Shootya 12-sided Die: Drive-by Interview with Terp2it

Tonight at Emo's, mc chris, the Yuppie Pricks and nerdcore rapper Terp2it (aka tireless local performer Chris Trew) will take the stage to rock your tighty whities. We recently snagged a copy of Terp2it's new album, The Freshest Dude, and sat down for a quick chat with him about his new release.

How would you describe nerdcore to the uninitiated?
I think it started as "rapping about something that's popular with nerds" like Star Wars. It's now evolved into sort of "not rapping about what most rappers rap about." Which is a good thing. I think I rap about nerdy things with a not-super-nerdy approach or I rap about hardcore things and sound like a nerd.

How did you get interested in nerdcore rap?
I've always been into rap music and I don't think I have much a choice about what kind of rapper I am. I take the craft seriously, but I don't take myself seriously enough to be anything but "nerdcore" rapper. Plus I've never seen anyone die, so I'm probably not very tough.

If you could get into a rap battle with any other artist, who would it be?
Compared to the work ethic of most "nerdcore" rappers, I think mainstream rappers are pretty nerdy and I'd like to battle some of those guys. I can count on one hand the number of current rappers that I think are worth my time. Plus, as the reigning champion of the Toronto International Improv Festival Battle Rap Tournament, I can confidently say that I'm the most confident dude.

What is The Freshest Dude all about and why should people buy it?
The Freshest Dude is a lot of fun to listen to. It sounds heavier than most people expect it to and it's got some variety to it. A lot of people have commented that they have no idea what's coming next in any particular song, that no line is predictable and I'm very proud of that. I took my time and worked hard on writing that album. It's catchy, it's amusing, it's fun. Every album wants to have its own sound, it doesn't want to sound like anything else and I think I've managed to accomplish that. Also, I love listening to it and you should trust that I have good taste.

Damn. Ladies, catch that swagger in person at Emo's tonight*.

mc chris w/the Yuppie Pricks/Terp2it
Thursday, July 26th
Emo's (outside)
Doors at 8 p.m., Show at 8:30 p.m.

Terp2it [MySpace]
Terp2it's single MySpace [Listen]

[*Weather may affect this show. Contact Emo's for additional information.]