In a world where music often chases numbers, Trouble Maker’s new EP Quality Over Quantity stands out as a raw and personal statement. Blending horrorcore boombap roots with fresh, experimental sounds, Trouble Maker delivers a project that marks a turning point in his artistic journey. With memorable stories behind the tracks, heartfelt collaborations, and a DIY spirit, Quality Over Quantity is more than just music—it’s a reflection of growth, creativity, and connection. We sat down with Trouble Maker to talk about the inspiration, challenges, and moments that shaped this EP.
What inspired the title Quality Over Quantity?
I was writing my verse for B.T.W. (Freshmarket track) and my friend Ryan listen to me spit it, then as he left the room he said “I like it, Quality Over Quantity my boy” while waving his left index finger in the air and that just stuck with me so I decided to call my record Quality Over Quantity.
How does this EP reflect your growth or change as an artist?
LongboyStyle was still in high school and more tapped in with the younger generation of hiphop and so his passion for beats was based off his influences, so it pushed my brain to think and flow different because I was use to my style which was more standard Horrorcore boombap.
Was there a central theme or message you wanted to convey across the project?
That this is the first step in a studio album as opposed to all my other mixtapes/album were mostly off my laptop with no pop filter.
Can you share the story or inspiration behind one of the standout tracks?
My Jacket – we was getting lit at Yogis place watching wrestlemania, and Yogi gave me the idea, he said “yo Sawh, your next song should be my Jacket my Jacket” and he even had a Lil dance to go with it moving his arms, hands and shoulders, I plan to eventually display that in more promotion for that track. All of this was inspired because my boy Sticky was looking for his Jacket because we all just piled them on top of each other 
.
Were there any unique production techniques or sounds you experimented with on this EP?
The beats were so different than the standard beats that I rapped on before hand that it pushed my brain to think more outside the box. We added the sound fx in Support your local record store on the line “Shiney objects is no surprise ” the fx sound like magic fairy dust being sprinkled on a item to make it glow more.
Are there any lyrics on the project that are especially personal or meaningful to you?
Friday the 13th walk – when I say “this was influenced off the Toronto Zombie Walk, 2 dope minds having one internal thought ” my best friend aka my death friend Gaby..sista from another mista, really helped bring this vision to life. As we got older we saw each other less and less but there was a time frame we were able to put aside Friday the 13th and dress up scary and just walk around Toronto and Scarborough and spook people and wish them a happy Friday the 13th. Now aways we don’t get to spend every Friday the 13th together but we still do celebrate it and we send each other messages wishing each other a happy Friday the 13th and to have fun!
It has evolved into a day of hanging out with friends, spoiling yourself and having a good time.
What artists or genres influenced the sound and style of this EP?
I tried to bring that horror style because I’m influenced by ICP, and the screaming I did on Clean My House was influenced by Hollywood Undead/So Sick Social Club a lil bit. I got the idea to do layers from ICP Hells Pit album which i think is a masterpiece by the way.
Did you collaborate with any other artists or producers, and how did those collaborations come together?
I collaborated with a artist named Ghost.
Longboystyle did all the beats
I recorded with Franz and he mixed and Masterd the whole project, it was a dope collaboration
What were the biggest challenges you faced while creating this EP?
Personal issues at home slowed down the process of finishing this project.
What do you hope listeners take away from Quality Over Quantity?
That I like Friday the 13th, that I have bars and they should clean there house.
Have you gotten any fan reactions or feedback that really stuck with you?
Allot of people shared this record and I greatly appreciate that. People liked all the voice changes i did on Clean My House.
My friends mom took in that Clean My House was more about cleaning up your life/act.
I heard my Jacket is catchy and the hook gets stuck in my cousin and her husband’s head.
Do you have plans to perform these songs live, and how do you plan to bring the energy of the EP to the stage?
Yes when I get another show I have plans to do some of these songs and just have fun with it.
Quality Over Quantity isn’t just a title—it’s a mindset that Trouble Maker carries through every bar, beat, and performance. With influences ranging from ICP to Hollywood Undead, and a passion fueled by friendship and life experiences, this EP offers listeners an authentic glimpse into his world. As he looks ahead to future live shows and more music, one thing’s clear: Trouble Maker is just getting started, and he’s doing it his way.
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