Tj Byrd is one of Illinois' most gifted rappers. He drops another jewel with his "Fuckery" Freeverse over Drake's "Do Not Disturb". Getting extremely personal Mr. Byrd took some of the things that have been bubbling under the surface and allowed them to breathe. Detailing interpersonal relationships with friends and even the mother of his children, TJ exhibits plenty of courage in speaking from his heart.
straightdrophiphop.com is introducing our new interview series with one of the Midwest's hottest battlers. We recently had a chance to catch up with Bar Brawl Battle League battler Tello to discuss a variety of interesting topics. Check out what the Chi-town native had to say about everything from his favorite leagues to who his first "big-name" call out would be.
SDHH: What's up? Tell the world just a little bit about Tello.
Tello: Tello is a nigga who grew up in Chicago. I moved to Springfield in 2014 after my og died.
I always rapped when I was growing up,but was also good in basketball. I moved a lot never was really stable so I try to live my life with balance and stability. I'm a very humble guy, at least I try to be, but I stay hungry in everythinig I do....
SDHH: Speaking of Tello where did the name originate?
Tello: Tello is short for Donotello, my real name.
SDHH: How long have you been battling?
Tello: 1 year.
SDHH: Before become a battle rapper were you a rapper?
Tello: Music is my 1st love. I just fell in love with the battle rap culture.
SDHH: What are some of your favorite bigger leagues (URL, KOTD, Don't Flop, UW etc.)?
Tello: Url, Gorrila Warfare, Black Ice Cartel.
SDHH: Name your top 5 battle rappers today.
Tello: Murda Mook, Charlie Clips, Hollow da Don, Tsu Surf, Hitman Holla.
SDHH: If you could pick one top/mid tier battler to call out who would it be and why?
Tello: I would say T top. He talks that shit I like to hear. I'm from the struggle so I relate to him a lot, but he would die ugly.
SDHH: After watching a couple of your battles it's easy to tell that you take a "real-talk" approach to your rounds. Is that something you intend to do or is it just how you rap?
Tello: It's just how I rap. I try to bring substance when I rap. I talk about what I've experienced and been through, but I'm working on being well-rounded.
SDHH: Another one of your strengths is incorporating tricky wordplay throughout your verses. Is that something you work on?
Tello: I feel wordplay is a natural talent, but I do work on it when I freestyle or spar.
SDHH: Where do you see yourself in the battle rap world in say 5 years?
Tello: In 5 years I'm definitely going to be a house-hold name in the entire country and easily top-tier in the Midwest.
SDHH: Any Shout-outs or last words for the fans?
Tello: I appreciate all the love and support in my first year. I'm going to continue to work and give the fans a show.S/O my bros Q and Shellz, my bro Boosie, BRO SKRILLAH, Fatboi S/O F.A.M.I.L.Y. Free Boss Maseiano!
Check out Tello's first ever battle which took place on Bar Brawl Battle League.
