Terrance “TC” Curry and Gary Anthony are trying to keep it clean and positive with their 39th Music Ave Label, but it’s not easy.
“It’s a tough fight because even grown folks are caught into the perception of a rapper lifestyle,” said Curry.
Curry, a rapper himself, is on the 39th Music Ave Label. He raps about life but does not use any vulgar language or violence within his music. Curry feels this way he is still reaching the youth but showing other options than the stereotypical sound in the hip-hop world.
“The biggest positive is that we relate to them,” Curry said.
Along with the music, they focus on community outreach – teaching the youth life skills and taking local kids on college tours. The tours help students prepare and encourage them to attend college.
“The music brings a common bond, and coming from the same environment instantly creates a bond,” Anthony said.
Curry and Anthony made it to and through college. It was while they were in college at Mizzou that they decided to return to help out their community while also bringing different forms of entertainment to St. Louis.
Once they graduated they decided to evolve their music label into a local entertainment company. The business side focuses on creating quality music for all generations. They also want to help upcoming artists in the area form a brand.
Curry and Anthony both had challenging upbringings, but did not let the negatives they experienced affect them. Curry, a North Side native, and Anthony, a South Side guy, had mentors and support systems to help them.
“At the end, it was my decision what I wanted to do,” Curry said.
Anthony says there is no one out there in the community who is young and can be a good role model to others.
“They need a lot of support and guidance,” Anthony said.
Curry has traveled as far as to Texas and back up to Missouri, speaking and performing to the youth.
“I’m not going to be the one to sit out and watch without trying to help out,” Curry said.
Now they want to focus on music becoming a teaching tool for students in schools throughout St. Louis, then hopefully tour with the concept. The tour would focus on Curry rapping and speaking at schools teaching kids how to overcome obstacles.
The label is still trying to reach out to schools in the St. Louis area such as Kirkwood and Riverview. Anthony is handling the business and public relations side to get 39th Ave Music label out in other cities and states.
“We want to provide a platform for artists who wants to get in the entertainment industry while staying true to community outreach,” Curry said.
“Showing the kids a different light, showing them there are other options and opportunities.”
Contact 39th Ave Music at 39thavemusicllc@gmail.com.