Hip Hop On Deck Exclusive Interview With Bag Of Trick Cat
1. Bag of Tricks Cat, how did you get your name and what does it mean to you?
My grandma, Ann Bennett, sang the 1959 Felix The Cat theme song. It's an authentic concept and brand for my music. Bag Of Tricks Cat really represents the underdog. The cat you least expect to succeed, but somehow always does.
2. Bag of Tricks Cat, what made you start doing music and how does creating music make you feel?
My grandma was my first inspiration. She would tell me stories about when she sang during the big band era, and I always thought it was dope. As I got older I just fell in love with Hip-Hop. I listened to Eminem's first 3 albums, illmatic, Me Against The World, The Chronic 01 and many other classic albums back to back. Those CD's helped me during rough times growing up. When I make music I feel fulfilled. I know that someone out there can relate to what I'm rapping about, and maybe I'll be the reason they fall in love with Hip-Hop like I did.
3. Bag of Tricks Cat, break down the style and sound of the music that you create?
I've been told my music is versatile and diverse. Lately I've been doing a lot of smooth records. I like to make inspirational records the most, but there is a wide range of content I talk about. I can't really compare myself to anybody else in the game. I have my own style. When you listen to a Bag Of Tricks Cat song or album, you learn more about who I really am. If I were to put a label on it, I'd call myself an "Alternative Hip-Hop" artist.
4. Bag of Tricks Cat, you just dropped a video called "View From The Top" break down the concept behind the video?
The song and video is about living your dreams before you die. "This" view from the top is how high you choose to climb in life. "That" view from the top is the view we all will eventually see. In the video you see me putting flowers on my grandparents' grave. It symbolizes that I know they've seen how far I've come, and that I'll continue to raise the bar. The director, Carlos Moscoso, really brought it to life.
5. Bag of Tricks Cat, how did the record come about and what made you put Kara Reversz on the record?
I met Kara through working at Respect The Underground. Justus introduced us and told me I should collaborate with her. View From The Top was one of the last songs I wrote for the project. When Kara and I went to the studio to record it, we were really vibing together. She's an amazing artist. Once we finished tracking it out I think we all knew it was one of those records that would get heard. It's the song that got me my funding deal with We Are Pure Music.
6. Bag of Tricks Cat, tell us the concept behind the project The Cat That Never Came Down?
The Cat That Never Came Down is my life from 10.18.2013 to 10.18.2014. Hands down the most personal project I've ever released. A lot of negative things happened in my life during that time. I was arrested with 4 felony charges. My grandma died. My girlfriend cheated on me and broke up with me. I had no money, but I was working 2 jobs 7 days a week. Bussing tables and making sandwiches at Subway. I got through it. In that same year, I released 2 projects and played at 2 stadiums. Celebrity Theatre (Opening up for Game, E-40, WC, Mack 10, DJ Quik) and Comerica Theatre (AZ Hip-Hop Festival). I've had sold out shows and release parties for my music videos. I couldn't have done it without keeping my head up. The Cat That Never Came Down is about losing loved ones, money, friends and sometimes your mind. But NEVER losing hope.
7. Bag of Tricks Cat, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In 5 years I'll be touring around the nation. Maybe even the world. I'll still be making music consistently, and engineering at my cousin's recording studio. In 5 years I'm going to make it. Nothing can stop The Cat That Never Came Down.