By Carlos Cureno
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Later this year, expect Houston to have another big explosion on their hip hop scene. Much of this is due to VH1 giving “Love & Hip Hop Houston” the greenlight. Another reason is MarQuis Trill establishing himself as the biggest artist in the city.
Connected to the entire Houston scene, MarQuis Trill attended college with Kirko Bangz and they have strong ties. But, MarQuis Trill is really winning with YouTube. A verified partner, his “Hit The Dab” music video has reached over 1 million views in less than six months.
MarQuis Trill recently took time out to speak to Hip Hop Vibe for our latest On The Rise segment. During the interview, MarQuis Trill explained the success he is having in the music industry. As an artist, it is important to keep active in different aspects and he shared those details in the interview.
Read the entire interview below:
Can you talk about the success you’ve had with viral videos? My channel has generated more than 61 million views in three years. That’s an average of 20 million views a year. In order to achieve that type of success, there’s only one thing any one can do; GO HARD. Every major event in Houston, every major current event, every new app; you name it, me or one of my team members is there. My goal is to produce eye-catching, trendy content, that viewers will revisit and redistribute among their social media following. Having 178,000 subscribers helps a lot. At any given time, I can control the flow of urban traffic on the internet through content, and that’s the key to my success.
How did you, as an independent artist, manage to forge a partnership with YouTube? YouTube has a partnership program with bloggers who generate solid statistics through their content. When I heard about it, I did my research and I made a contact at the YouTube space in LA. I registered, took a flight to LA, and the rest is history.
Outside of the music, you have relationships with some of the “Love & Hip Hop Houston” cast members, can you discuss that? DJ Eric is my V-Live Family. Now, that guy is truly an entertainer. His character is so crucial to the V-Live brand and I learn a lot from him. Although I’ve yet to collaborate with either of them, I used to record and the same studio as Just Brittany and the Sauce Twinz. Houston’s entertainment community is close-knit, so we all see each other around the way.
You also have a relationship with Entertainment 258, how did that come together? I founded ENT 258. It all started with the formation of a DJ coalition. We’ve got a few DJs signed already. We’re currently looking to expand media staff, sales reps, and models. Our business will the client-focused. The success of ENT 258 will be solely reflected by the people we decide to work with.”
Why did you choose to put together a compilation instead of a solo project for your newest release? In 2016, music is so diverse and produced in mass quantities. I feel like somebody, somewhere makes a hit every day. The idea of this compilation mix tape is to give artist a chance to gain exposure through my marketing presence. This is also like my “coming out” party, as an artist. People have heard my music, but my name is what really brings them familiarity. For the first time ever, I will use my name to promote my music through one single platform. My platform. And after I’ve finished collaborating with these artists, it will be our platform. I’m not stingy at all.”
Are you surprised with the success that “Hit The Dab” has had over the past couple of months? 1.4 million views in six months? With no heavy promotion, no major budget, and no features from other artists? Yeah, I’m definitely good with that… for now. As I continue to perfect my craft and invest more resources, numbers will grow. I have to constantly remind myself that this is only the beginning.
Special Thanks to my homie, Vanilla Trill, for coming through. His energy, among others who supported the shoot, made a huge difference.
What is your involvement in V-Live Houston? Marketing.
What are some of the other projects that you have going on? Entertainment 258 is the main focus. My success on YouTube has put my team in a great position to gain from this opportunity.
We’ve already begun filming for my documentary, recording for my mix tape, and my album, Dreams Happen is about 80% complete. We look to launch this fall.
Where can fans connect with you on social media? Twitter, @6billionpeople; Instagram, @marquistrillshow; YouTube, Marquis Trill; SoundCloud, Marquis Trill; www.marquistrill.com, www.entertainment258.com, or contact my management on IG: @ryanjreal.
Watch “Hit The Dab” by MarQuis Trill below:
Follow Carlos Cureno on Twitter @DjayyCharliee.
