DARRON "TRIPP" THOMAS
Diversity: 1.a. The fact or quality of being diverse; difference. b. A point or respect in which things differ. 2. Variety ; multiformity.
This single word is what can best be used to describe “Tripp” as his friends call him. Born and raised in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Tripp knew from an early start that music would be his one true passion. A multi-instrumentalist starting from the age of eight. Tripp has developed a unique and distinctive sound and has been able to not only establish this sound but is also able to emulate other styles of music.
TRIPP'S STORY
When one listens to Tripps music, you can travel through time yet remain in the present. Realizing this gift Tripp has actively pursued his music career. Starting in high school he was the band leader of “Maliaka” an R&B top 40 band that was sponsored and supported by the Prince George’s county board of education. Also noted out of this same band came Meshell ‘Ndegeocello and Anthony “Scooty” Wellington (Victor Wooten bass technician).
From there he was offered a scholarship opportunity as a jazz bassist at North Texas State University. But opted to join the U.S. Air Force and travel the world. After stints in Okinawa and Wyoming he became known as the Base Bass Player. Always giging and fine tuning his production skills, in 1994 he was hired by Ultimix Records to be a full time recording engineer/producer. There he engineered for Shirley Ceasar, Donald
Lawrence, Cedric Thompson, Vincent Herbert “Aaliyah”, Big Daddy Kane, NYBorn, and Andreao “Fanatic” Heard who produced. “Lil Kim, Michael Jackson, Will Smith and Beyonce”.
Tripp has invested his own time and money and opened up his own production studio. He completed Prince’s right hand lady Shelby J album in April 2017 and continues to serve as her Music Director. He has also done work for Prince, Anthony Hamilton, Raheem Devaughn, Patti LaBelle, Phil Lassiter, Mike Phillips, Morris Hayes (Prince Musical Director) and Ida Neilson (Prince bassist). He desires to succeed in all avenues his music
will take him. He credits Quincy Jones and Prince as his mentor and Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis as always being creative and innovative. Dr. Dre, Timbaland and Pharell as game changers.