When asked who he is, dynamic Minnesota rapper Travla doesn’t hesitate. “I’m a tell you the truth rapper.” His personal truth includes admittedly bad choices, gang life and jail time. He discloses it all without regrets or apologies. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m who I am, where I am because of everything I have gone through.” Ask that same question of anyone who sees him perform and the answer is clear. Travla is a hot talent with riveting performances of songs that are raw and honest. He has mesmerized crowds in many venues including Twin Cities’ Metrodome and First Avenue, a club Prince used for many scenes in Purple Rain. Everything he is, everything he has gone through is in that music. It’s his life story.

That story began in Chicago. Travla (Timothy Tillman) went home from the hospital with his adoptive parents Thomas and Cynthia Tillman. At 9 he auditioned for the prestigious Grammy Award winning Atlanta Boy Choir. His superior talent earned him one of the precious few spots