Meet Stro

You can’t spell strong without Stro! Stro’s flow is strong as heck. Not to mention their refined taste, and musical sensibilities. His latest release “Back ON Saratoga” is an affectionate look at the past with present tense sensibilities. Get to know Stro as we chat about their new album, reality TV, and bodega cats.

A self-portrait by, Stro

Would You Rather

your sense of smell or sense of hearing be a hundred times stronger? Why?

I gotta say hearing. What's crazy is I kind of have an innate sense of hearing already. I've been in the club and heard cats tryna line me before, in the midst of all this loud ass music, like really clearly. Shit was incredible

Some questions with Stro

Did you see any changes in your creative process between the release of your 2020 and 2018 album?

Definitely, I think it matured a lot. I had to create and handle my side of the business with Mass Appeal records. I also started taking my words more seriously and grew a bit more selective and aware in the process. Even with the joints I’m making in these crazy ass times, I’d say its matured even more

If you could be on any reality TV show, what would it be and why?

You know what, if I could be on reality tv, it would have to be on “Real Husbands of Hollywood” with Kevin Hart, Nelly, Duane Martin Nd’em. I wont break down why, but I’ll say this, Thats my type of cast and my type of energy. Every season, if you know you know *Pusha T Voice*. Its good comedy too tho . Nia long is On season 5. I love season 5

What are your hopes for the post quarantine music scene in NYC?

I hope the music scene shakes the politics of this shit a lil bit. The music scene is so political in NYC, It’s nasty. I was in the uber the other day, Yup I’m Carless like a Muhfucker, But I was listening to the radio. I won’t say which station, but one of the big ones. Track after track, I’m in Atlanta. Im like damn where’s that new BK flavor tho

With tracks like “Marry Me Now?” And “Love Of My Life” on your latest release. Would you say you are a romantic?

Definitely, When it's for “Her” it's from the heart. It's a deeper thought. it’s a vibe of its own. I call it “STRODECI”

How do you feel about bodega cats?

They cool. When I see em, I see em. I don’t fuck with them, they don’t fuck with me. I never pet em tho, I don’t even play with people dogs no more

What are the worst things about being a musician in NYC? What are the best things?

Right now the worst thing is probably the cost of living. Prices going up, everything cost a arm and a leg. And the city is way too crowded, It’s traffic in the bike lanes. The best part for me is the closeness to the culture. I love this Hip Hop shit. It’s people blasting music out of cars and speakers all throughout the neighborhoods again. Im feeling like damn, I gotta get my shit knocking in the streets!

What is your favorite line you have ever written? Why?

I'm not too sure. I would have to go back and really listen for a “Favorite Line” . My favorite project of mine so far is definitely “Back On Saratoga” . That captured my energy when I was living back in Brownsville Bk Precisely. My new music will be better tho. And better promoted

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Salute TFR! Thank yall for having me. and to my real supporters, the real ones, I love yall. Thanks for reading this interview. Nd Please sign up to the website so we can stay in touch! gradeatribe.nyc . Also, If you want to support that real independent hip hop. The cash app is $GradeATribe . New shit coming soon . PEACE