Tay B is more than an up-and-coming rapper — he wants to be at the forefront of what he considers Detroit’s “rap resurgence.” Before he logged into the day’s Zoom meeting, B’s manager confirmed that he was exiting a charitable endeavor in his hometown. Ownership, giving back, and creative autonomy are recurring themes during his exclusive chat with The Knockturnal.
After departing from his original deal with Columbia Records, the Midwest MC established a partnership between his imprint AFLN Music Group and Giant Music, which Irving and Jeffrey Azoff own. “They already know the blueprint. Everything they tell me feels like advice because I am in rooms with certain people. I am always learning,” B explained.
The success of this year’s extended mixtape, 4eva In My Bag (Deluxe), is gearing him up to headline his first North American tour and more. The Knockturnal connected with Tay B to learn about Lil Baby executive producing his forthcoming album, why he still feels like he has not made it, and his manifestations on what’s to come. Get to know the rising entrepreneur below.
Photo: Giant Music
The Knockturnal: In what ways has the partnership with Giant Music and AFLN Music Group helped enhance your hustle?
Tay B: It helped me enhance my hustle because when it is a partnership, it is not a matter of me doing what someone is telling me to do. I am doing what I want to do. So, at the end of the day, if I make the wrong move, it will fall back on me. It is not just on the label.
The Knockturnal: Your latest single, “Wish I Never,” documents a breakup. Do you write about your experiences, or are you also pulling song inspiration from circumstances that affect people around you?
Tay B: It is kind of a mixture of both. Sometimes my experiences are what you hear in the music. I make a lot of songs about girls. I have had my fair share [Laughs]. It is easy for me to talk about them. Most of the time, 9 out of 10, the song is about me. I will mix a little something in a song that I know a lot of people can relate to.
The Knockturnal: So, being relatable is important to you while songwriting.
Tay B: For sure… I feel like all relationships are relatable, no matter what. Everybody in the world, 95 percent of people, have been in a relationship. I think we all go through the same things. My music is [a reflection of] that.
The Knockturnal: Irving and Jeffrey Azoff have had a hand in a number of artists’ success. Has either given you game in the process of navigating the music business?
Tay B: Yes! Basically, we are all a team. We all sit down at one table and put ideas out. As you’ve said, they have ideas. They have helped people become successful. So, [our exchanges] will always be game to me.
They already know the blueprint. Everything they tell me feels like advice because I am in rooms with certain people. I am always learning. I keep an open ear. Anything they do is motivation or advice.
Photo: Brianna Alysse
The Knockturnal: Earlier this year, you released 4eva In My Bag (Deluxe). What went into the process of taking your tracklist from 15 to 22 songs?
Tay B: I had not put a tape out in 2 years. When I put it out, it did so well. I wanted to put more songs out. When I originally released it, I wanted to release like 25 songs. I had to narrow it down. I put out the deluxe version because I knew people wanted more. They had not heard from me. They deserved it!
The Knockturnal: Okay, were these songs already recorded, or did you go back to the studio and record what is on the deluxe version of your mixtape?
Tay B: I say both. I had some recorded. I am always recording, so the deluxe version almost ended up being [entirely] new songs. There are probably 2 older tracks on there. Once I make something new, I kinda don’t want to put the old stuff out [Laughs].
The Knockturnal: Your single “Ask,” featuring A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, shows love to the woman who held you down before you had much to give. Lyrically this is rare now. Why was recording this song important to you?
Tay B: It was! I was just showing her appreciation. I feel like a lot of people don’t. In the day and age we are in now, many people ain’t into that. They don’t even do that. It was important to show appreciation for holding me down… for real. I think most girls won’t. If they see someone else doing better, they’ll go away.
The Knockturnal: You have quite a few collaborators. Was there one studio session that made you feel like you made it?
Tay B: Not necessarily, because I know I am doing good. I am doing better than many, but I always have room to improve. Even though I look like I made it to a lot of people, I still don’t feel like I’ve made it. I still have a lot to accomplish.
I am grateful for my opportunities, though. My tape was big. It is definitely a milestone, but there is so much more I have to do now. So, I have not made it yet. I feel like I will not be able to walk up the street when I make it.
Photo: Brianna Alysse
The Knockturnal: Generationally, Detroit has contributed numerous musical icons. Beyond the rap genre, how have these talents influenced you?
Tay B: They have influenced me decently. Now, some of [the talent] who made it from Detroit had already been my friends. That gave me the motivation to know I could do it. That put a battery in my back to go harder.
The Knockturnal: Your team’s pitch acknowledged you as one of the largest talents in your city’s rap resurgence. Do you feel any level of responsibility to represent Detroit?
Tay B: For sure! We have to make sure the outside states know. The real Detroit is where I feel responsible. Other artists feel responsible for showing the world who we are.
There are a lot of places that say they “created this.” A lot of people from other states are recreating Detroit’s sound. So, we have to let listeners know what we originated. You know? Yes, I definitely feel responsible.
The Knockturnal: You also retail your own clothing and merchandise. Do you have aspirations to grow other businesses outside of music?
Tay B: Yes! Music is just to get through one door. To me, there are so many other doors behind that one. I am open to making more money, of course. It will be anything that will make a profit but [allow me to] have fun while doing it. I am not going to do just anything.
The Knockturnal: From your perspective, what do 50 years of hip-hop mean for the culture?
Tay B: That means a lot. Well, 50 years is double my age [Laughs]. That is a long time for hip-hop! I definitely, definitely feel grateful that we came this far culturally.
Photo: Brianna Alysse
The Knockturnal: Who is your top 5?
Tay B: That is hard. I can’t lie [Laughs]. I have so many people that I listen to. I am not a super fan of nobody, though. I listen to different artists’ music for different reasons.
The Knockturnal: Okay, so if we cannot narrow down a top 5, can we acknowledge a few of your inspirations growing up?
Tay B: Yes, I liked Bow Wow when I was a kid. When I got a little older, about 8 or 9, I was listening to JAY-Z. My pops always played 2Pac. There were other up-and-coming rappers back then, like Jeezy and T.I. I was a big fan of them.
The Knockturnal: Your debut album is in the works and will be executive produced by Lil Baby. What can fans anticipate?
Tay B: What fans can anticipate is all good music. You know Lil Baby is the executive producer. He has sold a lot of records! So, with his ear on it and my talent, I will make sure it is the best work I have put out so far.
Collaboration is natural. We can kick it for 2 to 3 hours and do a song. We listen to some music and beats. You know? It feels natural [working together]. I’m in the studio with a friend, for real.
The Knockturnal: What are you manifesting next for yourself this year?
Tay B: After my album releases, I am going on tour. After that, I will drop another tape before the year is out. I want to stay at it and keep working and putting material out there. But I have touring on my mind. My manager confirmed we are dropping a couple of singles in the next 30 days.
The Knockturnal: Lastly, how do you wish to be remembered?
Tay B: I want to be remembered as one of the greatest from Detroit. I want to help people with my music. People have said my music got them through some stuff, so that is really my goal.
I get people through whatever they are going through. That’s big for me. I do not want to be somebody who just makes you bob your head. I want to be someone who helps make you feel.