France based Cameroonian rapper, Tracylor talks about her project preparation as well as Kamer hip hop during a chit chat with culturebene.com.
Hello Tracylor to start with, we clarify that you are Cameroonian even though many people say you are a ‘Frenchy’.
Hello Culturebene. Yes I am totally of Cameroonian origin, hahaha 237 in my blood.
Why the choice to sing in English?
I chose to sing in English because English is sexy and has got some swag. Moreover, Cameroon is a bilingual country. I aim at a global audience and English is a universal language. It is for this reason that I prefer to do it in English.
It’s been a little more than 5 years you launched the game. What finally motivated you when we realized you became interested in zic at very young age?
Rap is an everyday thing and it’s a state of mind. I worked from 2003 to 2008 as the host of ‘Skyrap’ without singing and now I'm ready for the ride. But then when I saw guys like ‘Ak Sang Bass’ I also told myself in a few years I will release Cameroonian hip hop like them and I think it's time .
You have finally released your first musical baby, ‘Don’t Play with Me’. Though it’s a single you announced recently that an EP is coming soon and will have the same title. Can you tell us more?
“Don’t Play With Me” was initially not planned in its present context. I had written different lyrics all together but since I’m very stubborn and because of what I experienced with my ex, when I got into the studio I decided to let off the steam to get the message to him. Currently I'm working on my EP which will be released in 2015. The date is still undisclosed but it’s going to be a good one. It has nothing to do with ‘Don’t Play with me’ and believe me the rhymes has got provocative messages.
You castigated the behavior of men and especially your ex in this musical project. Do you feel relieved?
Attention, I did not talk about my ex in the entire music project. It was just for ‘Don’t Play with Me’ the message to my ex about what happened between us. I have closed that page of my life and moving on without any regret. Yes I feel relieved!
Where do we find this single now?
‘Don’t Play With Me’ is already available on culturebene.com, ivoirmixdj.com, YouTube and also on soundcloud.
What are some of the events we should expect to see you?
I was contacted for an event in Africa and one in France. Currently my manager is in negotiations because they are big events but since I am working on my project he wants me to concentrate on it and give my best because that's what my audience expects me to do.
You revealed during a conversation with one of our correspondents that you listen to artistes like Booba, La Fouine, and Maitre Gims among others. And even Kanye, Tyga and Drake who are artistes from the United States. Does this mean that you do not listen to the Cameroonian artistes , like Stanley Enow , X - Maleya , to name but a few ?
I 'm open to everything because music is universal. I listen to Stanley Enow, Xmaleya, as well as the Lady Ponce or Mani Bella, Mozart or Sergeo from here and elsewhere. I encourage my brothers Cameroonian musicians we need an international name each to portray our different styles.
What memories do you have of your home country?
Oh lala but good memories how shall I? The Camer I based all started there; I hope also that soon I will do a show in the country because it is a pride for me to be of Cameroonian origin and hope to represent Hip Hop Cameroonians in France. Because I love Cameroon.
How will you end it?
Finally I say to all my fans to be patient because there are a lot of goodies about to be unraveled as compared to ‘Don’t Play with Me’ it will have nothing to do with what I do. I also plead with the public to follow the movement and not to criticize. Peace and love to all my fans and long live hip hop Kamer.