Today we’d like to introduce you to Tremayne Johnson, II.
Tremayne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Darlington, South Carolina and moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 2008 at seven years old with my family. My upbringing was humble and has prepared me to excel in every area in my life. At a young age I knew I loved music but didn’t imagine myself as a musician until late 2023. I started rapping in the sixth grade but it was a mixture of my verses and Wale’s. No sixth grader knew any of his verses outside of the mainstream stuff at my school. I went to Darnell-Cookman in Jacksonville for two years. It’s a medical magnet school. My mom made me read and watch Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson story a few years prior and it led to me choosing neurosurgery as my path to success at an early age. In hindsight, outside of the salary the only reason I chose it was because of the reactions given by anyone when I said it. It was random to many but respected by the masses. Everyone I knew wanted to be a rapper or athlete so I chose something that no one was thinking of. The same goes for why I chose Morehouse so young in life. Everyone around me thought it was great. Whole time, I’ve never seen Morehouse in person or knew anyone that attended. I just saw it as an opportunity to be great and make my folks smile. Losing close friends so young gave me a real desire to escape. By mid sophomore year at Morehouse, I realized that was not my path or passion. I made a huge pivot. Keeping my major but leveraging my campus responsibilities and titles to get internships, mentors, and opportunities in different fields of business.
2020 changed my life just like everyone else in the world. I was stripped away from seeing friends everyday and campus living. Around 300 students were allowed back on campus Spring 2021 and an upperclassmen mentor took me to the studio with him every time he went. Bro just took a liking to how I hear music and judge it so passionately that he wanted me in the room. One of his songs caused me to feel the conviction to create my own. I sent it to a couple friends that made music that I knew throughout high school or met in college and their reactions boosted my confidence and drive. The few I shared it with told me that they’ve been waiting on me to naturally find this part of myself. Being that it was people that didn’t know each other and knew me in different capacities, I took head and acknowledged my potential calling.
That led to me trying more often and caring about the product even though I had no intention on releasing it. I ended up dropping a song Summer 2022 that brought on some positive feedback but ultimately I went ghost with music. I wrote every now and then but nothing crazy. A year later I finally did what my first move should’ve been and brought it to God. He was the one that was really waiting on me. From that moment on I’ve been putting in the work behind closed doors and developing the sound I want everyone to hear. I do everything I can to make sure the message I send out places me on the right side of history and in the number when the saints go marching in. Being that I’m the oldest out of my siblings, I’ve always known the pressures of leading by positive examples. I’m treating this the same way. Focused on being a young man that can show other young men they can be and do whatever they want. After taking lots of time to work through the challenges that come with it, I’m ready to go where my music takes me. I’ll never claim to be perfect but, I’ll definitely lean on God and put my best foot forward.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been anything but smooth, but I see the challenges as lessons that prepare me for what’s ahead. I’ve faced struggles with finding my voice, teaching myself how to record professionally, and even setbacks like engineers losing sessions. Still, every obstacle has reinforced that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. Each trial sharpens me and pushes me closer to success.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a music artist/rapper.
In this specific space I’m not known for much but I’m developing and creating my lane. Ya’ll just happened to catch me before takeoff.
I’m most proud of the message I convey in my music. Knowing that I’m first a man under God and one that lives with integrity, keeps me going at all times. I believe this also sets me apart from others. Rap music specifically has been on the decline for a minute. Authenticity on the other hand is on the rise and that’s really all I have to offer.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’ve been golfing since I was 8.
Usher is my favorite artist OAT and Chance the Rapper is the first rapper that made me love rap.
I learned how to read music playing alto sax in 4th grade and developed it better singing in the chorus throughout high school.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/29moondo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tredanggg/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@29Moondo
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/ucQLrhBSppKHRhKPqc
Image Credits
Elliot Freeman @funtimemedia (all platforms)
David Daniels, II @deucewitdaflicks (all platoforms)
