In 2002, Phoenix’s very own Trik Turner hits it big.  The band consists of Sean Garden on drums, David Bowers singing vocals and writing lyrics, Doug Rid Moore, vocals, Tracy Tre Thorstad on guitar, Steve Faulkner, playing bass, and Danny Marquez (aka DJ DBX) on turntables.  Four of the six members of Trik Turner either live in the South Phoenix area or have family who live there.  Having been together for only three years, Trik Turner traded up their Phoenix-based hip-hop following for world-wide recognition upon the release of their self-titled album that combines a heavy-metal sound highly influenced with rap/hip-hop emphasis.

Trik Turner performed on the David Letterman Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, and toured the United States and Europe promoting the album.  I believe Trik Turner is an exception to the trend of blending metal with rap and hip-hop, because in addition to their aggressive, rebellious-side, they surprise with cuts like “Friends and Family” and “Change,” moving the listener to think and feel the music and lyrics on a deeper level.  Unlike so many of the hardcore dismal hip-hop rappers, Trik Turner is scratching out a positive message. 

One of my favorite tracks is the warm, heartfelt hit entitled “Friends and Family” that climbed to #7 on the weekly Billboards and reached #32 on the Top 100 Songs of 2002.  The “Friends and Family” track acknowledges the everyday struggle to achieve individual success and how that goal-searching stress can be alleviated with the support of loved ones and the determination to follow one’s dreams.  It is a tribute to the family unit and strengthening effect that the support of group members have on all growing individuals. 

Although I know not the ethnicity of the band members, their hip-hop culture suggests a Hispanic and black following.  With this in mind, I think the “Friends and Family” song artistically emphasizes two of the strongest points in Hispanic and black culture—the strong family unit and strength to dream and achieve.

Joel Garreau, in his 1991 book entitled Edge City, concludes that American value is held by those who try to create a new and better world, not those who try to define America in only monetary terms.  Garreau believes that the American way is really just the search for a Utopia, which lies at the heart of the American dream.  To accomplish this dream, Garreau believes that Americans must reinvent themselves.  Trik Turner is an example of the pioneer spirit Garreau describes.  Trik Turner is a group of pioneer band members who have decided to break the hard-line, negative hip-hip stereotype and recreate their own hip-hop, heavy sound with lyrics that emphasize truth and positive outcome in response to challenging life events.  By being pioneers in their music, they are now pioneers in their community.  Trik Turner, gaining world-wide attention can now emphasize strong values and good character and the many other lessons that were learned in the diverse cultural environment of South Phoenix. 

Listen to the Friends and Family track, check out the lyrics or read more about Trik Turner on their website.