Trap Starz Clik Official Page

TRAP STARZ CLIK BIOHip-hop has always been known for bringing the truth about American cities to the masses. California was known for palm trees and Hollywood—until NWA introduced the world to South Central. Atlanta was known as the land of peach trees and Southern belles—until Outkast introduced their playalistic style and funky grooves.For many years, the Texas rap scene has been broadcast to the world through the eyes of Houston. From the Geto Boys in the early ‘90s, to artists like Chamillionaire more recently, H-town has overshadowed much of Texas.But there is more to Texas than Houston. And the Trap Starz Clik is ready to put Dallas on the map.Lil High, Pacman and YT are three childhood friends from the Westside of Dallas, which they affectionately call “The Backwoods.”Like many young men in Dallas growing up in the 80s, the Trap Starz were raised on hip-hop. But it wasn’t until they were all enrolled together at Nimitz High School in Dallas that hip-hop music really became their focus.“I’ve been free-styling for years,” says YT. “By the time I got to middle school, it was something I did regularly, whenever I could. And by high school, rapping together was a natural progression for us.”Although music was a heavy influence, the threesome also realized that education would be essential for their future goals, so they all enrolled in higher education after graduating from high school. They continued to record music but at the same time Pacman attended Texas Tech, Lil High enrolled at Mountain View Community College while Y-T was a student at High Tech Institute in Dallas.As they continued to record and perform throughout Dallas whenever they had the opportunity, they also explored other avenues for success, taking business classes and planning to venture into real estate. In between college classes, the group’s early work was more for fun than anything else. But group member Lil High’s older brother, Big High, heard the music they were recording and did a double take.“He was working with a few artists at the time,” explains Lil High. “He wasn’t really thinking of us in that way. But then he heard some of the music we were working on and I think he was surprised. He immediately started working with us and it just took off from there.”Working with producers Mr. Rodgers and Stunt & Dozier, the group began recording their music. One song, “Get It Big,” clearly had potential—and they realized it before the song was even completed.“We were in the studio that night,” says YT. “We were listening to the track, working on the hook. There were a few girls hanging out there. As soon as the song started coming together, the girls were dancing to the song immediately. We knew right away we had something.”When the Trap Starz Clik were done recording “Get It Big,” they decided to see if they were right about the song being a potential hit.“We took the record to a place called Rhythm City in Dallas,” recalls Lil High. “That’s where a lot of the local acts go to try and break their records. We went on a Thursday night and the club wasn’t really crunk because it was still early. They played the song and everyone hit the floor.”The song is a simmering, minimal track with elements of both snap and crunk music under a definitively catchy chorus. “Get It Big” is more than a song—it’s an anthem and a movement. While the uncensored version maybe more appropriate for a rowdy after-hours club, the clean version works anywhere and is a call to anyone who dreams of doing big things.“When we go up into the strip clubs in Dallas, it’s a given that this song comes on as soon as we come through the doors,” Lil High says with a laugh. “But it’s about women who are doing it big in any industry, whether they are school teachers, doctors, strippers, whatever; we respect the girls that are doing it big.”Their career has taken off in a whirlwind of performances and recognition ever since. The trio has performed all over Texas and beyond, and the song “Get It Big” has become a radio staple in several markets.Beyond the catchiness of the single and the high-energy spirit of the song that brings people to the dance floor, the quirky in-your-face visual style of the Trap Starz Clik is another element that sets them apart and forms their identity. It all started with group member Pacman, who liked to paint designs on his t-shirts and jeans and add glitter and bright colors to his customized sneakers.“We always liked how Pacman hooked up his outfits,” says YT. “So we started asking him to hook up our stuff too. And it became a part of how we present our package. We’re known for taking risks. Since we don’t rap like everybody else, it makes sense that we don’t dress like everybody else either. Everything about the Trap Starz is unique.”They also add a sweet and unique addition to their hairstyle, often wearing their hair in braids and using hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or Tootsie rolls in place of beads. At several shows, this look has become their calling card—and tossing out the candy from their elaborate hairstyles into the audience has become a crowd-pleasing element of their live shows.“That’s definitely something no one has ever seen before,” says Pacman. “We’ve always wanted to make a statement. And that’s just one of the ways we do it.”But the real proof that the Trap Starz Clik have a bright future is their album, HOOD DEPOT. Even beyond their eclectic looks and kinetic performances, the music speaks for itself.HOOD DEPOT has something for everyone: on “I’m Fresh,” a smooth, subtle beat sneaks up on the listener—you’ll begin nodding your head before you even realize it. On “Fight Go Wit It,” they present a raucous track with rock influences that makes it perfect for a mosh pit or a nightclub.“That’s my favorite track,” says YT. “It’s a song that really expresses the way I feel. On all of our tracks we’re trying to show people who we are. But on that song, I especially feel like who I am is coming across.”“Check Out My Kicks” and “Sittin’ On Blades” are fun and light-hearted shout outs to their way of flossing—from clothes to cars. The songs have equally infectious beats, infused with video-game pings and high-tech, space- age influenced production.And while they may rock candy in their hair, things are not always sweet on the Westside of Dallas. (“Don’t think cause I’m rapping/That I ain’t gutter” spits Pacman). HOOD DEPOT also offers a wrenching and convincing look at life in D-Town on several tracks, including “BallinSmashin” and “Do My Thang.”They even add their own dance-step song, “Step Wiggle With It,” which just may become the next viral sensation, similar to Soulja Boy’s “Crank That” and other popular rap-dance songs.A complete, well-thought album from start to finish, HOOD DEPOT is destined to bring attention to the Dallas rap scene and the Trap Starz Clik are looking forward to being pioneers.“We have a lot of respect for those who came before us,” explains Lil High. “People like Tum Tum, and several local Dallas artists, have opened the doors for us. Now, it’s our time. We’re not stopping until everyone nationwide understands how we do it in Dallas. We’re just getting started.”