Blending deep southern roots with up north word play Tavares Stephens, better known as TruTV, is laying a brick foundation in the ever growing world of rap. The masterful lyricist is blessed with a near perfect memory allowing him the unique ability to freestyle over tracks he’s never heard before and repeat the flow immediately, verbatim.
Draped in versatility, TV’s talent has been stamped with approval by industry great Special-the musical liaison known for being instrumental in the careers of many artists including rap king Busta Rhymes. But life for this lyrical magician wasn’t always so picturesque.
Born in the Statesboro, Georgia, TV grew up in the well known Butler Homes Projects and recalls seeing a lot in his neighborhood. From his grandmother running numbers to other family members hustling, life in Butler homes gave TV a unique view of the world.
The son of a military step-father and grocery store clerk mother saw even more when his family left U.S. in the early 90’s and moved to Mainz/ Weisbaten, Germany. At the age of 5 TV learned to speak fluent German and was translating the language for his parents. This was one of the first signs that the future rapper wasn’t just the average kid from the projects.
Toughened by his early life, and in a whole new environment, TV would get into scuffles with local German children who taunted him not knowing he fully understood their language. Life in Germany taught him to be observant and diversified his appreciation for music. It was there, during those quiet German days, that TV developed a love for his craft but that love was kept hidden while the young musician sorted out life in a foreign land.
When his family returned to the U.S. in 1992 they had no money which meant moving back to Butler Homes. The years had changed but the family hustle was still the same and soon TV found himself following in the family footsteps.
Despite his street edge, he continued to maintain his intellect and ability to excel in academics and athletics. After relocating to Virginia, TV’s gifted memory again took center stage. His friends were panicking on report card days about D’s and F’s but he wasn’t worried, bringing home all A’s and even being awarded a football scholarship to Livingstone College.
He was a scholar by day and a hustler by night and maintained that façade until a violent run-in left him stabbed and hospitalized in his early college years. Instead of being scared straight, TV’s hustle only intensified following the incident that left him with three stab wounds to the head.
He felt he was invincible and with musical influences like Tupac and Scarface in mind and the growing influence of his cousin Fatboi, the super producer of Gucci Mane’s smash hit “Wasted”, TV continued to privately write and record music after losing his scholarship whil maintaining life as a hustler.
Against all odds he finished his degree in Computer Technology and by 2007 had built a strong catalogue of songs he’d quietly written over the years.
One day after graduation TV finally played a song he’d recorded for one of his closest friends. The friend had no idea he even did music but was so amazed by the sounds that he encouraged him to pursue his craft full time. TV did just that and his career has been on fast forward ever since.
With no signs of stopping this gifted lyricist delivers musical style that’s a perfect mix of the north and the south. He continues to gain the attention of some of the best in the rap game and is now ready to show the world musical pictures of what life looks like through his eyes.