TrakBoss

“You do not choose your destiny. It chooses you.” For hip-hop artist & producer TrakBoss, that statement could not be any more true. Music chose TrakBoss. Born Christopher Lee Hartzol in Chicago, Illinois, TrakBoss knew that a career in the music industry was destined after performing and winning his high school’s talent show during his freshman year. Not wanting to follow the norm and record over commercial released instrumentals, he began creating his own original compositions, known as “beats”, using the popular digital audio workstation FL Studio. TrakBoss had discovered a new, astonishing talent in music production. He educated himself in basic music theory, enhanced his skills in sequencing midi instruments and synthesizers, and began to develop an “ear" that allowed him to properly mix and master his work. In 2007, TrakBoss was working on a track that was so inspiring that he found himself writing his very first solo song. Titled "How It Go", it was a Chicago street anthem that DJ Lil' John, former mix show DJ for Chicago’s Power 92 and WGCI, described as "one of the best Chicago songs" he's ever heard. TrakBoss released it via his myspace page and received great reviews from listeners around the world, gaining new fans that yearned for something fresh and original in hip-hop music. He followed up with "Swag On Ten", a more up-tempo, hypnotizing, club track with braggadocios lyrics, establishing more confidence and comfort in the vocal booth. TrakBoss realized he was planting the seeds for a successful career as a hip-hop artist, songwriter, and producer. In 2008, TrakBoss was invited to join Lucky Entertainment, a Chicago and LA based recording company under the leadership of platinum artist & producer Marc McWilliams. McWilliams featured TrakBoss’ “How It Go” on the label’s compilation album Marcus Darc The Vet presents Lucky Entertainment Vol. 1, showcasing his lyrical ability. His production skills were displayed, as well, with Hip-Hop/R&B artist Joonya’s “Drive U Crazy” also being included on the album, which was released in early 2009. That same year, TrakBoss performed at Soldier Field for The Annual Chicago Football Classic, along with Joonya, and R&B artist Bobby Valentino. In January 2010, TrakBoss & Joonya released Smoke Session, a mixtape collaboration between the two that was released for free online download. The project was well-received, birthing the smash hit “Mind of a Monster”. Months later, TrakBoss released “Livin It Up”, a heavy-hitter that properly showed the writing and production skills. He, also, realized a new talent in film production, filming and edited the song’s music video and releasing via Youtube. In November 2010, TrakBoss teamed with DJ Coalition Coast 2 Coast to release his debut solo mixtape Whether You Like It Or Not, with the southern-styled “Back to the Middle” as the project’s lead single. The free download earned a five star rating from Music Journalist Chris Barth. After listening, On The Rise Magazine writer and disc jockey DJ Laa Choc agreed that he “displays a talent and ear for music beyond his years.” In February 2011, TrakBoss and Joonya joined forces again for the smoking anthem “Blown”, releasing it via iTunes. It was another catchy tune produced by TrakBoss, receiving positive ratings and comments from listeners on iTunes, as well as Youtube. TrakBoss returned to the studio to record his sophomore mixtape Call It What You Want, released for free download in June 2011. TrakBoss has an endless hunger for success in the music industry. There isn't a day that goes by where he is not in the studio programming drums for a new track, studying his pad trying to perfect that one line, or simply researching new promotion networks. His music has been heard on popular internet radio stations including the SEA Award winning Dirty South Radio Online, as well as Swurv Radio and WBMZ Chicago. He has, also, appeared on various mixtape releases including DJ RPM’s The Showcase Vol. 130, and DJ Cannon Banyon’s The Indie Top 50 Vol. 25. This double threat is on his way to making a powerful impact in the music industry. TrakBoss is truly an unearthed diamond waiting to get his deserving shine.