‘Real Recognize Real'
An Interview with Hyphy Producer Traxamillion
By Demone Carter

The Bay Area music scene has a rich and very diverse history. Whether you're talking about rock legends like San Francisco's Carlos Santana or Vallejo's Sly Stone or more contemporary greats such as Too Short and E-40, who represent Oakland and Vallejo respectively. With the on set of the Hyphy Movement, another illustrious chapter is being added to the annals of Northern California music history. But noticeably absent from much of this storied past has been San Jose. With notable exceptions such as The Doobie Brothers and Smashmouth, San Jose has been a little brother of sorts to the Bay Area music scene. Some locals have gone so far as saying there is a curse surrounding San Jose artists. It has been a long time coming, but it seems as if San Jose producer/emcee Traxamillion has finally broken the curse.

Anybody who listens to Bay Area radio is familiar with the string of hits he has produced. From Keak Da Sneak's ‘ Super Hyphy' (which many consider to be the definitive Hyphy song) to The Hoodstars “Grown Man” and Too Short's “ Sideshow“ Traxamillion has blazed a trail into areas previously untouched by any San Jose artist. With his highly anticipated solo release “Slapp Addict” almost finished, I had a chance to speak with Traxamillion about his newfound success and what it means to the San Jose music scene.

DC: List some of the songs you've produced and is there any new stuff people should be on the look out for?
Trax: Obviously everybody knows me from "Super Hyphy," "Grown Man" and "Jus Go" by The Team, those are just a few, as far as new stuff to look out for there's, "Wakin em Up" by Turf Talk feat Hoodstars, and "On Citas" another colab wit me and Keak Da Sneak, and last but not least the "Slapp Addict" album produced by Traxamillion due for a summer release.

DC: How long have you been at it?
Trax: I've been at for a while now, lets just say it's been a long time coming. (laughter)

DC: Talk about some of your history as a San Jose artist.
Trax: When I was in high school I was in group called Lackadaisical, we were more on a "backpack" underground hip hop type vibe. We were young, wide eyed and starvin'. At the time we were the only group in our age range that was doing anything as far as shows, etc. Our older homies had their own group called "The Dereliks" and they was doin' it pretty big, we were there lil' prodigies. Right now have this group called Tha High which is me, my boys J Smitty and Iz Thizz.

DC: Who are some of your influnces?
Trax: Timbaland, Neptunes, Rick Rock, those are just a few. I could go on and on.

DC: Why do you feel it's been so difficult for San Jose artists to blow?
Trax: Well, I think a lot a cats got comfortable wit makin' music for the block. People don't see the big picture, which is the business of music, you gotta make shit for the "people" but I don't like to think about the dark ages, all that matters is from this point on baby.

DC: Have you had any trouble gaining acceptance because of where you from?
Trax: Nope, real reconize real, anywhere, any hood, and on any block. I'm a humble dude and hella easy to get a long wit. If you can't get a long wit me, then somthin' is wrong wit you.

DC: Do you feel like it's your responsibility to put San Jose on the map?
Trax: Nah, I'm here to play my position, but its everybody's responsibility to play their positions too. Ima rep the 408 wherever I go no doubt, but I don't think its my responsibility.

DC: Do you have any advice for local artists tryin to blow? 
Trax: Do that shit, and don't stop doin it know matter what, I used to think that when successful artist in the game would say " if you believe in your self then go for it" was a bullshit answer, but its true, I cant believe that I'm sayin it now, if you really believe, and if its your passion, then do that shit, ...........oh yeah, and buy the "Slapp Addict" when you see it in stores, you can reach me at: www.myspace.com/traxxamillion and holla.

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