Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis M.
Hi Travis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
They call me Travis, the Acrobatic Rappin’ Addict. It’s only been within the past year that people have began knowing me as such, but the brand has been years in the making. A lifetime. Since I was 8 or 9 years old I began writing songs in class, to my parents’ chagrin, and if wanting to be a rapper wasn’t bad enough, I was also the neighborhood daredevil putting on a show doing backflips until I was dizzy. While it’s easy to pin down when my love for songwriting, and self expression began, I have absolutely no memory of learning how to do my first backflip. However, these two past times served as outlets when times were the hardest. Growing up in a single parent household of 4 comes with its challenges, and as the youngest child, I was often separated from my 2 older siblings. Over the years I learned to appreciate the solitude and when things got turbulent writing was a way to understand those deep emotions that come from isolation, and feeling misunderstood. Tumbling, being a skill that I could practice alone, became a way to release any pinned up aggression as I got older. By age 16, with the help of a few good friends, I was fully committed to the dream of becoming a famous rapper, and at my first talent show performance in high school, I performed an original rap, and tumbled across the gym floor. That was the day the Acrobatic Rappin’ Addict was born. Fast forward to today, I have perfected my craft as an artist through countless spoken word, concert, and MC performances, and as a tumbler through a scholarship as a Grambling State University Cheerleader (Captain), becoming a Head Instructor for the United Spirit Association, and being the Cheer Coach for PRO Status Houston.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The journey has been long and full of uncertainties, but the only thing you can do with an obstacle is get over it, or go through it. As an acrobat, I have had two right knee surgeries, once in high school, once in college, and both times the doctors told me that I would not be able to flip again. Let’s just say they were wrong. The hardest challenge that I have faced as an Independent Artist is starting down the path alone. With no friends or family in the industry the path was full of trial and error. The path was also full of naysayers. Taking the road less traveled the first fight I had to endure was convincing my mom that this was happening, this was who I am going to be. After that, there are those who turn up their nose when you tell them your dream. Lastly, as an Independent, you have been fighting against the will of nonbelievers all this time, to finally build up the strength to say “this is my life, this is what I want to do, I am doing this with or without you” just to realize you cannot achieve the goal alone. You just keep pressing forward until one day you meet someone who believes in you, and you can help each other become better to achieve the goal. Now you have the makings of a team which every artist needs. Do that again and again until the positions are filled.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an Independent Hip Hop Artist and MC in Houston, Tx I can confidently say I bring a live show that rivals any of the artists in the city. I have performed on stages of all settings and sizes, from convention centers at cheer competitions all over the country to venues like the House Of Blues Houston, and the Fredrick C. Hobdy arena at Grambling State University. When I grab the mic the room is filled with energy in a way that seems unreal to even me. Whether it is with a live band or tracks I am guaranteed to move the crowd with meaningful lyrics and enthusiastic performances. For those who can not make it to a show at this time, I encourage them to subscribe to my youtube channel for incredible visuals, namely “SHINE”, and “Pray”. Produced and directed by myself, these are not just music videos, but visuals that bring the song to life, and offer substance to those who take it in. I take the term artist seriously, and put love, care, and intention into each work. My music jams, yet also holds a deeper message in each song. What I do really well as a Hip Hop Artist is give you a classic feel with a modern influence.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books, and things that I have helped me cultivate my mind recently have been “48 Laws of Power”, “Think and Grow Rich”, various speeches by Les Brown, and a really good gem is the book “The Game of Life and How to Play It” by Florence Scovel Shinn. In addition to meditation and prayer, I use these books to reinforce my faith, revitalize my spirit, but also to understand the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: TravisM.Management@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/TravisMjustM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TravisMjustM/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravisMjustM/
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/TravisMjustM/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/TravisMjustM/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/TravisMjustM
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0jaD0jvLGqCymmZ5FLosgQ?si=51bjYl3-TaCrLrLESvj-6w&nd=1
Image Credits
Sherita Stanley (Vision 4 Productions)
Joe Champion (Champion Images)
Kiry Gibson
