Video: Trae Tha Truth – “Determined”

A gloomy Paris day serves as the setting to H-Town legend Trae Tha Truth’s introspective album cut, “Determined.” Directed by Phillyflyboy, the Eiffel Tower soars in the background, lighting up the gray skies as Trae reflects on challenges that’ve thrown his life off track while sustaining a hustle that’s kept him intact. “Trae puts his typically complex emotions on display in the European capital,” noted Rap-Up, while Global Grind added that he “spits some heavy bars that will inspire fans to put his album back on repeat.” A prime example of the versatility and depth that Trae presents on Tha Truth, “Determined” delves deep into the veteran emcee’s life, as he reflects on his own children: “Neeko is getting older, walking, talking, and laughing, and talking shit at the same time, funny how time is passing/ Lil Jared is fly as a hawk, I know them girls gonna be in trouble you can tell when he talk, it ain’t a game/ baby Houston is a star I can feel it, give him a year I swear he’s gonna be as hot as a skillet.”

Released last month via his own A.B.N. label and T.I.’s Hustle Gang Records, Tha Truth is Trae’s seventh studio album. Debuted by Complex, the 16-song album boasts features Future and Lil Boosie on “Tricken Every Car I Get,” Rick Ross on “I Don’t Give A Fuck,” Problem and Lil Boss on the Billboard-premiered “Yeah Hoe,” in addition to Nipsey Hussle, Lil Bibby, Snootie Wild, Que, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, T.I., J. Cole, Ink, Rich Homie Quan, and DeJ Loaf on various tracks. “Call me an elitist, but Trae and his signature baritone flow – amidst a sea of indecipherable southern artists – is both tolerable and easy to digest, plus his subject matter is provocative and inspiring,” said 2DopeBoyz. In a feature story that ran on July 22nd, the morning of the eighth annual Trae Day celebration, the Houston Press acknowledged Trae as a “rapper at the center of his community.” Whether in the community, with his family, or creating music, there’s no denying that Trae Tha Truth is determined to continue making an impact.

Watch “Determined”: