Arizona is not known for producing many notable celebrities, but that could change with the rise of local rapper, Trey Marmie. Marmie, better known as Trace, is a junior at Perry and has attracted an unwavering fan base. He has earned two opportunities to perform with Sony Music Entertainment’s Travis Mills, or T. Mills. Marmie first performed with T. Mills last November at Martini Ranch, which sold out for the concert.

The hip-hop scene in Arizona has struggled over the years, with MC Magic arguably being the biggest success story. Trace admits that his state lacks popularity in the music world, but he believes that things could change with the wealth of talent in the area.

“I keep in touch with pretty much everyone that’s making music out here,” he said, “There isn’t much of [a music scene] so one thing I try to do is connect everybody.”

Along with attention in Arizona, musicians such as Chuck Inglish, Asher Roth and DJ Clockwork have reached out to Marmie in support. Despite his accolades, Trace has even greater goals.

“I’m trying to work with bigger producers on bigger scales,” he said.

At age 14, Marmie put out his first free album. His next project, a second free album, will be released late this year or early next year. Trace creates all the concepts on his own and produces many of his own tracks. He records between a friend’s professional studio, his home studio, and a studio in California.

Due to the negative stereotypes surrounding rap music, an artist like Trace needs strong support from family. “My dad is at every show,” Marmie said of his family support. He receives so much support, even his grandmother comes.

Marmie attributes his success to perseverance and not giving up, as well as his unusual creative process. “I’m probably doing some weird stuff, I’m moving around weird and I’m mentally in a whole different place,” he said. “I can’t be around groups of people.”

Although he comes up with his ideas independently, Marmie also draws inspiration from KiD CuDi, Logic, and other famous artists. On Saturday, September 14, Trace performed again at Martini Ranch with T. Mills. Perhaps Marmie could attain fame comparable to Mills one day, as he is already labeled a “local celebrity.”

However, in the event that Marmie cannot make a living off of his raps, he has a back up plan. He would like to attend a school of music and pursue a degree so he can continue making music. Whether it be writing or producing.