We recently connected with TuiDaShark and have shared our conversation below.
Hi TuiDaShark, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
To date, I think the most meaningful project I have worked on was my “Billy Milly” EP. Still the longest body of work thus far. It was a pivotal point in my creative career where I had just had the collective I was in snatched away by one greedy member and had to kind of reintroduce myself as an individual. The EP has no features and a lot more of me personally than everything I had done prior. Not that I didn’t really put myself out there before, this particular release just really showcased a lot more of what I would further develop moving forward: rhyme schemes, concepts, bar work etc. Billy Milly definitely was my way of flexing as a solo artist and declaring “group or solo, I’m gonna eat” type project. It very much still holds a dear place in my heart
TuiDaShark, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For those unfamiliar with me, I am a Hip Hop fusion artist who prides himself on being able to be conscious and also bar out & talk my ish when the mood so strikes me. I also love creating other forms of artistic expression such as: artwork, music videos, podcasts/interviews and video edits. I also define myself as a “raptivist” speaking on heavier topics and subverting traditional norms like gender roles, sexuality and political/social justice. I am especially proud of the community/tribe that I have built over the years and the relationships with friends and fans alike who have been supporting my craft/art. I think I am most proud of my fluidity in creation working with different artists and sounds. Between reggaeton-esque to reggae all the way to rock-rap (screaming included) you will never hear two songs that sound alike from me.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Oh man. So, I had a really rough time dealing with someone who had really tried to destroy me in more ways than one. They had slung dirt and made posts that were complete fabrications and had even affected my image and work bc of these allegations. Worst of all, this person was in a longtime relationship with me. So much so that when things took a turn she began reaching out to ppl I was close to slandering me and pushing a narrative that had folks questioning my character. Through all of this I made the track “Ungrateful” voicing my displeasure but ultimately forgiving her and choosing to move on with my life rather than stoop to her level and try and ruin her in return, which I totally could have done. The song came out so wonderfully and even helped me to heal and grow internally, so I am super grateful for all of it. See what I did there? Haha
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Most definitely. My vision isn’t one dimensionally music, I aim to crossover into film, comedy and, later in my career, directing. I love the visual arts so much and feel I can reach that much deeper into my fans’ connection with me as a person. My goal is, ultimately, to run my own production company where I can release my own movies, stand up specials, etc and simultaneously create a platform for artists I want the world to see more of. As lofty as this may seem, I am dedicated to reaching these heights even if it kills me. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that. All jokes aside I am certain that the talents I have built and nurtured will bear fruit in my manifestations of art and self.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/tui.da.shark
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tui.da.shark/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/TuiDaShark/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tuidashark?si=DLWILypvph5R-MI5
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tuidashark
- Other: Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/5c2eHvRbea0LJgEYiaXgNZ?si=RKpK9vvERI6GLTKTKLLq9wApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tuidashark/1254637321
