For over two decades, independent recording artist, songwriter, and label founder Traé Scott has been documenting life through a lens of profound authenticity. Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Atlanta, his musical journey has always been about much more than just catching ears—it is about shaping perspectives. Through his independent label, Ill Abstract Minds, established in 2015, Scott has created a dedicated sanctuary for original thinkers who value authentic experience over fleeting trends.
Now, he returns with his monumental fifth studio album, ‘The Art’, a deeply personal project that transforms life’s collective victories, setbacks, and lessons into a powerful sonic statement.
‘The Art’ beautifully blends reflective storytelling, cinematic production, and thought-provoking lyricism into a cohesive project centred on legacy and resilience. Grounded in a philosophy that "the process itself is the masterpiece", the album serves as an open invitation for listeners to embrace every single chapter of their own unique journeys. Inheriting a rich musical lineage from a family deeply connected to the craft—most notably his grandfather, a certified multi-instrumentalist—Traé views each song as a deliberate brushstroke on a lifelong canvas.
In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into his generational inspirations, his meticulous songwriting process, the clean slate that birthed this new era, and what it truly means to build a legacy that extends far beyond the music itself.
Thanks for joining us, Traé! Let’s dive right in – when did you first start making music and what inspired you to start?
“I started writing music back in 2004, and dropped my first recorded song, Cool Whip, in 2008 after writing it two years earlier. What inspired me wasn’t a single moment — it was legacy. Music wasn’t something I discovered; it was something I inherited. I grew up in a home where music never stopped playing, from my parents’ favourite records to trips with my father to buy new albums. My grandfather — a certified pianist, organist, educator, and multi-instrumentalist who played 19 instruments — became the biggest influence on my artistic journey. When he passed away, music stopped being something I simply loved. It became the way I chose to carry my family’s legacy forward.”
Can you tell us a bit about your current project and what it means to you?
“My latest project, ‘The Art’, is more than an album — it’s a philosophy. It represents everything I’ve learned across two decades of creating: the decisions, sacrifices, failures, victories, and moments of growth that shape a life. To me, a masterpiece doesn’t begin when it’s finished; it begins the moment the artist decides to create. ‘The Art’ is the culmination of every release, every lesson, and every setback that led me here.”
Were there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when creating the release?
“Absolutely. My earliest influences came from the music my parents played and the albums my father and I picked up together — artists like DMX and Jay-Z shaped how I heard storytelling and emotion in music. But the deepest influence came from my grandfather’s musicianship and passion. His legacy is woven into everything I create. Beyond that, the experiences that shaped ‘The Art’ came from real life — relationships, friendships, confidence, doubt, happiness, pain, perseverance, and purpose. Every chapter added another brushstroke.”
How would you describe the sound on your latest release?
“The sound of ‘The Art’ is intentional, polished, and rooted in perspective. It blends bold storytelling with emotional depth — cinematic production, honest lyricism, and a balance of grit and growth. It’s the sound of someone who’s lived, learned, and kept creating no matter what. It’s dark in places, hopeful in others, and always grounded in authenticity.”
What was your songwriting process? How did it all come together on this latest release?
“My songwriting process has always been rooted in honesty. As an only child, writing became the clearest way to communicate how I see the world — the microphone is the place where my thoughts can exist exactly as I hear them. For ‘The Art’, the process was about reflecting on all the lessons I’ve learned in music and in life. I didn’t rush into The Art. I spent 2023 and 2024 dropping more than 24 singles and closing that chapter with the ‘Lesson 1’ EP.”
“Releasing all the music I had stored away over the years gave me a clean slate, and that fresh start opened the door to new thoughts and ideas that shaped this album. Every release sharpened my voice and helped me understand the direction this album was meant to take. When it finally came time to create ‘The Art’, everything aligned — the lessons, the setbacks, the growth, and the philosophy behind the title.”
Was there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in your latest release?
"Yes, the central message is legacy. Not legacy as something you leave behind, but something you create every single day. ‘The Art’ is about understanding that every moment, whether beautiful or difficult, becomes part of the masterpiece. Today’s circumstances don’t define tomorrow. Every setback has the potential to become something meaningful.”
What’s the most important thing when you’re writing a song?
“The most important thing is intention. I create with one belief: no matter what someone is facing, they aren’t facing it alone. My goal is for listeners to leave feeling better than they did before they pressed play — to feel understood, encouraged, and reminded that better days are ahead.”
Do you have any advice for bands and artists who are just starting out and trying to make their mark?
“Create from a place of passion, not recognition. The artists who last are the ones who would keep creating even if success never arrived. Originality matters. Perspective matters. And your voice matters. Don’t chase formulas — build something real. And remember: the masterpiece begins the moment you decide to create.”
What has been your best moment as a musician or band so far? What has the reception to your latest release been like?
“The reception to ‘The Art’ has been overwhelming love. People haven’t just been listening — they’ve been connecting. Fans have been quoting the songs and even the skits back to me on socials and in person, which lets me know the project is really landing the way I hoped it would. When someone repeats a line or a moment from the album, it shows me they felt something real. That’s the whole purpose behind what I create. I’ve always wanted listeners to leave feeling better than they did before they pressed play, and seeing people respond with that kind of energy has been one of the most meaningful parts of releasing this album.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with and support you?
“I appreciate everyone who takes the time to listen. If the music resonates, stay connected — I’m building something meant to outlive me, and every listener becomes part of that legacy. You can find me on all platforms under Traé Scott, and connect with me on Instagram at @iamtraescott and through my label, Ill Abstract Minds. Thank you for supporting the art and the journey.”
Traé Scott’s journey reminds us that music is at its most potent when it stems from a place of deep-seated purpose and generational heritage. By clearing out his archives to pave the way for ‘The Art’, he has unlocked a level of vulnerability and wisdom that commands attention from start to finish.
It is clear that his independent movement is set to leave an indelible mark on the creative landscape, empowering listeners to look at their own lives as unfolding masterpieces. Be sure to stream ‘The Art’ on your favourite music platform, and make sure to follow Traé Scott on Instagram and check out his creative collective at www.IllAbstractMinds.com to stay updated on his upcoming releases and live dates.
