Southern lyricist Trell Brooks is a storyteller with a mission. “When I spit, I’m putting medicine in the candy, as the old folks used to say. Meaning, I want to give my audience hope while I give them jams.”
Days before his performance at the Pulse Xperience Music Festival in Charlotte, NC, Brooks sat down for an exclusive interview with I Love Us to share his journey as an artist, his devotion to his community, and his dedication to using his platform for a greater purpose.
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A native of North Carolina, Brooks grew up surrounded by the sounds and culture that shaped his music today. “I want to be more than just a rapper,” he says. “I want to use the talents I was blessed with to move and motivate others.” His humble beginnings, rooted in faith and family, inspire every lyric, and his artistry reflects his deep connection to his Southern roots.
Brooks’ love for music started in college, when late-night writing sessions with roommates turned into open mics and, eventually, performances in front of larger crowds. “That’s when I knew I had to go further with this,” he recalls. Since then, his career has been steadily climbing, with a focus on lyricism that sets him apart from other artists in the industry.
“When people hear my music, I want them to catch the message, not just the beat,” Brooks says. Drawing inspiration from artists like Andre 3000, Nas, and DMX, Brooks prioritizes words over sound. “I’ve learned that when I focus on the words I’m saying, I’m more true to myself as an artist, and that’s when I’m at my best.”
But Brooks’ music isn’t just about crafting clever rhymes—it’s about spreading faith. “I was blessed by God to even have the focus to do this! So, it’s a joyous duty to give myself back to Him, especially through my music.” His single “Spinal Cord” begins with the Lord’s Prayer, and Brooks continues to use his music as a way to share his faith and inspire others.
When asked if he worries about being labeled as a “conscious rapper,” Brooks doesn’t flinch. “The art will reach who it’s supposed to,” he says confidently. “There’s someone out there who will hear my music and find something they need.”
As a Black man and rapper, Brooks recognizes his platform’s influence. Rather than seeing it as a burden, he embraces it as a personal mission. “I want to be a man of service,” he says. “Mental health is mental wealth, and I’ve found peace in music. If I tell my story, maybe it will help the next man find his peace. The right line could change somebody’s whole day, their whole mindset.”
Brooks’ desire to uplift his community was on full display at the Pulse Xperience Music Festival, a two-day celebration of local talent across the Carolinas. “There’s a lot of dope talent down here, some real hidden gems,” he says. “I’m just glad we have another platform to showcase this talent and that I’m among them.”
So, what’s next for Trell Brooks? “More music! It never stops!” he laughs. “I want to keep growing as an artist, keep bringing more people to the movement, the Carolina music scene, and back to God.”
Trell Brooks’ journey is far from over, and with his thoughtful lyricism and strong sense of purpose, he continues to prove that he’s more than just a rapper—he’s a true artist with a powerful message to share.
Be sure to check out his new single “SNAP,” dropping this Friday, September 6, on all streaming platforms. Catch a sneak peek of the song, performed live at Pulse, here.
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Cover photo: Southern Rapper Trell Brooks on Lyricism, Faith, and Inspiring His Community / Courtesy of Trell Brooks
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