Travis Williams aka T-Will

Travis Williams aka T-Will

 

Hip hop and sports have always been closely linked, and often times intertwined.  Many rappers have a little athlete in them, and several sports figures have a little rapper in them; some have even pursued a music career, but not all were successful.  Travis Williams, aka T-Will is a former NFL player turned rapper ready to bestow his musical talents upon us and separate himself from the stereotypes.  T-Will talked to SheBloggin.com about his football career, his transition into music, and why he’s different than the rest.

Tell everyone where you’re from?

I was born and raised in Columbia, SC.  I grew up in Saxon Projects, and later lived in Northgate trailer park.

You have had an accomplished football career.  For those that don’t know, where did you start playing?

I went to Spring Valley high school in Columbia and broke all their tackling records.  After high school I went to Auburn University.  Later graduated from there; then left there and went to Atlanta and played for the Falcons.  I played for 3 years then I suffered a back injury.  Now I coach at Auburn.

How was the transition from college to NFL?

It wasn’t that hard.  SEC is the best college conference so it prepared me for the league.  Nobody was really helping in the league, I had to do a lot on my own.

So what made you decide to start rapping?

One of my teammates had a studio in his crib.  I came thru one day and just started playing around and actually liked it.  Then a few of my teammates was saying that I was good and I started taking it seriously.  I’ve always been a big music fan though so I’ve always had it in me.

Who are your musical influences?

A lot of people don’t keep it real about their influences, but mine is definitely Master P.  I grew up on No Limit.  Also Kanye West, his first three albums were classic.  And 50 Cent.  I’m a big fan of Get Rich or Die Tryin.

Pro athletes turned rappers usually don’t get taken seriously.  How has it been for you?

It started out slow, but it’s starting to pick up.  In some ways it made people draw back from me, but it also worked to my advantage.  But I know as soon as people hear me, the music will speak for itself.  At the end of the day, people notice that I’m taking this seriously.

What’s going to keep you out of that category?

Back in Columbia, the people that really know me know that I’m telling the truth in my lyrics.  I’m not afraid to say that I lived in the projects.  I talk about things I’ve really been through in my music.  The realness of my music will keep me away from that category.

What project are you currently working on?

Right now I’m pushing the single, “Get Low”.  I just did a song for Auburn too that’ll start playing when the season starts.  I might do a mixtape with a South Carolina DJ or DJ Scream, or I might do an EP.

Any producers you would like to work with?

Kanye of course, I just got a beat from Drumma Boy, and I’d also like to work with Kane Beatz.  But I wanna help the upcoming too.  Cats like Sixth Man; I wanna help him get on.  He’s done a lot of my beats and he’s real talented.

Any artists?

Kanye again, 50 Cent, Rick Ross, etc.  Continental GT definitely, that’s my partner.  We’ve been talking about a collab for a while.  Also Lil Ru.  I’m willing to do a song with anybody from the Carolinas. Send it to me and I’ll knock it out.

You currently coach for Auburn football.  Is it hard balancing your coaching duties and pursuing your music career?

Yeah, it’s tough at times. I get up at 5am and don’t leave the office until 8pm.  So in my free time I go to the studio or I’ll write.  I recognize that I’m an underdog with the music, but I’m gonna show people.

You know ladies love athletes and rappers, and you’re a combination of both!  So for the women reading this, are you single?

Yeah I’m single.  I keep a level head, but I do embrace the women.  They’re my target audience so I love the attention, lol.

What can we look forward to hearing from you this year?

I wanna stay in everybody’s face and ears as much as possible.  I wanna collab with as many SC artists as possible.  I’m gonna shoot a couple videos in the next few months.  Everything I do I’m reppin SC to the fullest!  I’m always gonna let people know where I’m from.  I wanna do some major collabs.  I just wanna put South Carolina on the map.

Any shoutouts?

Shouts to you for the opportunity, shouts to Charlamagne, Chuck T, Sixth Man, Blitz Squad Ent, Major League Ent, and the whole state of South Carolina.

CHECK OUT T-WILL'S SINGLE "GET LOW"