Urban Pulse Magazine

Tramaine Long has been in love with music since he was young, discovering early on that his passion went beyond singing for fun. From forming a group with friends to mastering production, mixing, and videography, Tramaine has built a career where faith and artistry intersect. His music blends gospel inspiration with hip-hop and R&B influences, delivering messages that uplift, inspire, and challenge listeners to embrace their identity. In this interview, he opens up about his journey, his creative process, the lessons he’s learned, and what fans can expect next.

When did you first realize rap was more than just a hobby for you, and what was the moment that made you say, “This is it”?
From a young age, I developed a profound affection for music and singing. After establishing a music group with my friends and achieving success in local talent competitions, I realized that my true passion lay in music, and I aspired to make it my career.

When you’re writing, do you start with the beat, the lyrics, or a feeling you want to capture?
My approach differs for each song. Inspiration can come from a personal experience, a sound, or an idea. I currently write, sing, and produce all my own beats and songs, and I’m also proficient in mixing and videography. I enjoy the process of bringing my ideas to life from start to finish.

Which artists or life experiences have shaped your style the most, and how can listeners hear that influence in your music?
My biggest influences include Tank, Timbaland, Ryan Leslie, Musiq Soulchild, Tupac, Lecrae, John P. Kee, and Fred Hammond. They’ve significantly shaped my beat selection, harmonies, and vocal arrangements, all of which you can hear throughout my music.

If someone had never heard your music before, which one track should they start with, and why?
I’d recommend starting with Holy Strap. It’s powerful and energetic, showcasing both my vocal and rapping talents, as well as my production and engineering skills. The track delivers a message of faith, reminding the devil, “don’t play with me,” because we are created in God’s image and likeness.

What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Early in my career, I lacked business knowledge and was taken advantage of in contracts. That experience inspired me to pursue a degree in Entertainment Business so I could be better equipped. I didn’t let those challenges make me bitter; instead, I used them as fuel to change the narrative and educate others.

You’ve probably lived through moments your fans don’t know about—what’s one personal story behind a song that changed how you see life or music?
The single Legendary, which also became the title of my album, came from a dream where God told me to step out in faith, be obedient, and He would elevate my name. I wanted to create a project that shaped people’s mentality and helped them understand their identity in Christ.

How do you feel about the current state of hip hop, and where do you see yourself fitting into it?
I feel that hip hop today lacks originality. I was raised on hip hop, and it has shaped my music deeply. I see my role as standing out rather than conforming, aiming to make a positive contribution to the culture.

What’s the most misunderstood thing about you as an artist or person, and how does your music set the record straight?
As a Christian artist, people often box me into gospel. I believe my music is for all cultures and platforms. My album contains a wide range of faith-filled, family-friendly tracks designed to encourage, inspire, and cross over genres to resonate globally.

When people talk about you years from now, what do you want them to say about your impact on the culture?
I hope my legacy reflects my love for God, my family, and my compassion for others. I want to be a beacon of light, a force for change, and someone who displays the character of Christ in all interactions.

What’s coming up next that fans should be excited about—whether it’s music, performances, or collaborations?
I’m excited to have received nominations for both the Avidity Award and the Kingdom Image Award. In 2026, I’ll perform at the Pre-Show for the Soar Awards, and fans can also look forward to the deluxe edition of my album Legendary.