Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I’m Traé Scott, an independent artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up as an only child gave me a lot of time to observe people and think deeply about life, and music became my way of processing those thoughts.
My mom and grandma kept music playing in the house constantly. Whether it was Brownstone, The Gap Band, or so many other great artists, there was always a soundtrack to everyday life. That environment naturally shaped my ear for melody, storytelling, and emotion.
My grandfather, Art Sr., was a musician and music teacher, and my father has always inspired my work through his own life experiences. Looking back, I realize The Art isn’t just an album—it’s a reflection of my family’s journey and my own. The process itself became the masterpiece.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Traé Scott”?
A: I’m focused on building real fans, not chasing viral moments. That means releasing meaningful visuals, performing, connecting through interviews, growing my label, Ill Abstract Minds, and consistently putting myself in front of new audiences around the world.
More than anything, I want to build a genuine bond with real fans—people who appreciate the love, thought, and intention I put into every song, every line, and every word. I want the relationship with my listeners to feel like we’ve known each other forever. My goal isn’t to have people listen to one song—it’s to build a career and a community that lasts.
To anyone hearing my music for the first time, I’d just say come in with an open mind. Every song is part of a bigger story, and hopefully you’ll find a piece of your own life somewhere in mine.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Right now, I’d have to say Jay-Z. The way he built his career and business showed artists that you don’t have to wait for the industry to validate you. I relate to that because I know my music isn’t made to fit every label’s idea of what’s commercial. I’d rather put it directly in front of the people and let them decide. That independent mindset has been a huge motivation for me.
T.I. is my favorite rapper of all time, though. He had a huge hand in inspiring me to write my very first song, and his influence is still a part of who I am as an artist today.
Beyond artists, I find inspiration in everyday life—family conversations, personal growth, relationships, and simply observing the world around me. The best songs usually come from real experiences.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Faded.”?
A: “Faded” is really about the feeling I get from the beauty of life. Struggle is a part of life, but after you push through those difficult moments, there’s an intoxicating feeling of relief, accomplishment, and joy that nothing can replace. That’s what “Faded” represents to me—that feeling of knowing nothing can hold you back anymore.
One of my favorite lines in the song is, “Who’s to say I don’t deserve it… sht, you know how long I waited, now I’m faded.”* That lyric captures the entire message. It’s about finally embracing the victories you’ve worked so hard to earn and appreciating the highs that come after the lows.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Authentic.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Faded”?
A: Honestly, no. “Faded” was one of those rare records that happened naturally. The moment I heard the beat, everything clicked. The melody, the concept, and the writing all came together almost instantly.
That’s exactly why it became the first single from The Art. As soon as I finished it, I knew it had that uplifting energy people needed. It carried a message while still having that catchy, feel-good bounce. Sometimes the best songs don’t have to be forced—they just arrive exactly when they’re supposed to.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: At its core, my music is feel-good music. Not because every song is happy, but because it’s honest. I want it to be relatable to everyone. We all go through struggles, doubt, love, loss, growth, and moments where we’re trying to figure life out. My music is a reminder that even when life gets hard, there’s always something worth living for if you’re willing to live with purpose.
My goal is to leave behind a body of work that stands the test of time, continue building Ill Abstract Minds into a platform that creates opportunities for other artists, and inspire people to chase their purpose the same way music has inspired me to chase mine.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: If we’re talking about artists from any era, it’d be Prince, The Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac. Those are artists whose impact on music and culture is timeless. Prince represents fearless creativity and musicianship, while Biggie and Tupac changed hip-hop forever through their storytelling, presence, and authenticity. Creating with any of them would be a dream.
If we’re talking about artists who are still with us, it’d be Jay-Z, T.I., Sade, and The Weeknd. I personally think Jay-Z is the greatest rapper of all time, and everything he’s accomplished as both an artist and businessman has been a huge inspiration. T.I. is my favorite rapper and one of the biggest reasons I started writing music in the first place. Sade’s ability to create timeless, emotional music is something I’ve always admired, and The Weeknd carries some of that same fearless creative energy that Prince had while building a sound that’s completely his own.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Do it because you love it. Love the process, love the end result, love the people who connect with your music, and understand the people who don’t. Don’t feel pressured to cater to anyone but yourself and your passion. Authenticity will always outlast trends.
Learn the business, own your work, stay patient, and build real relationships. Talent might open the door, but consistency and professionalism are what keep you in the room.
If you’re doing music for fame or because you think it’s just a way out, you’ll probably find yourself looking for something else to do two to five years from now. But if you truly love creating, the journey itself becomes worth it, no matter where it takes you.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Stop comparing your timeline to everyone else’s. Keep creating, keep learning, and trust the process. The setbacks you’re frustrated about today are going to become the stories that give your music meaning tomorrow. The process itself is the masterpiece.
