Dallas' Tum Tum (real name: Tony Richardson) is already on the map as one of the better known Texas rappers.
The heavily tatted Oak Cliff native (who also sports the nicknames Tumzilla and Teezybaby) initially saw his star rise as a member of the popular D.S.R. (Dirty South Rydaz) group. His syrupy 2007 trunk-rattler "Caprice Musik" became a national hit and helped him land a major-label record deal with Universal.
The deal ultimately fell through, though. According to Tum Tum's manager Michael Clarke, he and other artists signed as part of the T-Town Music sublabel were dropped during promotions for Tum Tum's debut CD Eat or Get Ate "for reasons that were never clear to the artist."
Attempts to reach Universal regarding its decision were unsuccessful.
But Tum Tum didn't let the disappointment slow down his grind. He says he's working on launching his own record label. And he's just put out the independent release Tum Thousand & 9: The Grassy Knoll.
We caught up with the Zillaman recently to ask him about his music and the rap game in general.
Q: How did you get inspired to rap early on?
Tum Tum: I'm from Oak Cliff, but I was mostly running around in Pleasant Grove because I was skipping school and getting into trouble. I started hanging out at the T-Town record store owned by George Lopez from D.S.R. and getting into the rap scene. Once I saw Jay-Z perform in Dallas on the Hard Knock Life Tour, I knew it was something I wanted to do full-time.
Q: Describe your rap style for someone who has never heard you.
Tum Tum: I don't have a particular style. Sometimes people try to fit me into a certain group, but that's not me. I'm not that screaming dude or always on some crunk stuff. I try to keep changing the portfolio, so making good music is my style. [Laughs.]
Q: After having a major-label deal and seeing that side of the industry, how is it different compared to when you first jumped into the game?
Tum Tum: There are less record deals being given out, which means the money is a lot shorter. It's easier to be indie, unless you have some major pushing behind you, like Drake. If new, young artists like him can be successful, then it helps the industry as a whole and gets the labels to start supporting acts again.
Q: You started your run with Dirty South Rydaz, now you're in something called the Texas Black Gangstaz. Tell us more.
Tum Tum: I'm still cool with D.S.R. [Big Tuck, Fat B, Lil Ronnie, Double T, Addiction] so there is no beef or anything negative like that. If they called me now to do a song, I would jump on it today. The TBG'z include myself, Don Dada, Gooch and Big Hood Boss, a solo artist whose name has popped up in rumors involving Soulja Boy's record label.
Q: 'Tum Thousand & 9' is your latest release. What's the vibe of the record, and are there any D-FW guests?
Tum Tum: It's definitely got that rough street flavor that all my fans are used to hearing from me. I also have a few surprises on there, and some verses from the TBG'z. Big Hood Boss, Lil Will, Fat Pimp, plus a few others also throw some shine on the record.
Q: You are nominated for three Southern Entertainment Awards. How does this rank to you, on your list of accomplishments?
Tum Tum: It's a great look. Those nominations show me that my promo game is still on point, even without a major song popping on the radio. My underground following is strong, so it's always good to get some recognition from the fans.
Hear some music: Stream tracks at myspace.com/tumtum.
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