Rapper Tefman is a Wisconsin based emcee who is making an impact on the underground and beyond. This passionate rapper has been profiled in Yo Raps’ Next2Blow section. He has recorded songs with Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia and Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugz & Harmony. Moreover, Tefman is also a member of the group L.O.S.T S.O.U.L.S and he sits at the helm of Top of the Map Entertainment. Equally important, Tefman is currentely featured in the latest issue of XXL magazine with Lil Wayne on the cover.
AllHipHop.com: What’s Good Tefman. Firstly, give us some background info as to who you are.
Tefman: My name is Dexter Patterson professionally known as Tefman. I’m a Hip Hop artist out of Wisconsin. I’m also the founder of Top of The Map Entertainment, which I started in 2006. Since then I have effectively promoted my label and the artists on the label to mainstream listeners all over the country. In the crowded game that is the music industry, you must be savvy, well-seasoned, strategic, and marketable with your music. And that is what I’ve accomplished. My talents have landed me on stages with some of the industry’s best performers. I’ve shared stages with Ludacris, T.I., Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, Wale, Three 6 Mafia,Twista, The New Boyz, Jay Sean, IYAZ, Jaicko, Day 26, Fat Joe, Nelly, E-40, The Clipse, Devin the Dude, Mr. Cheeks, Afroman, DJ Abilities, Mac Lethal, Blueprint (Rhymesayers), Illogic, and Zion I. My frequent shows and professional networking ability has created a national buzz for my music. As a result, I have recently had the honor to record singles with Academy Award winning artist Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia and Bizzy Bone from the super group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Also I was voted the 2011 Hip-Hop Artist of the Year in the Madison Hip-Hop Awards.
AllHipHop.com: What is the significance of your stage name?
Tefman: Well, I remember one day me and my guy Killa Bane were working on some new music and he said “you need a name if we’re gonna get serious about this rap s###”. I told him one day we will be able to walk amongst the best as equals and when that happens we will be untouchable. That whole notion of being untouchable like TEFLON is how I came up with my name. I feel like if I do what I’m suppose to do I might as well be untouchable because there isn’t a person in the world who can stop me. Hence, the name Tefman.
AllHipHop.com: Your music is diverse, Who would you say is your target market?
Tefman: I really don’t have a specific target audience I just try to make music for the masses. I have literally experienced it all from the trap to the dorm room. I can make music for the streets and I can help motivate a person to change his/her life with my words. I’m trying to use my gift to actually make a difference and I’m super excited for the people to get the opportunity to hear my music.
AllHipHop.com: What would you say sets you apart from other aspiring rappers?
Tefman: I am so much more than the typical artist. I’m a father, entrepreneur, student, and most of all I am a fan Hip-Hop music. Hip-Hop helped change my life and give me a purpose at a time when I really didn’t have much of anything positive going on in my life. As a result, I developed a vision for the future and I made music a part of my life ever since. Not only do I book quality live shows throughout the Midwest, I also organize a wide variety of charitable events in my local community. Other than that I have a few artists on my label that I think will be making at lot of noise in this game real soon. I want to give a huge TOP shout out to Killa Bane, Jordon the Hustler, B Shynez, C.M.E, M City, Opal Ellyse, and Rickaby.
AllHipHop.com: Your new project is called “Feel Good Music”. Tell Us about it
Tefman: Yes, My new project is called “Feel Good Music.” This project is a direct reflection of how my life is going right now. At this point, I have finally reached a point in my career that I know my hard work is going to pay off. The album is full of amazing production by platinum Producer DJ Pain 1, DJ Victory, and Scattered Brains to name a few. I have two singles with two of my all time favorites Bizzy Bone and Juicy J on the album as well. “Feel Good Music” is by far my best work and I can’t wait to let the people hear it.
AllHipHop.com: Who does most of your production?
Tefman: I get all of my production right out of my city. I feel like we have some of the best producers in the Midwest right in my backyard. I get most of my production from platinum Producer DJ Pain 1 but I also work with DJ Victory, Scattered Brains, DLO, and Rickaby to name a few.
AllHipHop.com: What is your opinion or take on the current state of Hip Hop?
Tefman: Right now I feel like the game is starting to make a change for the better. The songs were all starting to sound the same. We have a lot of great new lyricists entering the game now. But, there’s still work left to be done. I’m not knocking anybody for what they do to make a living but the art of the music suffers when it’s only about the money. I just think that life is about way more than the simple s### most people rap about these days. I like the artists that tell their own life story and not a reconstruction of what they hear or see on television. I want to listen to someone’s album and be able to re-live their struggle and feel what they really went through. The industry kind of makes artists feel like they have to conform to the status quo, but I refuse to sacrifice the quality of my music for a couple more dollars.
AllHipHop.com: Any final words for the people.
Tefman: Firstly big shout out to AllHipHop.com. Also I want to shout out all of the artists on my label. In my city there has been a lot of negative energy in regards to Hip-Hop music because there have been some random acts of violence at a few of the events. A lot of people were freaking out about not being able to perform but I decided to take my music elsewhere and start a national promo campaign. I want to take my city to a new level and show the city officials they have no choice but to take us serious. I’m not just a thug; I’m a business man, a father, student, entrepreneur, and community organizer. I make music to try and make a difference for my people. People can follow me on Twitter @ 608tefman, my website is www.tefman.com and www.topofthemap.com, on Facebook it’s Tef Man & Tefman of the L.O.S.T S.O.U.L.S, and finally on YouTube @tefmanlostsouls.