Tha Drop Profile: Steve Bedford

We linked up with Steve Bedford, one of the city's brightest and upcoming entrepreneurs in Chattanooga, to discuss his iTRAP brand and his plans in 2018. We're also adding Steve to the team, so you'll see content from him soon!

Sammy: Where did the iTRAP idea come from?
Steve: I just really wanted to recreate the image depicted on people that come from environments that I grew up in. iTRAP is a movement that empowers people to take action in their life.

Sammy: Do you have plans to expand the brand? What's next?
Steve: Absolutely. I plan to focus more on video content while also having my feet in the streets of Chattanooga instead of just talking about it. Meaning giveaways in the lower income communities and other community driven events.

Sammy: What drives that entrepreneurial spirit we've seen from you?
Steve: I feel like everybody growing up in a community where “the odds” are stacked against them are showed how to hustle and make a better opportunity for themselves. I’ve just been thankful enough to be around people that have a mindset of total equity and ownership. My pops always tell me to never ask for nor accept handouts. The only way I see myself progressing through life is on my own terms and the only way it can be on my own terms is if I’m a entrepreneur. Also I’ve watched people up close like my uncle Tim Duckett, owner of Millennium Cab. Other than that I’m constantly watching interviews of Gary Vee and Nipsey Hussle.

Sammy: What artists or creatives are you working with these days?
Steve: I’m always in the mix with my camera. I recently took pictures for artist like Rug Yungn , Hitmaker D-Aye, Tom Pasley, and Blu Rollin. I wanna see every artist from Chattanooga get on. Right now I’m working with Interstate Tax as far as creative direction of his next project (Tax Rollin pt. 2) with T Rollin.

Sammy: What are your thoughts on the Chattanooga hip-hop scene?
Steve: I’m just gone be all the way real about this ... it’s watered down as far as the politics of it all; because a lot of bigger venues refuse to have their name connected to a big hip hop event because of that old establishment way of thinking. But as far as the sound we have that sound I feel like the music industry is looking for. Chattanooga has had too many talented artists every since I was young.

Sammy: What other plans do you have for 2018?
Steve: In partnership with Interstate Tax we plan to #FeedTheStreets sponsored by iTRAP. #FeedTheStreets is a initiative to stop hunger and poverty in Chattanooga.

Sammy: What 5 artists are in your playlist right now?
Steve: Tom Pasley, Nipsey Hussle, Big Sean, Narleyy, Rico Blacc