Happy Birthday, Trae Tha Truth!

Although some names haven't crossed over above the Mason-Dixon Line, the Houston scene does have its fair share of rap heavyweights. Trae Tha Truth is one of them. The rapper born Frazier Othel Thompson turns 35 years old today.

Trae Tha Truth has been rhyming since the late '90s, appearing as a feature on fellow Houston native Z-Ro's album Look What You Did To Me. The Lone Star State rhymer commenced his solo endeavors through the millennium. Trae has released six albums so far but Restless, his third effort, is his most lauded. Trae is also a member of Screwed Up Click and Guerilla Maab, two prominent Houston rap collectives.

While he earned respect for his gritty on-record persona, Trae became a controversial figure because of his unintentional relationship with gun violence. The second annual Trae Day, awarded because of Trae's charitable efforts in his community, was marred when eight teenagers and young adults were shot in parking lot near the event's venue. 

The radio station radio station KBXX immediately pointed the finger at Trae's lyrics and when he retaliated with a diss song, he was banned from the radio station in 2010. In 2012, Trae also took a bullet in the shoulder in a shooting that left three dead.

Trae still retained his respect despite tragedy and being blackballed. After numerous album delays and signing to T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records, Trae is still on his grind.