BOSTON STRONG: A CONVERSATION WITH TERMANOLOGY
“Hard work and dedication. Nothing beats putting in the work.” — Termanology
Termanology — the legendary veteran MC representing Boston, Massachusetts — is becoming equally known for his rhymes as for his Good Dad Gang apparel and community awareness movement.
Since exploding onto the hip-hop scene with his DJ Premier-produced smash hit “Watch How It Go Down” in 2006, Termanology has become one of the most-respected, most-sought out MC’s in the entire game — partly due to his authenticity, partly due to his sheer brilliance as a lyricist. Whether solo projects, collaborations or features, fans know Term brings unbridled passion and heat each and every time he rhymes.
In 2014, Termanology founded his Good Dad Gang movement, himself a father of two young daughters. Built on the slogan “Any man can be a father, but not every man is a good dad”, Good Dad Gang has expanded into an iconic apparel company and community activism hub responsible for an annual Backpack Giveaway and awareness surrounding what it takes to be an active, present and responsible dad.
Ahead of the October 6th release of Anti-Hero — his brand-new collaborative album with fellow Massachusetts MC Slaine — Termanology took the time to speak about the influence of Boston, the Good Dad Gang movement and his own all-time favorite verse.
ON GOOD DAD GANG
Basically (started from) the love for my kids. There was no big genius idea; it was purely out of love for my children.
It all started with some pictures of daily activities with my children and I, and a very catchy hashtag: #GoodDadGang.
Most of my life, my Dad was busy working 24/7 and did not live at home with us. I always knew if I had a child, I wanted to have a better relationship with my children.
Fatherhood changed my whole life. I made very poor decisions daily prior to becoming a parent. My kids saved my life.
ON AUTHENTICITY
I like to keep it real with my fans; I speak from the perspective of the underdog.
ON BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
I grew up in two small cities near Boston: one is named Lawrence and the other is named Haverhill. Music, sports, art and the streets made me who I am as an artist.
Shout out to everyone in and from the Boston area.
ON HARD WORK
Hard work and dedication. Nothing beats putting in the work. As long as I can remember, I have been a hard worker. I had my first job at twelve years old and never stopped grinding since. It can be the deciding factor between a talented person becoming successful or not.
It’s really not how much talent you have, but how you use it.
ON FUTURE OF GOOD DAD GANG
There is so much in the works. We also do cool stuff like throw events to feed the poor people in the community and give away school supplies for kids.
Raising awareness is my number one priority at the moment.
ON PERSONAL FAVORITE VERSE
First verse on “Watch How It Go Down”. Probably because it changed my life for the better.
THANK YOU
Follow me on social media: @TermanologyST / @GoodDadGang.
Big shout out to everyone who has supported me on this lifelong journey.
Written By: Matteo Urella / October 2017
Photography:
