By: Lennard James
Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, but with a childhood split between Little Rock and Indianapolis, TRF Boog’s life experiences have significantly shaped his sound and artistry. Growing up in two distinct cities exposed him to diverse cultures and circumstances, allowing him to view life uniquely. “Where I’m from has a huge influence on my music. Seeing everything I saw as a kid and being involved in whatever I was involved in made me grow up a little faster. You can hear that maturity in my mixtape,” TRF Boog reflects.
TRF Boog has always been a solo act, unlike many artists who emerge from bands or collectives. He’s never been part of a band, and though he hasn’t been on tour yet, his independent grind has prepared him for the moment when the world is ready to experience his music live. When it comes to influences, TRG Boog sets himself apart: “I wouldn’t say any one artist shaped me in any way. I have my own unique sound. But I listened to a lot of different artists coming up—Drake, Lil Wayne, TI, and Jeezy.”
TRF Boog’s versatility is a standout feature. While his roots lie in hip-hop, he’s far from confined to a single genre. “I think my music fits into Hip Hop, but I’ve got some R&B songs too. I can make any genre, really. It depends on how I’m feeling that day and the beat I get. Melodic rap is definitely my specialty, though.” His genre-blending approach, especially in melodic rap, naturally pulls from R&B, soul, and even rock. “Rock has a lot of melodies from which artists get inspiration. I know a few rock songs with melodies I really like, and I try to incorporate that into my music.”
TRF Boog’s debut album, Me vs Me, reflects his life, his mindset, and his artistry. “The title is just a reflection of where I feel I’m at in life. I don’t see anyone around me as my competitor—it’s just me. I’m here to show the world who I am as an artist and a hitmaker on my own.” The project is a statement of independence and confidence, with TRF Boog seeking to break into the industry without the need for features or co-signs.
The process of creating Me vs Me wasn’t without its challenges. Recording between Indianapolis and Charlotte, TRF Boog worked tirelessly for over 2-3 months, recording about 20 tracks and narrowing them down to the best. “We recorded about 20 songs and cut it down from there, but all of them were hits, so it was a tough process.”
Working closely with platinum producer IGot20OnMyBeat, TRF Boog ensured that the album had a cohesive yet versatile sound. “When we met, we got to work together, and from there, the idea came together for him to produce my whole project. Now, we have a classic mixtape.”
The album’s singles showcase the breadth of TRF Boog’s talent. The first single, Dump It, is a high-energy club anthem designed to dominate radio and club scenes alike. The second single, Church, takes a more introspective turn, offering listeners a glimpse into Dray’s life beyond his role as a rapper. Finally, Stars in the Ceiling is a braggadocious track highlighting his success, relationships, and lifestyle as a rapper. “It’s a radio-heavy song, but it’s also just me being a rapper, putting my life out there.”
TRF Boog’s vision for Me vs Me is clear—he wants to reach audiences across the board, and he’s aiming for coverage on major outlets like Lyrical Lemonade, SayCheeseTV, XXL, and more. “I’m a fan of podcasts like Million Dollars Worth of Game, Rap Radar, New Rory & Mal, and A Safe Place Podcast. Those would be great opportunities for me.”
As TRF Boog continues his journey as an artist, he’s focused on staying true to himself and creating music that resonates with everyone. “The album has something for everybody, no matter what sound of music you like. And I think that’s what makes it a classic in my eyes.” With Me vs Me, TRF Boog is poised to make his mark, breaking down doors and showcasing his talent to the world—on his own terms.
Published by: Holy Minoza
