Torae has to be respected. If it’s not for his rhyming ability, which he has in abundance, then for his never ending grind to make it to the top. The Brooklyn native, now a hip-hop veteran has never depended on anybody, let alone a major record label to get his name out there and his buzz up.

Between releasing classic material, running his own label, and rocking shows on a constant basis, Torae has made his name synonymous with hip-hop. While considered an independent artist, his moves are most definitely major.

Besides his steady grind, Torae has brings back the essence of hip-hop in every verse he spits thanks to his content and sick lyricism. Sixshot.com caught up with Torae to discuss why he depends on nobody to get his name out there, why he decided to start his own label, and what we can expect to hear from him in the future.

What's good man?

I’m good fam, can’t complain.

So tell us bro, how have you accomplished so much with no major backing?

Major grinding. Anybody sitting around and waiting on a major or any label for that matter is crazy. In this day and age you can get your buzz started without spending thousands of marketing dollars and all that. Get on your grizz and heat the streets up.

As an obvious lyricist, how do you feel about today's hip-hop lyrics (or lac k thereof)?

Well it’s no secret that there is a gang of that BS out there on the airwaves and televisions sets, but there are some dope MC’s out there too. You just gotta search harder to find ‘em. Back in the days some ill cats were in the forefront, but these days most of the spitters are unsigned or independent.

You've been on tour and performed in front of tens of thousands of people, what is that like?

It’s an ill feeling to look out and see that many eyes on you. I’ve always wanted to be an MC so I guess I’ve been in training from day one. I’m the dude in the mirror with the brush rapping to my reflection, so when the lights are on and the music starts I’m good to go. I can’t wait til I get to rock a crowd and I have familiar records. I can’t imagine what it’ll be like to see a sea of hands waving and mouths mouthing my records. I’m sure it’ll be crazy.

What made you decide to start Internal Affairs?

I started Internal Affairs a while ago 10 years ago to be exact. I decided to start my company because outside of being an artist you have to have your business in tact. No one can rock on stage forever (hint, hint) and when I dropped my 1st 12” single “Gimme The Mic” it was on my own label. Just setting up for the future more or less. 

You're real cool with Cam right, what is your relationship with Dipset?

Cam and me go back about 8 or 9 years. I met him on the set of his video and we kicked it and he showed love. I was running with the Diplomats for a few years after that doing shows and videos with them. It was a dope experience for a young cat trying to get his foot in the door. I learned a lot from Cam, Jimmy, Juelz and Zeek. Those are some really good guys and I’m proud of all their accomplishments. It gives me a lot of hope as an artist. Big shout to the Dips. They grind and hard work has paid off.
 
What's up with the Coalescence, you guys still making music?

Yeah The Co. is still in full effect. We all started as soloists though and as a soloist you always have that itch to rock on your own. So I think we needed to get that initial solo thing established and then regroup and deliver that album everyone is asking about and waiting for. Me and Kil have great chemistry in the studio and on the stage. Vega and Suede go back crazy years and get busy on the beats. Look out for The Co. album coming, it’s gonna be nuts.

Daily Conversation is hot, are you getting a good response?

The response has been excellent. More than I expected honestly. To be totally truthful Daily Conversation is my mixtape. Due to all the monitoring of mixtapes and the fact that you can get more accomplished with an actual album release, we decided to barcode it and make it official. But “Daily” was just a mixtape initially to showcase what I could do out on my own and get the buzz up a little more. I’m glad the people are loving it because when the album comes it’s gonna be bonkers. This is just a taste test of what’s to come. Shout to all the Daily Convo supporters.

You've recorded with Clark Kent, 9th Wonder, Premier. What is it like to record with legends like those guys?

It’s incredible. Not only do we do music but also I have great relationships with those guys. They are all ridiculously talented and love what they do and it shows in their music. For them to take time out to work with a unknown artist such as myself is a testament to the type of people they are. Willing to work with anyone if they see the potential and talents. That’s dope. Those guys are heroes in my eyes.
 
Not to switch the subject too much but I know you're an Obama supporter. Can we get the details on why you support him? Why do you feel he's the best candidate?

I’m all for change. I’m about building up the community and educating the children. Barack represents a change. Let’s be clear no one person is going to fix the world, it’s takes each and everyone of us working together to make things better. We’ve got to start healing our communities from the inside out. It’s really sad out here when I look at the youth. These children are going to have to lead the world one day and unfortunately the kids in the inner city neighborhoods won’t have the necessary tools to be qualified leaders if we don’t start making a change immediately.
 
Ultimately, what goals would you like to accomplish in hip-hop?

I really want to leave my mark as one of the best. I’m not saying I’m the best now but I’m a student of hip-hop and I feel that in a few years I could be one of the top MC’s. It’s not being cocky or anything I’m being realistic look at Common on “Take It EZ“, or when you heard Jay-Z on “Can I Get Open” you didn’t expect these guys to be as incredible as they are now. I’m willing to keep improving and growing and learning until I’m looked at as one of the best. Aside from that I want to reach and teach the people. The power of the airwaves is a power many take for granted. Use it and don’t abuse it and you’ll see how much of an impact you can have on the world.

What hip-hop albums, let's say made within the last year, are you feelin' and which are you not?

Hmm, some of my favs of ‘07 include Sean P’s Jesus Price, Kanye’s Graduation, LB’s Get Back, Marco Polo’s Port Authority, Desire by Pharoahe Monch and a few others. As far as what I’m not feeling I don’t know. A lot of things didn’t get my listening ear if it did attract me initially. So as far what I didn’t like it’s hard to say if I never gave it a spin.

Would you ever consider signing to a major label?

I’d consider it. Things would have to be a lot different as far as the climate of music is concerned though. Major labels are great if you’re trying to be famous, but that isn’t my aim. I want to make music to touch the people, teach the children. I want to make a comfortable living and those things aren’t guaranteed when signing with a major, so I’d have to weight my options. Right now I like my independence.
 
What projects can we expect to see from you in the near future?

Well me and my man Marco Polo are in the studio right now working on our collaborative effort tentatively titled Double Barrel. He’s been going insane with his production lately and that’s pushing me to write crazier bars. We inspire each other to go further and the end result is gonna be a very dope product for the people.
 
Anything you'd like to say to the fans at Sixshot.com?

Thanks for reading the article, thanks for checking out and supporting the music. I appreciate every single email, every CD sale, and every download legal and illegal, everything good and bad because at least people are listening. If you’re listening then I have the ability to affect you and in turn effectively make a difference. What’s better than that? Also be sure to check out www.myspace.com/dayoungvet for all the latest with Torae as far as shows, new music and everything else. Also thanks to Sixshot for having me and continuing to be a part of what I got going on, peace and love.