First Day Feature: Tayf3rd talks life in Cali, The Sandbox 2 Project & More

Straight from Long Beach, California comes Tayf3rd (Tay-ef-third) with a style not common to the aesthetic usually associated with the LBC. First coming to fame during the jerk movement with his dance smash I Smoke, I Drink, I Jerk the artist has since developed a large following and shifted his sound to that more associated with the south. Melodic and raw yet very street is the feeling that comes across and its worked well for him as he has since signed to the legend Big Boy’s music label.

Under the wing of industry heavyweights and with his charismatic personality Tayf3rd is primed to help continue the renewed shine being given to the west coast in hip-hop. Singles like Monogamy, By Myself, The Carnival & others released this summer have helped to build anticipation for his next release Sandbox 2, the followup to his 2010 mixtape of the same name. Now we get the opportunity to learn about more about the rising star ahead of the project. Head below to peep our conversation.

We all know by now that Cali is one of if not the most diverse and interesting states to be a part of it. What was it like for you growing up in Long Beach?

It was fun. A lot of skateboarding and gang banging but it was very fun.

What’s some of the craziest shit you’ve seen coming up and how did it affect you becoming who you are now?

I seen all my friends either die or go to jail over the pettiest things. Growing up and seeing that just made me wiser to the fact that life is real and can be taken from you.

When was it exactly that you discovered your love of music?

Iono, I always loved music. I used to Dubb music off radio with tissue in the cassette n just groove all day.

You first made your presence felt back when the Jerkin movement was at its height and its safe to say your musical structure has shifted since then. What was it like for you shifting the direction of your music to a certain extent?

It’s a growing thing. As I mature more my music does too. The jerk thing was cause I was a teen n plus that time all I was doing was partying and drugs lol

As the first rapper to sign with Big Boy’s record label what has the experience been like? What has changed for you musically and as far as business goes?

Experience is crazy, just to be able to call Big Boy when I feel like it has meaning to me haha

You’ve got some true vets in your corner from from working with E-40, DJ Quik and obviously Big Boy. What has the learning experience been like with them?

Survival, longevity

Long Beach has a long history but recently there seems to be less talent rising from the city outside of you and others like Vince Staples or Joey Fatts. What do you think could help the scene more than anything?

Because yall not paying attention. Yall to caught in the hype of what’s going you over look the talents in the city. I can name massive amounts of talent from the city but that’s irrelevant unless yall really gon do research. I’m gon change that though, I’m gon help the city. Anything anyone coulda done they woulda, I ain’t never had the chance to but now with these blessings Imma control and dilute yall minds with the city. They can count on me, I ain’t folding.

Although your sound is heavily rooted in the west coast vibe I can tell from listening that you have influence from other areas as well. Who are some of the rappers you studied to develop your craft both from the West and outside of it?

Gucci Mane, Weezy, Future & Thugga all I listen to. Even starting rap, Gucci inspired me.

Sandbox 2 is the next project lined up for you. What’s the direction your going for? Seems as though your music is growing increasingly melodic.

Very, I’m like in the middle of finding something new I wanna do. Definitely still rapping but the melodic way is fun iono just gon be creative and such.

Are there any features we can expect to see on Sandbox 2?

I’ll never tell

You’re always bringing energy and fun in everything you do. From music, social media and just your general everyday presence from what I see. What makes TayF3rd so turned up?

Life, I’m just happy to be living!

To date what would you say is the thing you’re most proud of accomplishing?

Paid dues and one more thing I just can’t say it now because it’s too soon. But I definitely have accomplished what I set it to, now I just gotta raise the bar.

https://soundcloud.com/king-tayf3rd/the-carnival

What’s the biggest goals you have for your future?