Meet Treal Cityy, the dynamic rapper and media specialist making waves from Muskegon, MI. Known for his captivating lyricism and entrepreneurial drive, Treal Cityy has carved out a niche in the industry as both an artist and a visionary. As the creator of the acclaimed "Top 50 Rappers from Muskegon" list, he's not only showcasing his own talent but also championing the vibrant hip-hop community of his hometown. With his finger on the pulse of both music and media, Treal Cityy continues to push boundaries and inspire others with his passion and creativity.
INTERVIEW
For those who don't know you, who is Treal Cityy and how have you contributed to the hip hop scene in Muskegon,MI?
Treal Cityy: From being raised in Westside Chicago leclaire courts projects & Muskegon Michigan I was set out to be different.
My name has been Treal City since I was about 12. I am a notable figure in the Muskegon hip-hop scene, and my contributions include:
1. Lyrical skill: Treal City career early on I was recognized for his lyrical prowess, storytelling ability, and authentic representation of Muskegon's culture and experiences.
2. Community engagement: I have been involved in local events, workshops, and initiatives, fostering a sense of community and supporting emerging artists.
3. Collaborations and mentorship: as the Blocksmith I got the key to the streets. I have collaborated with various local artists, producers, and DJs, helping to elevate their profiles and sharing his expertise.
4. Music releases: I have released and been apart of several mixtapes, EPs, and singles, showcasing Muskegon's hip-hop talent and providing a platform for others to share their music.
5. Cultural representation: My music and presence have helped put Muskegon on the map, highlighting the city's unique voice and perspective within the broader hip-hop landscape.
Your name is buzzing currently for creating the "Top 50 Rappers in Muskegon" list, what influence you to do this?
Treal Cityy: The list is to always get people talking and get the most eyes on the hundreds of rappers in skeetown. Since the demise of several marquee Muskegon Rappers passing, I and many have lost the momentum. The scene was dry and thirsty for a spark. I hyad been living in Atlanta for the last 5 years. I haven't been able to keep up like I usually do. Eastside Mulley was my sister's cousin. That sister of mine passed on Mother's Day last summer. We also lost Big 4L Eli, 76 Vosso, 9tr3 & countless others to incarceration; 76 Chain, YBN RONDO etc. I haven't been myself up until I found motivation to do this list in 2024. I want us to help support the next YMN GUS, DOLO 24, NIQUE GOT-IT and get the city buzzing. Shout-out to all the people who use the hashtags #muskegonrappers at this time of this interview it's at 2k posts let's keep going.
How do you respond to criticism for the artist you chose for the list?
Treal Cityy: I used to respond. Now I don't respond or I go live everyday explaining why I do what I do. So it Depends what the criticism is about. Sometimes the critical analysis from others is not valid. Some of my lists have not been put in order. Or if I only make a list of people who are not deceased or incarcerated. I will get people asking about where the people who are not qualified. I advise others to make their own lists but no one seems to care for any list I didn't put out. They even argue about the AI lists. The AI was asked about notable rappers in Muskegon it named about 30. I looked at it as a blessing. Others thinking glass is half not full were asking where are the rest of notable rappers. When it clearly stated "Some Of The Notable rappers". But anything I post they clearly think is the 'who's best'. But it's not. I don't see many Muskegon artist above the next, so they shouldn't worry about what number they are.
You recently did an interview with Channel 1, along side with Big Gramz Kam and Sipp Da Kidd. What are your genuine thoughts of their music?
Treal Cityy: I think both are underrated. A lot of people need to gravitate towards these two artists. They have the vision, talent, and infrastructure to make it big in the industry. Sipp reminds me of Juicewrld. He has the talent to make it in that lane. Big Gramz Kam has several records that can be played on long highway trips, in the clubs and underground hits like "DAWG S##T" that can get him signed to a major right now!!
The hashtag #MuskegonRappers is really taking off and your name is all over it. How do you plan to evolve your platform as more Muskegon artist and journalist come up?
Treal Cityy: I plan to evolve my platform and #muskegonrappers with events, party bus tours, QR CODED MERCHANDISE & multiple podcasts. When I started the hashtag #MuskegonRappers 4 years ago I would have been even more enthused if I knew about the progress & lasting impact it has made today. I am a trend setter that's another trend I set similar to the nickname I coined everybody uses "Muskeepagun" to describe Muskegon.
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**Muskeepagun is a term coined by Treal City, to refer to his hometown. It's a play on the city's name, Muskegon, and the word "gun," which is a common suffix in hip-hop culture. By using this term, Treal City aimed to rebrand Muskegon and create a sense of pride and identity among its residents, particularly in the hip-hop community. Muskeepagun has since become a local nickname and a symbol of Muskegon's hip-hop scene.
What's one thing you want the world to know about you?
Treal Cityy: One thing I want the world to know about me is that I am looking for the next kid to become a new and better Treal City. I put in a lot of work nearly by myself alongside people like Chilla PERTILLA building this Muskegon Rappers scene from scratch. It was nothing here for local rappers now look at where we are at. Let's keep going !!! #SwingPendenlumSwing !!! That's my new favorite hashtag. Keep doing what you are doing with this magazine you have the best platform in the city for publicity. Thank you for all that you do and have done as well.
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