Houston Hip-Hop has always marched to the beat of its own slowed-down, candy-painted drum, and Trae Tha Truth is one of its most dedicated generals.
Trae is not only respected in the streets but also globally recognized for his humanity. He’s got those deep, organic ties to DJ Screw and the Screwed Up Click, but is also connected to his tireless community activism.
Now he blesses us with a new album, Angel, which dripped on his birthday, July 3. The H-Town veteran sat down with AllHipHop‘s DJ Thoro for a heartfelt and candid conversation.
With his daughter Baby Truth by his side, Trae discusses the spiritual inspiration behind his new music. He also pays homage to DJ Screw, opens up about his humanitarian work across the U.S. and even imagines his dream collaborations.
This conversation peels back the layers of a man who’s as committed to his culture as he is to his calling.
AllHipHop: First off, I gotta say I’m a big fan. “Swang” with Big Hawk is a classic.
Trae Tha Truth: Appreciate that. That record brought me to the national level. It defined Houston culture—cars, the sound, and Big Hawk, R.I.P.
AllHipHop: Let’s talk about your new record “All Right.”
Trae: Yeah, it features my daughter Baby Truth and LeCrae. It’s all leading up to the Angel album.
AllHipHop: The track has gospel vibes. What inspired that direction?
Trae: Life. The struggles I’ve faced, especially with my daughter. When things get tough, I pray—and God makes it all right. That’s the message.
AllHipHop: What do you think about GloRilla winning a BET Award for Best Gospel Artist?
Trae: I don’t usually comment on stuff that ain’t my business. But if the song impacted people and God used her for that, who are we to judge? That’s how powerful He is.
AllHipHop: Paul Wall told me Texas artists don’t even have to leave the state to make a living.
Trae: Facts. We been had our own economy. You could go gold or platinum just in Texas. We created our own independent hustle.
AllHipHop: That’s rare. In New York, nobody can do that.
Trae: That’s why I ride so hard for Houston. From Beyoncé and Yolanda Adams to Travis Scott and Megan Thee Stallion. We got legends in every lane.
AllHipHop: Do you think people mimic Houston’s sound?
Trae: Some do, but a lot pay homage. People don’t realize Trap Soul stems from what DJ Screw did: slowing down R&B tracks and creating that vibe.
AllHipHop: So when did you first fall in love with Hip-Hop?
Trae: My pops was a big fan of gangster rap. We’d hit Soundwaves or Sam Goody every week for new tapes. My mom sang, so I had both R&B and rap in my blood.
AllHipHop: Your biggest market outside Houston?
Trae: New York. I could hold my own out there. I’ve got tracks with East Coast cats like Raekwon, Jadakiss, Ross, Jeezy. They respect the artistry.
AllHipHop: You ever intimidated working with any of your idols?
Trae: Never. That’s like sparring. I’ve always been ready for the challenge: rapping, harmonizing, lyrical bars, whatever.
AllHipHop: If you could do a dream collab with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
Trae: DJ Screw. I gotta rep my culture. But if we talk powerhouse collab—Michael Jackson, Pac, Nipsey, Big. I’d make a timeless classic with them.
AllHipHop: Speaking of Screw, what was your relationship like?
Trae: I met him at 15 or 16. By 19, I was on Screw tapes with my group Gorilla Mob. He gave us our first taste of radio. He wasn’t just a DJ. He was my brother, my partner, my supporter. We were supposed to sign to his label before he passed. I’ll always carry his legacy.
AllHipHop: You do a lot for the community. What’s new?
Trae: I’m always working. Just sent an 18-wheeler full of supplies to help tornado victims in St. Louis. I was helping with the LA fires too. Trade Day is coming up in Houston—July 17 through 21. But now I get calls to help nationwide.
AllHipHop: Houston gave you the key to the city, right?
Trae: Two keys, actually. I got awards, belt buckles…stuff I didn’t even know existed. Seven holidays in Houston and one in Milwaukee. But I feel like when I win, we all win. It’s not just me.
AllHipHop: What inspires your music now?
Trae: Life. Pain. Growth. I started rapping my brother Dinky’s lyrics when he was locked up. Now I’m decades deep and still here, still relevant.
AllHipHop: Let’s talk cars. New York got BBS Boys, but y’all got slabs.
Trae: Man, in Houston, if you ain’t on slabs, you ain’t made it. My brother used to gut the backseat and fill it with speakers, domes, and ride on them swingers. It’s a rite of passage.
AllHipHop: Your album Angel. Tell me about it.
Trae: This one’s special. It’s my prized possession because of what I went through making it. It’s pain, it’s God, it’s soulful. One of the standout joints is “Amen” featuring Dave Chappelle.
AllHipHop: That’s huge. Any hard copies or vinyl drops coming?
Trae: Not yet, but Cam Newton just told me I need to. I might drop some limited-edition colored vinyl. It’s time.
AllHipHop: You got anything on the film side?
Trae: Yeah, got a movie called Sole on Tubi. It’s animated and features me. My daughter Baby Truth wants in on the next one, so we working on that too.
AllHipHop: Final sports question: how you feel about KD on the Rockets?
Trae: If they mesh right, it could work. Even before KD, our young squad had potential. But now, with KD, Jabari, VanVleet, and the rest—it’s about roles and chemistry.
AllHipHop: Yo, appreciate you. Happy birthday and salute to Baby Truth.
Trae: Appreciate you, always love.
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