T.I.M.E. : A Musical Journey of Growth, Redemption, and Family

Written by Alexandria Anglade

Music often serves as a reflection of life's most profound moments. For the artist known as T.I.M.E., music isn't just a career; it's a canvas where he paints the vivid stories of his existence. In this intimate interview, T.I.M.E. takes us on a lyrical journey through his life, sharing the personal experiences and insights that have shaped his music and his identity.

The Birth of a Grown Man

"Well, being a father is everything. My first son was born early at 27 weeks, so we didn't know if he was gonna make it or not. He was in the hospital for 84 days, and so, with that, it turned me into a grown man. I was already an adult; I was a man over 21. But that hit different for me, and with my music being very family-oriented and just a reality of a clear outlook on my life when I see through my eyes, it just added fuel, fire, bars."

Becoming a father can be a transformative experience for anyone, and T.I.M.E.'s journey into parenthood was no exception. The challenges he faced in those early days of fatherhood provided him with a newfound maturity and purpose that seeped into his music.

Unexpected Announcements

"Yeah, I can actually, it's kind of funny. I was outside in the street running around 2 to 3 days, getting to it as usual. But it was a lot of infidelity going on, a lot of different women, a lot of drugs. So when I got home, I crashed out. So my kid's mom, or my baby mama, she comes in the room and she throws the pregnancy test at me and she goes, 'By the way, I'm pregnant,' and walks out the door. And so, at that point, that's when I knew I was having another kid, which was Baby Anthony. And so yeah, that was quite an experience."

Life's surprises can take many forms, and T.I.M.E.'s story of a sudden revelation highlights the unexpected turns that can shape our lives and our music.

From Negativity to a Burning Desire

"I really wouldn't call it motivation, to be honest. It was all the wrong shit—a lot of women, a lot of drugs, a lot of jail, just the streets and what comes with it. During that time, I always wrote. I had plenty of projects that I lost on phones, you know, just for being outside. But it really wasn't motivation. It was really like a burning desire on the inside, trying to break free from all of the negativity that I had accumulated in my life."

T.I.M.E.'s journey through rough times wasn't necessarily about seeking motivation but about finding a way to channel the burning desire within him, a desire to break free from the negativity that had surrounded him.

Balancing Family and Music

"Well, at this point in my life, I'm making sound decisions, standing on them. So during that 10-year hiatus, three and a half, maybe four of those years, me and my baby mom, we broke up. I was in a different relationship. I was in two separate relationships, actually, during that time. But regardless of the fact, I saw how it affected my children when I came back. So now I put them number two on the priority list, always put myself first before anything. Gotta be like that. I have a lot of people depending on me, including them. So staying consistent in my everyday routine allows the balance that I need for my music and my family."

Balancing a music career with family responsibilities is never easy, but T.I.M.E.'s emphasizes the importance of sound decision-making and prioritizing his children.

A Different Lifestyle and a Different Sound

"Most definitely, I'm living a completely different lifestyle now. I'm on a one-way street now. Keeping the option of the street open, if all else fails, I'm taking that option off the table for good. So, the life that I'm living, the substance that I have to bring to the studio with my craft is completely different."

T.I.M.E.'s change in lifestyle is not just a personal evolution but also a shift in the substance of his music. He no longer dwells on past experiences, choosing instead to focus on the positive changes in his life.

The Money Challenge

"Money, oh man. Money just making a transition from the streets to, I don't want to sound cliché, but a regular 9 to 5 or just a different way of providing for myself, a different way of income, providing for my family other than illegal activities. So that's been the biggest challenge."

Transitioning from illegal activities to legal income sources posed significant challenges for T.I.M.E. However, he highlights the importance of adjustment and reducing expenses to navigate this change.

The Art of Presentation

"Yeah, the hiatus definitely allowed me to grow. Do I pride myself on saying I've never spit a whack verse? Yeah. It definitely allowed me to grow mature with my substance when I'm bringing it to the table to give it to the people. I always been cold, that's no doubt. I've always been able to rap laps around your best artist. But it's about how you present it. Presentation is everything."

T.I.M.E.'s hiatus wasn't just about honing his lyrical skills but also about perfecting the art of presentation. His latest album, "FAY FAY: The NPS Project," is a testament to his growth and commitment to delivering great music.

Family as the North Star

"Great question. Boys are my biggest motivation, inspiration. They refuel me. They are the ones that keep me going. They are my everything. Without them, I don't know where I will be. And so, with that being said, everything that I put into my music is for them."

T.I.M.E.'s devotion to his children is palpable. His music is not just a creative outlet but also a means to set a positive example for them.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

"I ain't gonna lie to you; you gotta be built for this shit. My faith in God in myself, my belief in myself, it's more than you can ever imagine. You gotta want it, you gotta do some soul-searching. You really have to look yourself in the mirror, give yourself the honest truth, accept it. If you don't like it, change it; do something about it. And if you do, stay consistent. Consistency is the key to success; procrastination is the key to failure."

T.I.M.E.'s advice to aspiring artists is grounded in self-belief and unwavering commitment. He underscores the importance of self-reflection and relentless consistency.

Never Stop Chasing Your Dreams

"Never stop, never stop. Once you get the ball rolling, don't stop the momentum. Make it work, balance it out. Make sure that people around you are for you. Make sure your children and your family are taken care of. Chase your dreams. Don't let up; keep your foot on the neck. Don't take a hiatus. Personally, I would've never stopped. I should've never stopped, but I did.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/fay-fay-the-nps-project/1706709730

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