We recently connected with Artis TPT Edwards and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Artis TPT thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I’ve loved creating for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we didn’t have much—after my mom made sure we had food on the table and a roof over our heads, there wasn’t much left for toys or other extras. I used to cut out pictures of toys I liked from magazines and ads, then tape them together, imagining I had them. I’ll never forget the time I sneakily brought those paper creations to school, only to get caught and scolded—looking back, it was kind of funny. That moment sparked something in me: I knew I had to find a way to improve my life.
At that time, I wasn’t an athlete, and nothing about me really stood out—until one day, during lunch, I heard someone tapping on a desk with a pencil, rapping in a way that completely captivated me. They must have noticed me watching because they invited me to give it a try. And when I did, for the first time ever, people genuinely listened to what I had to say. From that day forward, I committed myself to making music.
I taught myself most of what I know, but I’ve also been fortunate to cross paths with incredible mentors and teachers who believed in me and took me seriously. The truth most people won’t share is this: the secret to success isn’t a shortcut, but the hard work itself. You have to be willing to mess up, fail, stumble, and get back up without giving up. Knowing who you are, even when everything around you suggests otherwise, is crucial.
People often celebrate the champion, but reaching that point involves countless unseen steps. The ability to believe fully in what you’re doing, even after setbacks, and keep trying again—that’s the most valuable skill you can have in any field. There’s no way to rush this journey; you need to live it, breathe it, and experience it genuinely.
Personally, I’ve faced plenty of obstacles and been told who I’m not and what I can’t do, but I’ve turned all of that negativity into fuel to keep pushing forward. Some chase fame or money, but for me, it’s always been about pure passion. I’ve performed with the same joy and determination with no applause or recognition as I did when working alongside Grammy-nominated and award-winning artists and engineers. At the end of the day, you have to truly love your craft to endure and succeed.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those of you who haven’t heard of me before, my name is Artis Edwards, but in the music world, I go by TPT, which stands for Trial Pain Tribulations. It’s not just a name—it represents the challenges I’ve faced and conquered throughout my journey. I’m a recording artist dedicated to creating music that dives deep into real-life issues and raw emotions—songs designed to truly make you feel.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented and promising artists in Texas, working alongside both established names and rising stars. Some of the incredible artists I’ve teamed up with include HHP, Yung Green, Redd Turner, Mr. Supaman Mainstream, Vondoom, Blockboys, Brick Boys, T-Flasha’, RJ Main, C Frank Brxnt, CWalka, Ap, J Soulja, XYZ (also known as Meet Sims), Naila, GSmith, Kydd Jones, Slo Boogy, D2, Int Scoot, DubFresh, One2Cee, Anya, Hyder, US—and the list just keeps growing.
My creative process is fueled by a diverse group of beat makers such as Beezy Beats, TY Beats, DJ RadioHead from Canada, 5star Beats, the remarkable Beanz N Kornbread from Houston, Super Mario Beats, Elduets, and many more. On the technical side, I’ve had the honor of working with some of the most legendary and innovative engineers in the industry, including Chris Athens, Irko, Derek Garcia, DJ La.D. Da, Wonder Arillo, CWalka, Brent Carter, Russ Pickman, among others.
Thanks to the incredible Matthew Markoff, aka M80, I’ve been lucky enough to obtain exclusive verses and leases from Grammy-winning mainstream artists like The Game, Future, Snoop Dogg, Royce Da 5’9, Killah Priest, Canibus, M80, and Lil Wayne. These tracks are available across multiple streaming platforms, making them easily accessible to fans worldwide. One of my proudest achievements is a song called “Chasing Smoke,” featuring Edidon from Tupac’s legendary group, The Outlawz—a project I single-handedly brought to life.
But my creativity doesn’t stop with music. I’m currently developing four urban manga series—SVerse, Soul Verse X, Yahwei, and Western Ronin—complete with games and light novels. All the stories are written by me and beautifully illustrated by Bunny Arts Studios, whose incredible talent brings these worlds to life (trust me, this artist is truly one of the greats).
Beyond that, I also compose music for commercials, videos, and films. Just last year, one of my placements was featured on Club Shay Shay during his interview with music mogul Steve Stoute. Proudly, I am a UnitedMasters artist, and above all, I consider myself a lifelong student of the music game—a game I wholeheartedly love and am deeply passionate about.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most incredible and fulfilling aspects of being an artist is the opportunity to connect deeply with both your audience and fellow creatives while sharing your craft and evolving along the way. My passion for making music is just as strong as my love for listening to it. In this world, there’s so much to learn simply by paying attention and genuinely appreciating the artistry. If you’re truly skilled, you remain a student—always curious, always growing. When you open up and share your story, you never know who might find inspiration or, unexpectedly, who might teach you a valuable lesson. I’ve never relied on shady connections or shortcuts; in fact, I believe the buzz about “plugs” misses the point entirely. I’ve built my network through honest conversations and meaningful interactions because, at the end of the day, we’re all human beings—not just a collection of likes and algorithms. You have to put your true self out there, flaws and all. That’s when you become a genuine artist. As for me, I’m still on this journey, learning and evolving, and I suppose only time will reveal where it leads.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In today’s world, the most powerful gift society can offer artists is the freedom to truly reconnect with their emotions and experiences. Instead of passively consuming whatever is pushed at you, challenge yourself to step beyond the usual boundaries. Revisit the reasons you love certain art in the first place, and be intentional about who and what you choose to follow. Seek out leaders and creators who genuinely deserve your admiration. Trust your own instincts and treat art with the same care you give your nourishment—embrace what resonates with you, but remain open to fresh influences that help you grow. Remember, as the audience, you ultimately shape the trends. So let your choices pave the way for something meaningful and extraordinary in the future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: TPTREALMUSIC
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/166xvxek4d/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/profile/in/artis-tpt-edwards-92078774
- Youtube: @TPTREALMUSIC
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tpttheyellowmask
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/169c7mw8kCXbMXZLHIOdOr?si=HGAqTN4OS8iWZj2R_AqAXA
Image Credits
Photo by Naila