Thrice Third
Feb 2016
Who are you?
I go by Thrice Third, but most friends and people who know me from the scene where I live just call me “Third.”
Where do you live?
I live in Buffalo, New York.
What do you do?
A lot of different things, but I’m known for rhyming/emceeing, performing around town and making beats whenever I can.
When did you start?
I started writing rhymes and poetry in the early 90s, shortly after I heard “Scenario” by A Tribe Called Quest and members from the Leaders of the New School for the first time. I was ten or eleven years old. I started performing live, and doing shows at the age of sixteen.
How was your first show/performance?
I think it was pretty good for my first time. It was at a local open mic night at a club that was for teens only, and a few of my friends said I should get on and do something. I got some cheers from the crowd: Mostly from my sister and her friends, who were especially loud.
What would you like to gain from your work?
I guess there are a few things, really. Meaning would be the big one. Being creative helps me to express myself and, by doing that, I connect to others, whether they’re from a similar background and can relate or not. Expressing thoughts, emotions and creativity through hip-hop music and seeing people enjoy that helps give my life meaning, I guess. Adding to the already rich hip-hop culture and leaving an impression, even if it’s just a small one. Being a part of that local and worldwide community. It would be great to be able to do this as a job, sustain myself, provide for family and be comfortable. But, really, I’m just happy that anyone is interested in listening to what I have to say or the music I make at all.
What would you like your audience to gain from your work?
Just good vibes, I guess. To feel peace, love, a source of inspiration, enjoyment, a shared idea or emotion, a new way of looking at or thinking about something, comfort, a sense of wonder. Maybe they hear me express something they felt but never put into words and hearing me do it helps? Or they might get a feeling of excitement, of having a good time, of familiarity—or of something new and refreshing at the same time.
Who or what are your biggest influences?
Early 90’s hip-hop music and culture, my family and whatever makes me feel good. Musically speaking, though, the earlier stuff by A Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, DJ Premier, Jay Dilla, De La Soul, The Roots, Common, Mos Def, Rakim and Nas are probably my biggest influences.
What keeps you up at night?
My insomnia, anxiety and bad sleep habits. Also, too much coffee. Making music. Listening to and talking about music. My computer. Late night video game sessions and TV show binge watching. Netflix. The people upstairs. Really though, it’s my concern for friends and family and the state of the world. My own personal wishes for growth and the desire to just keep getting better at everything I do.
What’s next?
More music and more growth. I’m currently working with Tone At on a follow up to Love, Time Travel, and the Blues, so there’s that. I’ve been working on an album with Daringer for a while that I’m hoping to wrap up soon. I’ve got a solo project in the works; and just continuing to build and get better. I hope people will listen and look forward to all that.
Pics by: Jeffrey Kress Jr.
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