SOMETHING TO SAY: Truck North
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA | TRUCK NORTH
INTERVIEW LAMONT “RENZO” BRACY PHOTOGRAPH @SLIMBOJIMBOYO
Meet Truck North! Born and Raised in North Philly, Truck North is a multifaceted producer, songwriter and artist that has cemented his ground in the music industry. With 20+ years in the business working alongside some of the biggest legends in the game such as The Roots, Lil Brother, Mos, and Quality Kings. Throughout the years, Truck North has built an impressive catalog, which includes over 10 albums, numerous tours, and 3 Grammy Award nominations for his work with The Roots.
Trust me; Truck North has put in the work, but the job isn’t complete. Truck North is regarded as one of the most prolific writers in hip-hop history. Do your research, Truck North has penned some of the dopest bars to ever be recorded. As most in the hip-hop industry recognize Truck North from songwriting, Truck North is a proven MC and lyricist. The proof is in the pudding, with Truck North’s 2020 album, “The Good Thief”, he turned the heads of industry insiders and solidified him, not only as a writer, but as an all-around hip-hop genius.
Coming straight out of Hunting Park, Philly, Truck North is one musician that was made for this! You must understand, Philly has a flavor of its own, and the pedigree required is measured by raw skill, talent, and sustainability. Since middle school, Truck North was drawn to the genre by passion and a will to succeed. From there, Truck North would secure a production development deal from Kamal Gray (keyboardist for The Roots) shortly after high school, which played its course; however, the move put him in position for what was next.
Not long after the production deal expired, Truck North was invited to a Roots Jam Session by the legendary Rich Nichols. Truck North remembers it all as if it was yesterday. “It seemed like the Jam Sessions would last 24-hours” states Truck North as he reminisces. Truck North’s writing and hard work paid off. The nearly two month Jam Session resulted in a camaraderie and respect which led to Truck North’s verse being added to “The Tipping Point” album which would be nominated for a Grammy Award. One must remember, this was way before today’s time; dropping a hot-16 on a track didn’t guarantee a record deal; however, it was the spark that fueled Truck North.
Truck North, along with many other MC’s that came from the original era of hip-hop noticed a change in the process. The answer remains the same, no matter what end of the spectrum you stand; real hip-hop will evolve and the love for the genre will continue. Truck North proclaims that real hip-hop exists, and feels optimistic on the future.
Songwriting is a gift. The power of illustrating what is in the mind is a skillset that isn’t taught, but rather inherited through life experiences. Truck North possesses a talent that pours limitlessly through the canvas. What portrays itself on each track Truck North writes is a mural of his life. It Gets no more real than that folks! To think, a love and passion that began in the 7th grade would end up maturing into a meaningful career. Since 2020, Truck North has released numerous mixtapes and albums for the masses, which began with the Truck North x King Cables album “The Good Thief”, on Fresh Pulp Records. In 2022, post pandemic, Truck North released (5) projects alone. Now that 2023 is in full swing, Truck North has a full slate of material planned. In June, fans can expect a full studio album, followed by a mixtape in July.
I don’t want to spoil it… We caught up with Truck North amidst his upcoming album, for an in-depth interview to discuss his significance to the world of hip-hop, and the journey!
Validated: Nice to catch up with you, Truck North; please elaborate on how you were introduced to hip-hop?
Truck North: I’m from Hunting Park and always loved music. My parents had a pretty good collection of records, so that’s where I kinda first fell in love with music. Older cousins did what they were supposed to back then and passed down tapes. I meandered a bit but long story short, I ended up going to middle school out Mount Airy. Sixth grade is when I met my group of friends, which included Kamal’s younger brother. They had already been writing and rapping by then so I followed suit pretty much.
Validated: So you began as a group?
Truck North: Well, actually I began as a DJ. From the 7th to 12th grade, I was part of a crew, The Money Makin’ Jam Boys consisting of Truck North, Black Thought, STS and Dice Raw, known for our freestyling and battles. The rap scene was very competitive in Philly.
Validated: What is Truck North’s writing process?
Truck North: “It seems like the pen walks by itself.” I simply write the rhyme of my life with every record. In addition, it's all about gaining knowledge. I read books, documentaries and movies which ignites passion. You never know when you’ll hear something that you can flip in a rhyme. The process is organic.
Validated: How did your relationship with The Roots happen, and describe the feeling of being a part of their (3) Grammy Award nominated albums?
Truck North: The feeling is still un-surreal to this day. From the Jam Sessions, to my verses landing a spot on The Roots album is an accomplishment that I will always cherish. I’m super blessed for the opportunity and the guidance and wisdom I obtained from working with great minds. The experience was instrumental to my success and ultimately inspires me to become a better writer.
Validated: Please elaborate about the tours you have been a part of?
Truck North: I was invited by Questlove to join The Roots as they went on Tour in support of Phrenology and The Tipping Point Albums. I had material and songs built up, so it was the perfect opportunity for myself. From there, I’ve been on numerous tours with The Roots, as well as the several Okayplayer Summer / Winter Break Tours.
Validated: Tell us a part of the legendary Jam Sessions?
Truck North: The Jam Sessions were a lot of fun. It was a bunch of creatives in the studio rapping, writing, and vibing. Through the process, some of the biggest hits were made. From the writing sessions, we began to vibe and it always turned into some of the most classic cyphers ever. From those cyphers, a lot of the material made it onto some of The Roots albums.
Just about every big name in Philly would come through; from Black Thought, Kamal, Questlove and the band, it was a who's who of greatness. Musicians such as Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, Jasmine Sullivan and Jill Scott would stop by to vibe. It was an all-night vibe session. It was a party with everything you could imagine happening in the background; however, it was monumental to The Roots success.
I can recall, at one of the Jam Sessions the day before the Grammys, Prince was in attendance. I remember how Prince's energy was felt throughout the session, it was amazing.
Validated: Who, current or past artists motivate and inspire Truck North?
Truck North: The great legends such as, LL, Rakim, EST, Redman, Ras Kass, Monch, De La, Jay, Nas, Mos, Kweli, just to name a few.
Validated: What accomplishments would you say solidifies your position as a great songwriter and producer?
Truck North: I’ve scored placements on 5 of The Roots albums, as well as Lil Brother, and Dave Chappelle Block Party Soundtrack albums. In addition, my music is featured on NBA 2k5 (Ben Wallace). From landing my first placement in 2002, my music has landed on some great projects.
Validated: As a creative, what are your thoughts on the music industry today?
Truck North: Of course, the industry has changed. As far as Philly goes, the state of hip-hop is still alive and well. Artists such as Lil Uzi have ushered in a sound; however, the foundation is still there with pioneer’s such as The Roots still making good music which will always live. “I’m optimistic about the future of hip-hop”.
Validated: Quote to live by?
Truck North: I’m chasing a ghost, but the fun is all in the pursuit; whether you catch it or not… It’s the pursuit of chasing dreams.
Validated: What's Next for Truck North?
Truck North: The next four months are going to be crazy. I have several projects coming out. By the time this interview is released, it will probably miss my Easter project, “Time of Ashes”. In June, fans can expect a full studio album, followed by a mixtape in July.
Truck North resume speaks for itself………………………………
Achievements and Credits
• Okayplayer Winter Break Tour (2002)
• ESPN NBA 2K5 / Title song on video game and soundtrack / (2004)
• The Roots Presents: A Sonic Event / MTV broadcast and soundtrack / (2005)
• Dave Chappelle – Block Party / feature length film and soundtrack / (2005)
• Okayplayer Summer Break Tour (2004)
• BET's Rap City (Summer 2004 and 2006)
• Spike TV – Midnight Spike / televised performance / (2006 )
• Performed at Radio City Music Hall (2006)
• Kool Cigarettes Tour Summer (2006)
• Game Theory Tour Summer (2006 )
• Smirnoff Movement Studios / assisted in teaching in a classroom setting / (2007 )
• Toyota's Yaris vs. Yaris Radio Commercial Campaign and 5 city tour (2007)
Album / Recording Credentials:
• Okayplayer presents: True Notes Vol. 1 - 2004 (Okayplayer Records)
• The Roots - The Tipping Point - 2004 (Interscope / Geffen Records)
nominated for GRAMMY Award for Best Rap Album
• The Roots - Game Theory - 2006 (Def Jam Records)
nominated for GRAMMY Award for Best Rap Album
• The Roots - Rising Down - 2008 (Def Jam Records)
• Skillz -The Million Dollar Backpack - 2008 (Koch Records)
• PRE GAME - Statik Selektah - 2009 (Showoff/Brick Records)
• The Roots - How I Got Over - 2010 (Def Jam Records)
nominated for GRAMMY Award for Best Rap Album
• Little Brother - Leftback 2010 (Hall of Justus Records)
• Truck North - The Quicktape - 2010 (independent)
• Asher Roth - Seared Foie Gras W/ Quince and Cranberry 2010
• The Roots - Undun 2011 (Def Jam Records)
nominated for GRAMMY Award for Best Rap Album
• Money Making Jam Boys - The Prestige 2011 (independent)
• Truck North - Our American Cousin - 2012 (independent)
• Doin’ It in the Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC -A film by Bobbito Garcia - verse feature 2012
(independent)
• The Roots - And Then You Shoot Your Cousin - 2014 (Def Jam Records)
• Truck North - Murder By Mourning - 2014 (independent)
• Truck North - Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead - 2015 (independent)
• The 13th - A film by Ava DuVernay -verse feature 2016 (Kandoo Films)
nominated for Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature
• Dice Raw - The Narrative - 2018 (independent)
• Stalley Presents Bcg Algorithm Vol. 1 - 2020 (Blue Collar Gang Records)
• Truck North x King Cables - The Good Thief - 2020 ( Fresh Pulp Records)
• The Paragon project vol 4: Add A Lesson 2020 (independent)
• Truck North - Parables of the Lost (Quicktape II) 2021
• Truck North - Electric Sheep - 2021 (independent)
• Truck North - Tijuana Bible - 2022 (independent)
• Truck North - Farmacia (Quicktape III) 2022
• Truck North - Where The Wolf Lives - 2022 (independent)
• Truck North - Feast of Violence - 2022 (independent)
• Truck North - QT4.0 (Quicktape IV) 2022