Family.
In this case, it's even more than that for the Aurora Colorado native.
'Tef's late brother Yahonne, who passed in 2002 from kidney failure, was the inspiration behind not only his pursuing music, but also an education in business.
A move that with other business partners, eventually led to the creation of 'T.O.P Flite Empire', a rising independent local label that carries the likes of 'Black Pegasus', 'Hypnautic', and 'Johny Rocketz'.
For him, it's a way to help keep his brother's spirit alive.
"I do the music because my brother used to rap.
"After he was gone, I decided to live his dream and start rapping. Before he passed, he told me I should give it (rap) a try. I've always enjoyed music but I wasn't an active rapper so I decided to take it more serious while I was in college."
And starting a career in music wasn't the only byproduct of the otherwise terrible circumstance.
"When he passed away, I decided to go to school for business. With the business side, I could control my own record label and create artists. I do it all for him. People take life and death for granted.
"It brings you back to reality."
Talking to local music artists of all genres that are fight fans has become a tradition here at UppercutsNews.com, as is finding out the story behind their street/stage/band names.
I think this might be the first time a story was tied to sports, more specifically a basketball court.
"When I played basketball, they used to call me teflon because nobody could stick to me on the court. No one would actually call me Teflon, they would just call me Tef.
"As I started getting more into the rap game, somebody was like 'you the king of this so you should call yourself King Tef'. Plus, I knew it would make tons of haters mad at me for calling myself King.
"If any rapper feels he ain't the best, then he shouldn't be rapping."
As much upside as the box state has in terms of the the artistic representation, in his opinion some of those that make up the Colorado rap scene have blinders on in regards to the perceived "competition" side of the industry.
"Me and my crew, we don't really believe in competition within Colorado. If people focus on the competition within the state, they stay in Colorado. The true competition is these other states.
"When we sell out a show as a local headliner, I think of that as competing with other headlining national acts that come in and try to do 'Ogden' or 'The Gothic' (theater)."
And at the end of the day, for 'Tef' it's all about supporting the state itself versus individual artists or factions.
"I represent and support Colorado rap 100%.
"I want to support every rapper here to help us all get ahead. We have to look like a big place like Texas or New York before anybody can really say they run or own anything."
On the combat side of things, 'Tef' made it clear who's corner he's in as a fan.
Not only that, he wasn't just saying I like this guy or that guy. He went on to break it down for readers.
"I'm a Mayweather Jr. fan. A lot of people have a problem with him, but I'm a big Mayweather fan. I don't think anyone can beat him right now. He fights that defensive 'Philly' style so well that I don' think anybody can get past it."
Only time will tell.
You can check out more of 'King Tef', and 'TopFlite' at www.kingtef.com
, www.memusicempire.com, mebeats.com, iTunes, and www.topfliteempire.com.
If you liked this, check out the link below:
http://www.colorado-mma-colorado-boxing.com/2012/09/margaret-bloom-pro-mma-debut.html
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See you at the fights!
