HHV Exclusive: Don Trip talks “Prolly” with Yo Gotti and “Help Is on The Way” mixtape

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Memphis is slowly taking over the rap game, as Juicy J and Yo Gotti are making major moves. Last year, Don Trip rose to stardom with his “Letter to My Son,” which led to more levels of success for the Memphis rapper. Now signed to Interscope Records, Don Trip is set to release his Help Is on The Way mixtape in two days.

Earlier today, Don Trip leaked the latest song off the project, “Prolly,” which features fellow Memphis rapper, Yo Gotti. Don Trip is once again the topic of discussion, as he prepares to release Help Is on The Way. The mixtape features production from the likes of Cool & Dre and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, along with many others.

Hip Hop Vibe had the opportunity to speak with Don Trip and he discussed “Prolly,” his new single with Yo Gotti. Don Trip also talked about Help Is on The Way, which is set for an October 31 release. During the interview, Don Trip candidly discussed his goals with this latest mixtape.

Read the entire interview below:

How do you feel about the quick reaction to “Prolly?” I’m pleased with it. When you put new records out, you don’t know how it’s going to be accepted. Yo Gotti has a big fan base, bigger than mine, so with his fan base embracing the song, it is clear I made a good move.

Can you tell us how the song came together? The “Prolly” record, I do a lot of recording with Yo Gotti as it is. I try to keep my music as Memphis as possible. I got the beat from Young Ladd and I knew Yo Gotti was perfect for it. Dre, from Cool & Dre, and Stat Quo helped me come up with the hook.

What is it like when you and Yo Gotti get together? Actually, the first couple of times were strange because we did not know each other very well. But, we ended up bonding over the music. Now, we have a relationship, so the recording comes more natually. It is very easy for us to create together now.

What are your expectations for Help Is on The Way? I put this together as if it was my album. I just want to show the people my talent, I am more than “Letter to My Son” and making Trap music. I wanted to show I am a true artist who loves what I do and I put a lot of time into this.

Why did you choose to not have a DJ host the project? Again, I wanted to make this more like an album. From start to finish, I wanted it to play out like it was my album.

Are you confident, releasing your mixtape in the middle of Meek Mill’s frenzy? Yeah. I’m okay with that. That’s Meek Mill’s album and it is for sale. This is my mixtape and it’s for free. Meek Mill has his fan base, it’s bigger than mine and I have my fan base. He’s going to get his and I am going to get mine.

Can you tell us about your songs with Cool & Dre and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League? The records with Cool & Dre were for the album, “Too Little, Too Late,” “The Shelter,” and a few others were intended to be on the album. I decided it was time to put the music out. With the League, I felt comfortable with recording with them. I have more records with them that will be on the album.

What is your favorite track off Help Is on the Way? My favorite record is called “Hold Back Tears,” it is a bit more personal. It is autobiographical, so to speak. It is less about the trap and more about me. This is one of my deepest records, to date.

After you release this mixtape, can fans expect you to release your album? That’s always up in the air, I don’t know how much everyone knows about record labels. The whole building has to be on board and I am waiting on that. But, I decided to drop this mixtape in the meantime.

Don Trip’s Help Is on The Way will be released on October 31, 2012 via DatPiff.com