With eight critically acclaimed projects under his belt, Phoenix-based hip-hop artist Trap House has become one of the most prolific and influential hip-hop artists to come out of Arizona. Some of his accolades include being chosen by Vitamin Water to give a personalized tour of the city and being chosen by New Times as one of a few musicians that should already be famous. With so many accomplishments under his belt, the now 30-year-old emcee is hoping to take the Arizona hip-hop scene to the next level with the formation of what he calls a "hip-hop community," a collective known as "The Black Family".
See also: 8 Phoenix Bands Who Deserve To Be Famous Right Now
Propped up with the motto, "Hate is for the Weak", the newly formed community features a wide array of artists, DJs, engineers, videographers, and others. The Black Family was founded with the goals to eliminate the air of negativity and lack of support that has crippled the growth of Phoenix's urban music scene. The collective already has a few events and releases under its belt despite forming just a few short months ago. Led in part, by founder Trap House, The Black Family plans to have their first official "Hate is for the Weak" showcase as a unit on Friday, May 23, at the Arizona Event Center.
Trap House drew inspiration to form the collective after his cousin J Monster told him that his leadership and influence was critical in the success and progress of hip-hop in the state. Trap took heed and tapped some of his fellow artists to join the team.
"We have around 20 official members of The Black Family and hundreds of unofficial members and supporters," Trap House said.
Some of the more notable members include artists like Je Mula, Been Cold and Double Up, and audio-visual pros such as Jay Reyes and Xaiver Williams. The squad even includes a 17-year-old producer named Bleak, who originally worked with Trap on his last release "Ric Flair."
The Black Family differs from other hip-hop collectives in the sense that they are more community-based and open than others. While groups like Wu Tang Clan and Odd Future carry an air of exclusivity and fraternal belonging in their movements, The Black Family stresses its openness and community vibe. Trap House stresses that this kind of unity is the only way to make progress.
"This is a community that is designed to change perspectives and renounce negativity" he said.
The collective plans on sponsoring and organizing several charity events designed to give back to neighborhoods around the city with the goals of not only spreading the name and message of The Black Family but also giving back to those who have supported them.
The Black Family as a whole will be releasing a compilation album sometime in the next few months. Titled after their slogan "Hate is For the Weak," you can expect to see appearances from the entire Black Family roster. Trap House also plans to release his next and possibly last LP, God's Will, this summer as well. With all of the right cards in his hands, Trap hopes that the Black Family will achieve the goal of taking Arizona hip-hop to the next level.
The Hate Is For The Weak showcase is scheduled for Friday, May 23, at the Arizona Events Center in Mesa.
Find any show in Metro Phoenix via our extensive online concert calendar.
9 Tips for Using A Fake ID To Get Into A Show Here's How Not to Approach a Journalist on Facebook The 10 Coolest, Scariest, Freakiest Songs About Heroin The 30 Most Disturbing Songs of All Time
Like Up on the Sun on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest local music news and conversation.