Travis Williams aka T-Will

Hip hop and sports have always been closely linked, and often times intertwined.  Many rappers have a little athlete in them, and several sports figures have a little rapper in them; some have even pursued a music career, but not all were successful.  Travis Williams, aka T-Will is a former NFL player turned rapper ready to bestow his musical talents upon us and separate himself from the stereotypes.  T-Will talked to SheBloggin.com about his football career, his transition into music, and why he’s different than the rest.

Tell everyone where you’re from?

I was born and raised in Columbia, SC.  I grew up in Saxon Projects, and later lived in Northgate trailer park.

You have had an accomplished football career.  For those that don’t know, where did you start playing?

I went to Spring Valley high school in Columbia and broke all their tackling records.  After high school I went to Auburn University.  Later graduated from there; then left there and went to Atlanta and played for the Falcons.  I played for 3 years then I suffered a back injury.  Now I coach at Auburn.

How was the transition from college to NFL?

It wasn’t that hard.  SEC is the best college conference so it prepared me for the league.  Nobody was really helping in the league, I had to do a lot on my own.

So what made you decide to start rapping?

One of my teammates had a studio in his crib.  I came thru one day and just started playing around and actually liked it.  Then a few of my teammates was saying that I was good and I started taking it seriously.  I’ve always been a big music fan though so I’ve always had it in me.

Who are your musical influences?

A lot of people don’t keep it real about their influences, but mine is definitely Master P.  I grew up on No Limit.  Also Kanye West, his first three albums were classic.  And 50 Cent.  I’m a big fan of Get Rich or Die Tryin.

Pro athletes turned rappers usually don’t get taken seriously.  How has it been for you?

It started out slow, but it’s starting to pick up.  In some ways it made people draw back from me, but it also worked to my advantage.  But I know as soon as people hear me, the music will speak for itself.  At the end of the day, people notice that I’m taking this seriously.

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