Atlanta’s own TeeLdub is making waves with his brand-new single, “Time to Shine.” This latest drop is more than just a track—it’s a bold declaration of his hustle and growth. Originating from Albany, Georgia, TeeLdub’s journey began back in 2003, when he and a childhood friend launched Southern Slang Records. Despite facing numerous obstacles, TeeLdub’s relentless drive and positive energy come through loud and clear in “Time to Shine,” a track that embodies his perseverance and ambition.
Produced by JBEZE and featuring Slim so Serious, “Time to Shine” is a showcase of TeeLdub’s lyrical prowess and creative flair. With influences from legends like OutKast, Goodie MOB, and Tupac, TeeLdub mixes raw authenticity with a fresh, innovative sound. The track not only celebrates his journey but also highlights the power of collaboration and respect in the game.
Stay tuned as we dive into an exclusive interview with TeeLdub, where we’ll break down “Time to Shine.” Get ready to hear firsthand about what makes this track a standout and what’s next for this rising star.
Q: When you first heard the completed version of “Time to Shine,” what was your immediate reaction? Did it turn out how you envisioned it?
A: The completed version was created once Slim added his verse. After Beze and I laced the final version of the instrumental, I recorded my verse, and Joey (voice on the hook) recorded her vocals. Once Slim added his verse, it was complete, and my immediate reaction was, “We got one!” Yes, it turned out exactly as I envisioned it.
Q: “Time to Shine” is hitting hard with its vibe. What’s the story behind the beat and the bars? What makes this track stand out from your previous work?
A: I had a dream, and I heard the rhythm in my dream. The horns, the drums, the synth, everything—even the tempo for the hook. The bars are just related to the theme of the song. This one stands out from my previous work because this is the first song I’ve produced. Not executively produced by hands on production.
Q: If you could describe “Time to Shine” in three words, what would they be and why?
A: “Feel Good Record,” because when you hear it, it gives you a feel good vibe. Like you are listening to a band with bars over it!
Q: The energy in “Time to Shine” is palpable. Can you talk about the mood or atmosphere you were aiming to create with this track?
A: I was looking to create a song that celebrated putting in hard work, staying resilient, and accomplishing your goals and dreams. A song that anyone, no matter what walk of life you are in, could relate to. Anything worth having is going to take hard work, dedication, and commitment. You’re going to face some challenges along the way. But if you stay resilient through the challenges and finally accomplish that goal or dream, it’s “Time to Shine.” The song creates a mood of achievement.
Q: Are there any particular lines or verses in “Time to Shine” that hold special significance for you? Can you share what they mean and why they resonate with you?
A: Yep, “we put the work in, stayed resilient now, “we are the champions”! That line defines what the song is about. It resonates with me because I’ve done exactly what it says! Hopefully, once it’s heard by the masses, it will be a hit!
Q: Your music often reflects the legends of hip-hop like OutKast and Tupac. How do you incorporate their influence while keeping your sound unique and fresh?
A: Man! That’s an amazing compliment! I’m totally humbled by that comparison. Thank You! Those are artists I listened to and admired along my journey in music. So I would hope to incorporate their influence by being unique and not trying to copy anyone else’s style. Good music is good music. If it sounds good and makes you bop your head and stay in motion, it’s going to be fresh.
Q: You’ve recently launched a challenge on social media tied to “Time to Shine.” What inspired you to start this challenge, and what are you hoping to achieve with it?
A: I honestly started the challenge to promote the song. The challenge has gotten over 37k views and over 8000 likes on TikTok. Check it out. leolyfe724 is my TikTok handle. I was hoping to get a dance, so when people hear the song, they have a dance to do with it. Ion know, lol! That’s what I was thinking.
@ronaldlee59 #timetoshine #timetoshinedancechallenge “Time To Shine” TeeLdub Ft. Slim So Serious @Albaby ♬ original sound – leolyfe724
Q: You’ve faced your share of struggles. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from those challenges, and how does it drive your hustle today?
A: Don’t give up, man! Perseverance is a very unique trait. When I refer to resilience, I literally mean the ability to bounce back from the challenges of life. Honestly, what drives me now is my daughter. She is my driving force. I want to be an example to her that everything in life is not going to go exactly as you want it to. But that doesn’t mean you should give up! You stay resilient, press on, and reset if you have to. But don’t give up!
Q: What’s next on your playlist? Are there any new projects or collaborations coming up that we should keep an eye out for?
A: I’m working on a few songs to release later. But I want “Time to Shine” to set the anticipation for that. I have a song I want to work on with Cool Grey, formerly Daniel Street, called “All We Need.” It’s a song about love. Not physical or emotional love, but spiritual love.
Listen to “Time To Shine”:
