. To become great there is only one person you can be and that’s you. If your someone else then your copying, no one wants two Tory Lanez or two Migos , they want something different, so be yourself.
What are your social media profiles and where can people purchase/download your music?
Most of the times I’m active on my personal Facebook page www.facebook.com/tinonodoubt171
You can check my most recent and old music on my soundcloud www.soundcloud.com/tino-no-doubt
What are your final words you would like to say to people that you have left out?
I would like to say thank you to everyone that has helped me and pushed me towards a dream that I have been chasing all my life and with their help and push none of my records could have taken place.
