In this exclusive interview, TeeLdub opens up about his highly anticipated single, “Time to Shine,” and what it means for his career. Emerging from Atlanta’s vibrant hip-hop scene, TeeLdub reflects on his decade-long journey in the music industry, marked by resilience and dedication. From his early days co-founding Southern Slang Records to collaborating with notable artists like JBEZE and Slim So Serious, TeeLdub’s story is one of overcoming challenges and seizing the moment. In this conversation, he delves into the inspiration behind “Time to Shine,” the creative process, and how his experiences have shaped his music. Join us as TeeLdub shares insights into his latest work and his vision for the future.
The title “Time to Shine” is quite impactful. Can you elaborate on what this means to you personally and how it relates to your career?
Yes, “Time to Shine” represents all the years of hard work, dedication and disappointments I have overcome over the years. I have been involved in the entertainment business for over a decade. I have recorded music, produced a television pilot, and also wrote the theme song for the pilot. Although the past projects may not have made it to the “big time,” I am proud of getting the projects done. Now with “Time to Shine,” it means that all the hard work I’ve put in over the years, I’ve stayed resilient and encouraged to record music again. Because it’s “Time to Shine.”
How do you see your role as an artist in inspiring others through your music, especially with a message of hard work and perseverance?
Don’t give up! If you have passion and love for something, no matter what it is, don’t give up! My role is to be an example of what resilience, perseverance, and dedication look like.
How did working with JBEZE and Slim so Serious influence the creation of “Time to Shine”? What was the collaborative process like, and how did their contributions shape the final product?
I actually created “Time to Shine” through a dream. I had a dream and I heard the beat in my dream. I created the beat, and JBEZE polished up the track, and the rest is, as they say, history. (laughs).
I sent Slim the track and he recorded his verse at his studio. I told him the concept for the song and he killed it!! “Dat boi good.” Their contributions to the song are what make it what it is. Along with Joey Djia. That’s the voice singing on the hook.
You mentioned that the melody for “Time to Shine” came to you in a dream. How do you usually capture and develop these dream-inspired ideas into a full-fledged track?
I just try to remember the rhythm I heard in my dream and I play it out on the keyboard when I find the right instrument. That’s about it.
How does this song fit into the overall picture of your musical journey?
It’s the total picture of my music journey. Like I say in my verse, “It’s been a long time coming but now we here” We put in the work and stayed resilient. Now, “We are the Champions” has had a lot of disappointments and letdowns, but now it’s “Time to Shine.”
Atlanta has a rich history in hip-hop. How has growing up in that area shaped your sound and style?
I actually grew up in Albany, Georgia, but my late grandmother, “Big Moma,” would bring me to Atlanta in the summers to stay with my uncle, aunt, and cousin. My cousin Eric used to be a DJ, and he was one of the early influences on hip-hop I had. I used to listen to MC Shy D, Kilo Ali, and other Atlanta artists. But one I head OutKast, GoodieMob and the Dungen Family music It inspired me because they sounded like me. They had that “Southern Slang” sound when they rapped.
You co-founded Southern Slang Records with a childhood friend in 2003. What was the Atlanta music scene like back then, and how did it influence your decision to start your own label?
Back then, it was the “CRUNK” area. Lil Jon had it on lock! I remember trying to get our music played in the strip clubs around the city (laughs). JBEZE and I started off recording in the closet in his apartment. We started going to the studio to rent studio time to record and thought we should start our own label. That’s what we did.
What are you most excited about the release of “Time to Shine,” and how do you hope this single will impact your career and resonate with your fans?
I’m most excited about the fact that it’s a positive song that can have positive impact on anyone, no matter what walk of life you are in. Like I say in the song, “whether it’s sports, work, music, school, or just everyday life,” if you put in the work, stay resilient, and accomplish your dreams or goals, it’s your “Time to shine.” I hope this single will impact my career while exposing the industry to my team. We have a lot of talent over here! JBEZE, Slim So Serious , Cool Grey, formerly Daniel Street. I hope this song opens the door to exposure we deserve for all the hard work we’ve put in over the years.
