Even though he has been building a community on SoundCloud for years now, where he has released over 150 songs exclusively for his fans, 2021 marks Trust Tate’s official introduction to the mainstream music landscape, beginning with his brand new single ‘Facetime’ featuring emerging Bronx artist and producer Jus1, and produced by Certibeats.

Trust Tate should not even be alive today, because as the New York Times reported back in 1994, when he was only a 7-month-old infant, he was struck twice by stray gunfire while being pushed in a stroller in the middle of the Bronx where he was born, so it’s a miracle that the Jersey City native is here in 2021 and able to do what he loves.

Speaking about his inspiration for the track, Trust Tate says, “my music is like voice recording a therapy session and putting a beat over it, and ‘Facetime’ is another of those therapy sessions with me venting about my love and hate relationship with attention-seeking people and time-wasters, Facetime just happened to be the platform bearing the brunt of all my frustrations”.

Trust Tate sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I started out as a writer of poetry when I was 10 years old, posting poems on Facebook, and sharing them with my peers. I made my 1st song in 2009 with some friends and uploaded it to myspace. I got a surprisingly great response, but it wouldn't be until 2012 that i would start recording again. I was going to home studios, and dorm rooms to record while I attended Rutgers University in New Jersey.

During this time I was signed to an independent record label (T.O.G. Music Group) which gave me access to promotional opportunities, and state of the art studios. Throughout the 3 years of working with T.O.G. I realized that I wanted to do more for my own career, including Music Production, and Audio Engineering.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Future, Jay-z, J.Cole,  Dababy, Lil Baby, Gunna, Young Thug, Chance The Rapper, Wiz Khalifa, Drake, A$AP ROCKY, SchoolboyQ, Danny Brown, & Ab-Soul.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

Collaborating in person, performing at music venues, and recording sessions have been severely limited or restricted in most countries around the world. As for me having a home studio, I have the freedom to record, and collaborate with artists locally with safety precautions. I do feel that I want to connect to people again through performances so I miss that aspect.

4. How would you describe your sound?

As a lover of different genres and a fan of artists that transcend genre, My musical foundation lies within Hip-Hop, and RnB with Rock, & Jazz garnishments in my vocals & instrumentation.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Having a fully developed home studio so that I can produce, record, and engineer on my own time.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Stay true to who you are, and believe in yourself no matter what happens, or how many people believe in you. This life is too short to live for others, so pursue your dreams and as long as you're alive never give up on them.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Shoutout to RememberSB, MelloB732, Just1, Saint Alexvnder, and TyloTheGentleman.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Playboi Carti's ‘WLR’, Big Sean ‘Detroit 2’, and Lil Uzi Vert ‘Eternal Atake’.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I like to exercise at the gym, go hiking, read, and spend time with loved ones.

10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?

The Notepad App on my phone, a bottle of water, and a goal of what I want to accomplish within a session.