Patrick Rene is better known as Killah Trakz, a Miami-based rapper and hip-hop producer. He’s worked with the likes of Iconz, Rick Ross, and 2 Live Crew to mention just a few, and he’s been in the game since his debut single ‘Hoods Prodigy 2’ way back in 2010.
Killah’s latest single ‘For The Love’ “came across my desk” the other day and it instantly transported me back to the golden era of classic hip-hop. It’s old-school, powerful, and authentic.
Wanting to get to know the artist a bit better, I was excited when Patrick agreed to an interview. Chatting with us about his latest tune, working alongside the Wu-Tang Clan, and what keeps him busy other than music, please give a big welcome to our new friend Killah Trakz!
Hey Patrick, it’s amazing to be able to chat with you today, thanks so much for your time. When did your love affair with music start and how did you get to where you are today?
It started about 4 years ago after losing my mother. She was instrumental in me being honest on my records.
I took a chance on myself. I always knew marketing was detrimental. Anyone can make records, it’s how it will reach others that’s the catalyst.
Your brand new single ‘For The Love’ has completely won me over! I love the beat and your vocal performance is outstanding! What does the song mean to you?
Don’t fake it till you make it. Be yourself. Being honest comes with a lot of backlash because you’re not conforming. That’s just the truth. I wake up every day being me, doing me, and not being someone I’m not to appease others.
It will come back to haunt you.
Your first release came all the way back in 2010 with ‘Hoodz Prodigy 2’. Given you have such an impressively large discography, what three tracks would you recommend to first-timers wanting to get into your music?
- Get Up and Hustle
- ACT III
- For The Love
It’s incredible that you’ve opened for the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. You have to tell us how that happened and what the experience was like!
The ways of the Wu-Tang shall not be explained.
Honestly, it was a moment. But feelings don’t register for me because my father always told me if it’s not changing anyone’s life then what difference does it make?
Only because I’ve been told I’m good, I’m great, I’m all of the above but honestly, I feel the progress isn’t actually enough for me to be happy.
Caribbean parents are different so I’m not being ungrateful, it’s just you work hard, you reap the work, and you continue working until it pays off.
Who would you put down as some of your biggest musical influences and who would you ultimately credit for helping shape and mould your overall sound?
My brother is my biggest influence. His name is “Brian Goode“. Though he’s no longer on earth physically. He continues to be my gauge and my guidance. It’s what Goode Trakz is about. How do I honor someone even after death? Show the world that I have more than it takes and it’s because of my brother that I am who I am.
Which of your lyrics would you like to see printed on a T-shirt?
“Hustle baby Hustle baby yo!” and or “Switch the rental, Switch the rental go!”
Both are from ‘Get Up and Hustle’. It’s in memory of my mother who was the first hustler I’ve ever seen get up and hustle by any means.
When you’re not working on your music, what keeps you happy and busy? Walk us through a non-music day in the life of Killah Trakz.
My daughter means the entire planet to me. Since she was born all I knew was her. I enjoy activities with her. She’s down to earth. Intelligent. Cool as heck. Just an amazing soul to be around.
She’s my happy.
Busy, awwww man. Studio sessions, flights, juggling a relationship with time and everyone in my personal life. Spending time with my kid. Exercising. I’ve been as of late abstaining from adult activities because I’m just focused on what’s the next goal and putting all my energy into that. People don’t realize it takes your entire day to execute plans. Staying focused on goals. Accepting defeat and dealing with those emotions. Getting back up and fighting.
Thanks again for chatting with us Patrick! Before we let you go though, what would you like to achieve as a musician or, even on a personal level, this year?
Land on film, television, or somebody’s soap opera. Either via my music or acting. I have an outstanding opera voice and am good with impersonations.
Glad to have been here.
