T 20
Chicago, Illinois, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | INDIE
Music
Press
Presented by DJ V-Dub
Chicago is the land of the bosses, and in celebration of such a feat, T-20 and Bo Deal have linked for a collabo mixtape of epic proportions. Curated by V-Dub, the project includes 14 new tracks, which you can now download below. Boss up.
Read more at http://www.fakeshoredrive.com/2013/12/mixtape-t-20-bo-deal-land-bosses.html/#A1cpTOsigPc5Jtuf.99 - Andrew Barber
Most might find hosting an interview in a crowded room distracting, but in the vicinity of EMG, distractions are the norm. I walked into the newly-renovated small studio and sat down to chat with T-20 (also known as “Turtle”), Founder of Money Sprinters.
After reviewing his bio and listening to a business partner’s testimonial, I knew that this would be a great interview opportunity, with a great deal of substance. One should never judge a book by its cover, and T proves this through his work ethic and humble, yet assertive bearings.
KC: What makes you so “approvingly honest”, and why?
T-20: I am honest by nature, and cut from a different cloth—which I like to call “old school.”
Being an ARMY kid (not brat), Turtle has lived all over the US, and as a result has experienced a mix of cultures and lifestyles. It was no surprise when I asked what his other passions were, outside of creating music. “I like to assemble cars and raise my family. If it doesn’t make me money, enforce a greater good or happy, it doesn’t make sense.”
Real Gs move in silence, and the Money Sprinters commodity is no exception. Crumbs to Bricks 2 is T-20’s latest project, which features Evanston producers from The Av’ngers and Sean Mack. “It’s special because it shows the growth of my music, and underlines the connection between 40 Acres and EMG. We’re all learning, so to see this project come to life speaks volumes and creates room for opportunities all around. The project is focused on me *T-20 laughs*, but it’s dry out here.”
“The substance of rap is ostracized.” (chimes in Seth, Producer at Elite Media Group)
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KC: In your opinion, who is the best hip-hop artist out right now? Who’s the best to come from Chicago?
T: Jay-Z and Twista.
KC: You do kind of look like Twista… *both laugh*
KC: So, tell me about “Anytime” and “Migo”
T: “Anytime” is produced by the Av’ngers, it’s the song I want to be heard at the strip club: simple feel-good music. “Migo” acknowledges the substance that’s been missing in the industry- it’s a full package. Chicago talent is exclusive, and everyone that is working needs to be heard.
KC: Good points- I can vouch for the Migo. It’s hot and a banger, for sure.
It’s no surprise that Chicago’s violence is on the rise and awareness needs to be reinforced in the home. As a musically-motivated individual, Turtle’s emphasis on speaking the truth reinforces structure, positive messages about young black business owners, and the end goal is restoring information and knowledge about different topics. “I want people to know the truth- the good and the bad. You can’t glorify the good without acknowledging the bad.”
Having two sons, Turtle’s demeanor comes off as protective and disciplined- two things seriously lacking in this community. Losing focus is not in his radar, yet the challenges he faces in an industry like this prove that talent and outside influences go hand-in-hand. “To anyone aspiring to be an artist, stay dedicated and motivated; don’t give up. Follow your dream and be open to criticism, while striving to be great.” - callthepress
Money Sprinter, Brick Squad Monopoly and Killa Klan connect for Land Of Bosses starring T-20 & Bo Deal and featuring Gorilla Zoe, Cashola, LG, Rich Loyd, Kreme and more hosted by DJ VDub. - Thrilla
Chicago boss and Money Sprinter CEO T-20 is ready to drop the sequel in his Crumbs To Bricks series, fresh off a break after dropping Land Of Bosses with Brick Squad Monopoly's Bo Deal.
His first single 'Migo' gets the visual treatment and will hit the net next week, but until then enjoy the behind the scenes footage shot by 40 Acres Productions. - Thrilla
Land of Bosses out NOW!!! - Thrilla
Discography
-Crumbs 2 Bricks Hosted by Dj Sean Mac
-Land Of Bosses Hosted by Dj V Dub
-Crumbs 2 Bricks 2 Hosted by Dj Sean Mac
Photos
Bio
T-20 is a brilliant and dynamic rap artist whose street-inspired music is compelling and refreshing to the ears of music-lovers everywhere. The Evanston, Illinois native started recording at the age of 22, however his career really began with his early musical influences of notable artists NWA, Scarface, Rakim, Jay-Z, Tupac, and The Notorious B.I.G. Around the age of 7, his mother joined the U.S. Army, which required them to relocate frequently. Exposure to various cultures and places, like Missouri, Washington state, and Germany, enabled him to expand his perspective of the world and further cultivate his style and love for music. As T-20 grew older, his inspirations began to include his life in the streets. This troubled lifestyle would soon prove to be destructive, and the birth of his son was the motivation he needed to turn his life around. In fact, his family continues to be his driving force, enabling him to build his Money Sprinters empire.
The artist is undeniably making his presence felt in the Chicago music arena. T-20’s talent has earned him the South by Southwest Music Festival platform in Austin, Texas, where he headlined the Chicago Everything Showcase on March 13th,2014. He has been featured in blogs such as SSNation and Fake Shore Drive, has made appearances on the internet radio station Windy City Underground, and has musical collaborations that include Gorilla Zoe, LEP, Bo Deal, and many local Chicago artists. He currently has two projects under his belt*; “Land of Bosses” (with Bo Deal) hosted by DJ VDub and “Crumbs to Bricks” hosted by DJ Sean Mac.
T-20 combines hip hop, gangsta rap, trap, and drillin’ music into what he calls a “spicy bowl of gumbo”. With the hard truth of street life that is tied into his music, he presents a lyrical side of himself that is approvingly honest. From what T-20 has shown, it is clear that he is quite exceptional and his music will continue to make an impression in the industry.
“Music makes the world go ‘round; the world is spinning my way right now” --- T-20
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