Interview: Getting to Know Fat Trel

Fat Trel is a fool, literally. It’s what him and his com padre’s call each other. After stunning the D.C. scene with his wild antics and raw lyricism, him and his crew are embarking on a trip to serve the rest of the nation with D.C.’s slice of hip-hop. On his most highly regarded tape to date, No Secrets, Fat Trel managed to give a birds eye view to the side of the nations capital Wale didn’t expose… the streets. While in New York City, laying the groundwork for his latest project Nightmare On E Street, Fat Trel managed to fit RESPECT. in his schedule. We we’re able to talk about everything from Barack Obama and D.C. Culture, to O Cups and his brothers, the Slutty Boyz.

So, how did you get your start?

The Open Mic’s in D.C Maryland and Virginia. We went to all the Open Mic’s passing out a three track demo. We went to Howard University and pulled the speakers out the truck to perform. We went to Bowie State University. We went to all the high schools. Thats how the buzz really came about and Facebook. We wasn’t really big on the Internet so we reached out and got to the people personally.

Why do you think that D.C. identifies with your music so much, specifically the streets?

Because it’s whats going on and it ain’t sugar coated. You have certain representatives that think they representing but they never been there and they actually never went around there so it’s not being told right. I feel like since that’s what I have, thats why they identify with it so much because they know its the truth. They can understand it more coming from my perspective.

What’s the next move for your camp?

Just more shows and more progress. We got Nightmare On E Street, coming in March.

What’s the long-term goal for you guys. Major label?

We ain’t thinking ’bout no labels. The long term goal is the Grammys man. The Grammy’s and the cover of XXL, and The Source and Vibe and Don Diva. That’s the long term goal…and movies. When niggas turn into actors that’s the goal.

Being from North East D.C. can you explain the culture there?

North Face Wear. It goes from pants, shoes, coats, hats, ski-techs. Ummm O-cups. I don’t know if y’all heard of O-cups in Baltimore, where you from. It’s just basically Carry Outs, North Face, 30-shot Clips, and Bitches. That’s it.

Do You Feel Like Wale Put A Real Eye On The D.C. Movement?

Of course he did. He’s the only person here.

What’s the reason behind the split between The Board Administration Label and Fat Trel and what’s the relationship now?

The relationship is good. Black Cobain is my brother. Ms Sasha, we got some work coming out. I haven’t really spoken to Tiara Thomas and I don’t speak to Fats. It ain’t really no talks of getting back together but it’s strong. The reason behind the split, I don’t know man I guess I was anti-social to the label. It is what it is, which ain’t true by the way but I guess that’s how they felt. I’d rather be with my niggas then be with a whole rack of niggas I don’t know. It’s different when its business but when it comes to a personal level I’d rather be with me and my niggas.

Are the Slutty Boyz Still With The Board? What’s Your relation to those guys?

Nah, they left when I left. Yea That’s Sandbox right their. That’s Sandbox. First-Grade Shit. All of em’

Seeing as how you live in the nations capital and there’s an upcoming presidential election, what are some issues in your community that are important to you?

I’ma keep it a ‘hunned dog. I don’t have a clue about the election. All I know is it’s a drought right now on everything. It’s a crazy drought on every drug in the District of Columbia. But other than that I don’t know.

When you walk out the door what do you see that’s not right?

Oh, you mean what do i see with my eyes that’s an issue? I see too many crackers making money and not enough niggas making money. I feel like it’s not enough black people getting money right now. Its not fair. You know what I’m saying.

Can you give me a run down of your tattoos and what’s the most significant ones?

I got my family names tatted on me. I got Slutty Boyz on me, those the most important ones, My brothers. I got my kids names. Loyalty on my stomach. That’s real important. I don’t know man, I feel like all my tattoos are really important. Somebody else would shit on they whole tatts. I definitely got mine for a reason. I got my father name on me. I got 202 tatted on me. But I feel like all my tattoos mean something.

When It Comes To Music Who Do You Listen To?

Rick Ross is number one of course. 3 6 Mafia. Pimp C. Pastor Troy. GunPlay, Scarface. Just those type of niggas. Real niggas.

Can I do a word association with you?

Aight that’s cool.

D.C.
Dirty City

Baltimore
Grimy City

Fame
Fake

Love
Bullshit

Obama
My nigga

Life
Precious. Life is precious

Power
Everything. Power is everything.

Respect
Earn…meaning you have to earn it.