Pastor Troy

PASTOR TROY’S LATEST SERMON USHERS IN NEW ERA OF HIP HOP

Congregations of hip hop lovers everywhere are being drawn into the world vividly described by Pastor Troy on his latest offering Stay True (845 Entertainment).

Upon first listen, it becomes clear that Troy is no longer preaching to the choir. Instead, he takes aim at the unconverted -- the nonbelievers -- and gives them a deliciously devilish dose of their own medicine.

Boasting the talents of much-touted producers Cooley C, Drumm, P.NO and Shawty Redd.
Stay True finds Troy mixing it up with a new crop of music makers. The sound is still recognizable, however, and stays true to the renown, get-crunk-represent-the-dirty-south style that he introduced with his 1999 debut We Ready- I Declare War and 2001's Face Off.

The first single is “Well – Un – HUH,” a song best described as up tempo, rugged and real. Of the track Troy says: “ This song is a trademark phrase of mine that I made into a hook which I feel my fans will enjoy.”

Born Micah Levar Troy in College Park, GA, Troy, 24, is the son of a drill sergeant-turned-pastor who laid down strict household rules and made sure his son was introduced to the church at an early age. But like most kids on his block, the young Troy was also exposed to street life. It is that dichotomy, that contradiction of influences, that continues to be reflected in his music today: the respectful preacher's kid who knows better but can't resist indulging his naughty side; the gentlemanly boy next door who seems oblivious to the wiles of his street corner friends but, in actuality, is far craftier than they could ever be.

On Stay True, Troy flirts with religion in one breath, embraces street life in the next and somehow manages to treat them with equal reverence.

Recording the album proved to be a cathartic experience for the rapper. “This album was very relaxing due to the creative control I had in putting it together,” he said “I really enjoyed myself.”

Since his beginnings, Troy's ascension in rap has been steady, earning him the respect of his peers and his fans. This release marks Troy’s first release on (845 Entertainment Distributed by SMC/Fontana Universal). The move to an indie label is proving fruitful for the rapper – “This is cool because you don’t have to sell a million records to get paid and you have more artistic control.”

Posted by Anna Nathanson