We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trevell Franklin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Trevell, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It all started during a time when music was the only thing that made sense to me. Life wasn’t exactly smooth — I was surrounded by people chasing quick money or temporary fame, and I wanted something real. Music had always been my therapy, but one day it clicked for me that it could be more than that. It could be my business. My brand.

I remember sitting in my room, late night, headphones on, listening to a beat loop for hours. I started thinking — what if I told my story the way nobody else could? Not just to rhyme, not just to impress, but to represent the grind, the pain, the wins, and the lessons. That’s where the name Only1tipy came from — it’s about being one of one. Authentic. No copies. No filters.

At first, I was just making music because I loved it. But then I realized — there’s a whole lot of people out there who feel what I feel, but don’t have a voice for it. That’s when it turned from passion to purpose. I saw the business potential because authenticity never goes out of style. Listeners are tired of gimmicks; they want connection. And I knew I could give them that.

From a logical standpoint, I studied how other artists were building their brands — dropping singles, building content on social media, connecting with fans, performing live, and turning their music into movements. I wasn’t trying to copy that, but I learned from it. I built my strategy around what they were missing: a real story that inspires loyalty, not just streams.

The more I worked on my sound, the more I saw how my music could fill a gap. I wasn’t just rapping; I was speaking from experience — things I’ve seen, felt, and survived. That emotional truth is what got me most excited. Every verse I write is a reminder that I’m turning pain into purpose, struggle into success, and passion into profit.

That’s when I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor. It wasn’t just about making music — it was about building a legacy. Only1tipy became more than a name; it became a movement about staying true to yourself, no matter what.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I go by Only1tipy, an independent rap artist and creative entrepreneur. Music has been my lifeline since day one — a way to process life, express truth, and build something that lasts. I didn’t get into this game just to make noise; I got into it to make an impact. My journey into music came from growing up surrounded by real-life stories — struggle, survival, ambition, and resilience. I’ve always been fascinated by how words and rhythm could turn pain into power, and that’s what pulled me into rap.

At first, I was just freestyling and recording tracks for fun, but the deeper I got, the more I realized this was my purpose. I wasn’t just creating songs — I was creating messages, energy, and emotion that people could relate to. That’s when Only1tipy became more than a name; it became a brand rooted in authenticity and self-belief.

In this industry, I wear many hats — I’m a rapper, songwriter, performer, and creative visionary. My “product” is music, but my real mission is connection. Through my songs, visuals, and performances, I give people something they can feel. I provide motivation for those chasing their dreams, a voice for those who’ve been overlooked, and real-life storytelling for anyone tired of fake images and empty lyrics.

What sets me apart is my perspective. I don’t try to fit into what’s trending — I build from truth. My sound mixes sharp lyricism with emotional depth, turning real experiences into powerful narratives. Every track I drop carries a message — whether it’s about the grind, loyalty, pain, or perseverance. I want my listeners to walk away not just entertained, but inspired.

As a brand, Only1tipy represents originality — being one of one, never following the crowd, and turning individuality into strength. That’s what drives my creativity. From my visual concepts to my sound, I make sure everything I put out feels personal, powerful, and purpose-driven.

I’m most proud of the growth — not just musically, but mentally and professionally. I’ve built this from the ground up, stayed independent, and learned the business side of the industry while staying true to my art. Seeing my music reach new ears, hearing fans say my lyrics helped them through something — that’s what keeps me going.

What I want people to know about me and my brand is simple: I’m not just another rapper. I’m a storyteller, a motivator, and a reminder that no matter where you start, you can create your own lane. Everything I do comes from real experience and pure intention — and that’s something you can feel in every beat, every bar, and every performance.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My childhood friends were able to help me complete my goals

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Honestly just never giving up along the way. Despite how I felt or what I was going through I never gave up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/only1tipy
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/only1tipy
• Twitter: https://X.com/only1tipy
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@only1tipyvevo950?si=c-Xg_iV5pMQlF1wR

Image Credits

Myself