Terence Robertson performed his first rap song at his fifth-grade talent show using the moniker "T-Money." Now, though, Robertson performs as "Teuro."
Robertson uses the name because it reminds him of his original name, which had been given to him by a teacher.
Since then, Robertson has devoted himself to his music.
"Songwriting happened unconsciously," Robertson said.
The song was inspired by something his mother said to him, and after sitting down to write, he realized he had scribbled out a full verse.
"I always liked music," Robertson said.
Robertson said that many of his influences have been not only popular rap artists such as Biggie Smalls, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Tupac, but also rock groups such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and techno groups such as Daft Punk.
One of the first lessons Robertson said he learned in music was to always respect someone else's work.
"Don't ever knock any style of music," Robertson said. "That's something I had to learn. Every musical genre pulled from another genre."
Robertson said he hasn't focused his own music on rap and hip hop exclusively. He branched out, taking singing lessons and getting into Rhythm & Blues.
He was in a band called Wojett Music and has been playing guitar for two years. Robertson also began to delve into the production side of music by creating some techno instrumentals.
Robertson began his college career at Hocking College, just a few miles away from Ohio University. Although the colleges are close in proximity, their music scenes are quite different.
The music scene at Hocking was unorganized, Robertson said. His band was called to perform all the time for music events.
After transferring to OU during the fall, Robertson was introduced to Athens' music scene. It took him awhile to get used to the atmosphere, but he believes the music scene is strong.
"There's a nice vibe now," Robertson said.
Robertson's first OU performance was in 2008 at the Hip-Hop Shop. Since then, he has gone on to perform numerous times. His latest performance was Jan. 27 at Hip-Hop Congress' Hip-Hopalooza 2.
"The crowd was into the music," Robertson said.
Robertson plans to graduate with a degree in music production and would like to be signed by an independent record label, hoping to maintain his creative freedom.
"I'd definitely rather be signed to an independent label," Robertson. "Major labels are not the place to be right now."
At the moment, Robertson is working on an untitled project that will feature local rapper DC King of Hearts and a few others.
@ThePostCulture
