There’s paying dues and then there’s case of T.D. After bouncing around the industry for more than a decade – first signed to Allen Iverson’s ABK Music Group in the group , the young Philadelphia flame spitter later opting to go solo soon afterwards. We sat down with T.D, who newly signed to Black Wallstreet, to talk about his debut mixtape, adjusting to the California lifestyle  and his relationship with Allen Iverson.

24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are and describe to us a little bit about your background.

I’ve been rhyming for about 15 years. The first time I was on the radio was in 1999. I spent two years on Allen Iverson’s label. I’ve worked with artists from Freeway, Gillie Da Kidd, to Cam’ron, Raekwon and more. I was in the Source magazine in 2001. I’ve featured on mixtapes from Funkmaster Flex to K-Slay etc.

24: You are the newest artist signed to The Game’s Black Wallstreet label.
What do you feel it was that made you stand out to Game to make him want
you to be a part of his team?

We was already kind of cool because we used to talk about sports and rap
all the time at the barbershop I was working at and one day I let him
hear a freestyle I did to the Aston Martin music beat. After the first 8
bars he took the Dre Beats headphones off and said “ayo I need your
number, I gotta get you in the studio”. The rest is history.

24: How has being part of one of the West Coast’s biggest labels changed your outlook on the music industry?

It hasn’t changed that much at all. You gotta grind hard for your
self or no one will. This is my life and my career so I just work hard
everyday

24: Have you ever felt like too much time passes in the game where you have to make it and that window is closing?

Not really I just know if I continue to work hard and believe in my self eventually I’ll make it because I’m great at what I do.

24: How has the California lifestyle influenced your music since moving from Philly?

It hasn’t really influenced me that much but I do see things and experience things like the Hollywood club seen is different, and the atmosphere as far as the weather and culture puts my mind in a better place where I can think and work better. As far as the music, I rep Philly all day and try to spit heat like we are known for.

24: In the beginning stages of your upcoming mixtape, “The Game Chose Me,” what producers have you worked with or would like to work with on this upcoming project?

Mainly I worked with my brother, Ike aka Future History. He did about 12 of my tracks, we work great together because he knows me as a person and an artist. I also worked with PrafitBeats, Slodis Redding, Sharke, and Mad Skrews. I wanna work with hot up and coming producers as well as big named producers. Whoever got heat let’s work!

24: You have a lot of notable features on this project such as The Game, Compton Menace, Juice and Peedi Crakk. What was it like putting The Game Chose Me together and how did you go about making these collaborations happen?

I was able to build relationships with the artist on my tape just by having mutual respect as rappers. And real recognizing real basically.

24: Can you give us an estimation of a time period on when that album will (grace the shelves/available for download)?

It’s available for downloads and on some shelves right now

24: Are you happy with the feedback you’ve been getting from the songs and videos you’ve released so far?

Oh yeah I’m happy to see that people like my music and it just motivates me to keep making songs they feel.

24: You have a buzz slowly building now with Black Wallstreet. How are you going to keep it going?

After this mixtape, I’m going to drop part 2 then part 3 to see my fan base grow and also my brand. I’m going to keep pushing my music until I’m all the way ON!

24: What is your relationship with Aleen Iverson nowadays?

We still cool, I haven’t seen him since New Years Eve 2009, but we kicked it and had a ball. That’s the big homie and I wish him well despite what happened business wise.

24: Where do you see yourself going in 2011?

I see myself evolving into one of the most talked about new artist out. I see myself landing a few acting roles and endorsement deals as well

24: In today’s free download age, what do you need that you don’t have to make yourself a household name?

I think I just need a strong team dedicated to making TD the biggest artist possible.

24: When can we expect to see your album coming?

Hopefully by spring 2012 if the world don’t end lol

24: How do you feel about the current state of music in general?

I think its pretty good overall. I can’t complain. It’s a lot of wack music out, but it’s also a lot of dope music out too.

24: What are you currently working on outside of the music?

Going on acting auditions. I want to get into movies some action or comedy  

24: How would the fans go about contacting you?

I know it sounds cliché but just google me lol! My twitter is @Q_TD and check me out on thisizgame.com and wearebws.com

24: Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?

I will be on the XXL freshman cover next year!