VIDEO INTERVIEW: Terrell “T-Rex” Simon excited about debut album As the World Turns and upcoming performances at B.B. Kings and The Apollo

In this interview, R&G innovator, Terrell “T-Rex” Simon sat down with Onika McLean, co-host of What’s The 411 to talk about his new single, Let It Rain, off of his forthcoming album, As the World Turns. They also talked about the new music category, R&G; using music to create a street ministry, using the label R&G to create a new audience for Gospel Music; and how the church needs to meet people where they are.

Terrell Simon’s music career started in the church in Troy, New York. In 2003, Simon’s connections led him to platinum-selling singer-songwriter/producer Lyfe Jennings who took him on the road with his act. Simon began touring with such major artists as John Legend, Beyonce, Anthony Hamilton, and Musiq Soulchild. As a huge fan of Dave Hollister, coming up he adopted a similar sound, patterning his voice after the vocal sensation, and later touring with him as a backup singer. His TV appearances include Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, David Letterman, Jay Leno, 106 & Park, and The Monique Show, among others. The pivotal moment in his career came when he appeared on MTV Unplugged with Neyo, which gained mass exposure for him.

After sharing stages with everyone including Wyclef Jean and Mario, Simon started managing Lyfe Jennings, and road-managing vocalist Shaliek while mentoring and developing him and other talents such as Day 26. In 2015, Simon teamed with artist, producer, and singer Lamar Casey who served as executive producer and co-wrote his debut album. Simon also teamed with Bernie Stevenson (Isyss, Kelly Rowland), who took his riveting raw vocals and created the soul-stirring track, In His Image, which set Simon's launch pad for a fresh start.

Terrell “T-Rex” Simon brings to the industry his own musical genre, 'R&G' for rhythm and gospel, which beautifully infuses his natural church boy upbringing with his love of Hip Hop. In His Image was in rotation at Music Choice and gained radio play daily. The song's immediate appeal pointed to a fast growing musical phenomenon (exampled by 100,000 Instagram followers to date), which laid the groundwork for Simon’s debut album, As The World Turns.

Terrell “T-Rex” Simon has recently performed for a BET Music Matters showcase in NY, opened up for Lyfe Jennings, Bobby V, and Keke Wyatt. This performance led to appearances at B.B. King's and The Apollo Theater.

Terrell “T-Rex” Simon’s music is available on every digital platform including Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, iHeart Radio, XM Satellite, and SoundCloud, with hard copy CDs available on Amazon.com.

Freedom Williams gives advice to would be music and recording artists: remember you are the brand

In this interview with What's The 411TV's Courtney Rashon, hip hop artist and dancer, Freedom Williams, gives us some insight into his life today, thoughts on the state of the music industry, how he got his record deal, and how some artists today are replicas of the past.

Freedom Williams, born Frederick Brandon Williams, started as a hip-hop head and evolved into a dancer. Today, Freedom has his hands in everything. He built a recording studio for artists to use; tours several months out of the year, manages a couple of groups, directs videos; mentors artists including the Williamsburg Bullies; builds houses through his construction company; and he has two children, a son who recently graduated from Columbia University and a 15-year-old daughter. 

Regarding the state of hip-hop today, Freedom believes hip-hop has lost some of its punch. The music industry as it was when he started is no more; people are making music in their basements, everybody's sharing and record sales have plummeted.

As far as ghostwriting goes in the rap industry, Freedom thinks today it's a silly argument. However, back in the day, rap artists would have gotten beat up for ghostwriting, but today is a different day. The industry has changed and the culture has changed.

What's on Freedom's playlist? You can find Janelle Monae, Stevie Wonder, classical music, Haitian music, and even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches on Freedom's playlist. As an artist, Freedom listens to everything. Who are Freedom Williams' favorite artists? Stevie Wonder, as a producer-musician, is Freedom William's favorite artist of all time. In 2015, Freedom likes Janelle Monae; Anthony Hamilton; Drake; Immortal Technique; and Latin music. 

For those looking for a record deal, what's Freedom's advice? Remember you are the brand, work on you. The real money is in performance, so make people want to give you their money.

"Be the best that you can be, Freedom said. "Work on your songs, work on your craft, so when you are presented...the real game starts in practice, you bring that to the field."

Also, take care of your health. Freedom Williams believes in being physically fit; he says that when he's performing, he can see the audience getting tired before he does.

How does Freedom feel about social media?

Although social media is a valuable tool to market and promote artists today, Freedom advises artists to have thick skin and don't get caught up in the negativity.

Thank God there was no social media back in the day; today there are so many finger gangsters.

Would Freedom Williams go on Dancing With the Stars?

Perhaps.

Although Alfonso Ribeiro set the bar really high, if the producers of Dancing With The Stars called Freedom Williams, he would answer the phone.