I'll admit it, I'll admit it: I probably spend more time on the Internets going ham over dumb shit than I need to. My social media timelines can become rabbit holes of hilarious randomness that allow me to waste more time than necessary. That said, I have to go on these journeys, because without them, I won't stumble on Internet GOLD like #MichaelMcTrap.
When I first introduced you to this trap-meets-Michael McDonald mashup masterpiece, it was in hopes of getting this Instagram account to 10,000 followers just so I could have a .zip file full of those amazing blends of '80s blue-eyed soul with today's ratchet excellence. At almost 5K followers, my dreams of a fire #MichaelMcTrap mixtape are almost fully realized, so I decided to track down the folks behind this summer's best mashup meme to break down where it came from, thoughts on the imitators, and what a #MichaelMcTrap project might actually sound like.
I only caught on to #MichaelMcTrap recently, but it looks like it’d been bubbling for a few weeks. How long has it been since #MichaelMcTrap videos have been hitting the Internet?
As far as it bubbling you actually are not late at all. It just started catching attention in the last couple of weeks. I made the first one over a year ago and recently revisited the idea, and it just started growing from there.
What sparked the birth of #MichaelMcTrap?
It's birthed from a genuine love for all music and my natural off-beat goofiness. I was driving somewhere one day and Ty Dolla $ign was on the radio. Out of nowhere Michael McDonald's voice came into my head singing the lyrics and I started laughing. I decided I had to share this thought, so I made a quick voice-over and posted it to Instagram and it got a few likes and reposts. I revisited the idea a couple of weeks ago and it grew legs and started running from there.
What makes for a dope #MichaelMcTrap cover? Are there some songs that people would think make sense that just don’t?
Everything I have tried seems to work so far. I don't think McTrap can lose right now. Only thing I can promise you won't see anytime soon is an actual Michael McDonald song.
Word is there’s a mixtape set to drop if the @MichaelMcTrap account hits 10,000 followers. How many tracks can people expect to hear on the tape? Any artists we might not expect?
Yup, when the account reaches 10,000 I will most def release a full mixtape. I will keep it true to the McTrap brand and it will be very fun! Only artist I know will be on it so far are, of course, Meanz of Operation. It may be far-fetched right now, but I invite the idea of any big artist who want to hop on a track. Any big DJs who may want to host are welcome as well to make the movement even larger.
Any words for the imitators who are making #MichaelMcTrap-ish videos?
I already know imitation is inevitable, [there's] no way to stop it, but that just means it's gotten huge! So, have fun but make sure you give credit to the great one Michael McTrap. P.S. "Michael McTrap" and "McTrap" is also trademarked now.
Talk to us about Ace Vane and Ran Man from Meanz Music. Does Meanz of Operation have anything on the horizon?
Yes, that's what it's all about: Meanz of Operation. We have fun plus we are actual artists. All of this is to build awareness. We do have new music coming out all the time. You can download our free app in your app store. Just search for "MeanzMusic" and hear all our work. Plus visit MeanzMusic.com. Of course, we are also on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud—anything you listen to music on we are there. All of the official Michael McTrap YouTube [videos] will be under our Meanz of Operation account. We are pretty damn good so check us out at @MeanzMusic, @AceVane, and @Ranman904.
Any word on if Michael McDonald has seen any of this?
I am not sure if he has seen them yet, but I do want him and everyone to know I am an actual hardcore fan of his. This is all in good fun, and in the midst of doing this I want all my younger or unaware Michael McTrap fans to make sure they check out the real artist as well. My intention for the McTrap movement is to not only gain awareness and help get exposure for Meanz of Operation, but to introduce Michael McDonald to a new generation of unaware music fans. We also hope to collaborate with him. That would be amazing!
