Politicking with Termanology
Hailing from Lawrence, Massachusetts, Termanology, née Daniel Carrillo, is an underground stalwart; definitely a legend in his own right. For those not already in the know, think your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper, and that’ll probably best sum up the pedigree of this heralded native Puerto Rican and French emcee. The 34 years young wordsmith’s latest solo endeavor, More Politics [ST. Records/Showoff Records/Brick Records], which dropped this past November, serves up exactly everything a tried and true Hip-Hop aficionado craves; dope AF BEATS, quotable worthy RHYMES, and quite simply LIFE…
Here’s our interview talking More Politics, industry partnerships, longevity and more…
Let’s hop right into your latest single “Let’s Go (Part 2)”. Tell me about this particular composition? How did it actually come to fruition?
Termanology: We did the first version for KXNG Crooked’s album and people loved it, so we decided to do Part 2.
On it, of course, you team up with the aforementioned veteran Long Beach emcee, KXNG Crooked, how exactly did this unique pairing come about?
Termanology: Crooked and I have been friends for about 10 years. It’s always been a mutual respect lyrically.
How does More Politics either differ and/or compare to your previous efforts?
Termanology: More Politics is the sequel to my first album Politics As Usual.
What particular string of events led to your linking to Statik Selektah’s Showoff Records
Termanology: Statik Selektah and I have been friends for about 20 years. When he decided to open his own label Showoff Records, I already had my own label ST. Records so we decided to join forces and push the music together.
Switching gears here, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so you, either changed and/or evolved since your whole inception into music?
Termanology: Well, I started rapping when I was 9 years old, so as you can assume much has changed. He chuckles
Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?
Termanology: I have been freeSTyling since I was 9 years old. Once I learned how to write full songs around 12, I never stopped writing music.
Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?
Termanology: Dr. Dre, Snoop, Big Pun, Fat Joe, Wu-Tang, The Lox, Gang Starr… and all the other ’90’s cats who were putting out dope music back then. They all influenced my style.
That said, how do you actually describe the style of music that you create and perform
Termanology: Authentic Hip-Hop. Never changing for money or personal gain.
Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
Termanology: Staying on the grind 24/7-365, investing into myself and making good music.
What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers
Termanology: I’m NOT here to re-invent the wheel. I just want to make good music and be myself… when people write music with those intentions is when the music is the best.
Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?
Termanology: Of course. There is hundreds of struggles trying to be one of the top artists in a whole genre of music. You just have to be tough and fight through them.
As already mentioned, you also have your very own imprint, ST. Records — What are your future goals and plans for the label? And who else, besides yourself, makes up its roster?
Termanology: No one is signed to ST. Records at the moment. But our direct affiliates are ST. Da Squad, Gauge, Shortfyuz and Billy Loman.
Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Termanology: I’m working on my clothing brand/foundation for fathers. It’s called Good Dad Gang. You can get more info at: GoodDadGang.com.
What has been your greatest achievement(s) so far?
Termanology: I would say traveling the world. I have been to over 50 countries and 40 states. Traveling opens up your mind on a whole new level.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Termanology: Big Pun, Biggie, J Dilla, 2Pac and Big L.
One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
Termanology: I would say “Watch How It Go Down” is the song (that) has defined me the most. Probably because of the political content.
Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
Termanology: I would like to send love to all my fans and supporters. Thanks for the love! Follow me on Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter: @TermanologyST.
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