After having first gained national recognition with her stellar appearance on the hit single, “Nann Nigga,” taken from Trick Daddy’s gold selling sophomore album, www.thug.com, Katrina Taylor’s now storied ascent into music began to unfold. Professionally known simply as Trina, the Liberty City, Florida, Sagittarius – whose father hailed from the Dominican Republic whilst her mother is from the Bahamas – has since gone on to release six very successful solo entries; Da Baddest Bitch, Diamond Princess, Glamorest Life, Still da Baddest, Amazin’ and this past June’s The One, while boldly securing a coveted, not to mention very well deserved, position in the annals of Hip-Hop her-story…
We caught up with the super talented, very sexy, Trina, to talk about the latest album, her journey in Hip-Hop and much more. Read the full interview here…
Parlé Mag: Back in June 2017, as part of a then brand new recording contract with Penalty Recordings, you dropped the sets lead single, “If It Ain’t Me” featuring K. Michelle…
Trina: It was a moment in time, and a new era of my hit record “Here We Go.” It Is the new era of transition, and just a check in moment for my Rockstarrs worldwide! And K is like my sister; I knew she would bring that raw feel on the melodies. It started as an idea and conversation that we brought out on a beat.
We work great together. The visual was just the extra ingredients that also featured Dave East. It’s so much mutual respect there, so I am grateful that he agreed to be a part of this record.
Parlé Mag: Of course “If It Ain’t Me” comes courtesy of your exceedingly overdue sixth studio collection, The One, which was finally released this past June 21st! Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?
Trina: I am The ONE! I’ve been going since 1998, never needed to tarnish, bash, diss or disrespect another artist in the game, and I can truly speak universally on this in order to make my name dubbed as a femcee legend. Liked or disliked, I am imprinted in this game of Hip-Hop worldwide, and that alone makes me empowered to go until I decide on another direction in life. And this is what my sixth studio title means to me and for me.
Parlé Mag: That being said, what prompted your decision to take more than nine long years to drop another full-length album?
Trina: The business behind it, and I needed to grow more as a businesswoman, entertainer and artist. Every move serves its purpose, so I just learned to not question timing, yet make moves always during the time we have.
Parlé Mag: During this time, you also opted to leave your long-time label home Slip-N-Slide Records, followed by a short lived stint with Penalty Records. What prompted your decision to part ways with your longstanding imprint?
Trina: Growth requires sacrifices, and I have been loyal to them as my label behind my introduction; it was time for Trina to be loyal behind the growth within Katrina “Trina” Taylor. We are all on good terms, even apart. And my label now is Rockstarr Music Group with distribution via The Orchard (formerly Sony Red).
Parlé Mag: How would you say this new album, The One compares to previous Trina efforts? And how is it different?
Trina: Hmmhhhh… I would say accomplishments or growth more so. It is a new beginning for me in music. This is the first album released under my own imprint, Rockstarr Music Group. At the same time, Trina has grown un-parallelly since the introduction on “NANN,” so it is a new era of moments; new sounds, new lyrics, yet that same fierce woman that can get raw and rough at the same time. It is a part of my journey behind Katrina “TRINA” Taylor.
Parlé Mag: The One is a star studded affair with high profile appearances from the likes of DJ Khaled, 2 Chainz, Plies, Boosie Badazz, the aforementioned Dave East, Nicki Minaj, even your ex Lil Wayne, among others. How were you able to assemble such an amazing line-up?
Trina: There is a mutual respect amongst all of us, and I will forever be humbled by it with every artist that was a part of this album. It has been a journey on this one, so I am honored that they were a part of history on behalf of who I am as an entertainer.
Parlé Mag: How has not only yourself personally, but the music industry in general, either changed and/or evolved since your whole inception into it?
Trina: The industry has grown at the same level as the world continues to change/evolve. The digital world, especially social media, did not exist nor was it the trend when I was introduced. Today, it is incorporated into every type of business, brand or talent. You are supposed to change and adapt as the growth takes place, and that’s what I did as a woman. Musically, I think it speaks how I have changed overall. To date, I have dropped six studio albums, fives EP projects and 12 mixtapes, since I was introduced as a female emcee.
Parlé Mag: Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
Trina: Becoming a better version of who I am as a woman that defined the brand behind TRINA as an artist; and entertainer. To date, I have touched the music industry uniquely and truly could not imagine any other honor, but the respect that continues to be given to me by fellow or rising femcees.
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip-Hop? And, even more specifically, women in rap?
Trina: My focus is building my own imprint in music as a whole, including Hip-Hop. That is what I am centered within no matter the state of Hip Hop. I do love how we have so many femcees winning in music currently, it is the ultimate glow up for an artist as a female emcee.
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?
Trina: Every career moment that I experience will always be significant to me. But, releasing my sixth studio album with all the weight on my name under my own imprint is a moment!!!
Parlé Mag: Tell me about the Diamond Doll Foundation. What are your future goals and/or plans for your non-profit organization?
Trina: The foundation was created to empower our young women around the world to pursue their dreams no matter the trials or even tribulations. To live out loud in loving who they are and destined to be. My future aspirations are to ensure that Diamond Doll Foundation is an experience, and a good one to place on a resume or being recognized as an organization globally for our community outreach efforts.
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Trina: UNAPOLOGETICALLY HAPPY IN LIFE!
Parlé Mag: You and your lifelong friend/partner in rhyme Trick Daddy unleashed, “Smooth Sailing,” the premiere entry from your upcoming debut as a collective, ‘TNT,’ in the summer of ’17 — In having said that, what details can you reveal and/or divulge about said set at this particular point in time?
Trina: I truly wish I could tell you what we have planned for that project… let’s just say it’s one that you won’t forget from TNT. Our goal is not to disappoint our fans!
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for Da Baddest Bitch?
Trina: Living life in the direction that I am destined to. Focus on my label and its talent under the imprint to introduce to the world, and love more on my family and friends.
Parlé Mag: Any message(s) for our readers?
Trina: Thank you so much for supporting my new album that is available everywhere. Thank you for allowing my artistry to be a part of your life over the years. I look forward to more. Thank you Rockstarrs for always having my back!!!
Xoxo @TrinaRockstarr
Main image credit: @riocam
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