TBT: The War and Treaty

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dumb Blonde - Episode "TBT: The War and Treaty"

Introduction In this episode of the Dumb Blonde podcast, host Bunnie XO welcomes special guests Tanya and Michael Trotter, collectively known as The War and Treaty. The conversation delves deep into their personal journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the powerful bond that unites them both personally and professionally.

---

Early Life and Personal Struggles

Michael's Upbringing and Early Trauma Michael Trotter opens up about his strict Christian household in Cleveland, highlighting the contrast between his religious upbringing and the harsh realities of his family life. “[...] I grew up in a strict Pentecostal home, and my dad was a womanizer, cheating, and hypocritical. It made me so angry because everyone here is fake,” Michael shares ([23:02]).

He recounts traumatic experiences, including being initiated into gang life at age 11 and surviving a stabbing at 12, which became a pivotal moment in his life. “I was laying in the streets of Cleveland bleeding out, and my cousin had been killed. That was the turning point,” he reflects ([30:53]).

Tanya's Musical Beginnings and Abusive Relationships Tanya Trotter discusses her early passion for music, inspired by her mother's classical singing and her brother's church performances. At 17, she landed a role in "Sister Act 2" and pursued a career in R&B, even signing with Bad Boy Records. However, the pressure and lack of creative freedom led her to leave the music industry, plunging her into a deep depression with suicide attempts. “[...] when I was in it and recording, I was like, ‘I'm so over this. I don't feel the passion anymore,’” Tanya admits ([54:25]).

She also shares her struggles with abusive relationships, which left her physically and emotionally scarred. “I was in a relationship when I tried to commit suicide because I felt squashed,” Tanya reveals ([55:07]).

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Meeting Each Other: A Fateful Encounter

The Love Festival Moment The story of how Tanya and Michael met is both serendipitous and heartwarming. On August 28, 2010, at a love festival in Laurel, Maryland, Tanya was performing and met Michael, a newly returned veteran battling PTSD. Despite initial hesitations and Michael’s insecurities, their connection was undeniable. “When I met Tanya, I was just smitten. I didn’t care,” Michael shares ([67:10]).

The first date was unconventional, involving a marathon screening of "The Ten Commandments," which Tanya humorously describes. Despite the awkwardness, their genuine connection led to a profound relationship. “[...] the rest was history,” Bunnie comments ([80:02]).

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Building a Life Together: Overcoming Homelessness and Trauma

Facing Homelessness Shortly after their meeting, Tanya and Michael faced homelessness. Michael recounts how they stayed in 20 different houses during their first year together. Their resilience and mutual support kept them going through these turbulent times. “We had nothing, and we were still living in their home,” Michael explains ([91:08]).

Battling PTSD and Anxiety Michael’s military experiences left him with deep-seated PTSD, manifesting in severe anxiety and emotional instability. Tanya played a crucial role in helping him confront and manage his trauma. “Tanya saved my life,” Michael states poignantly ([99:32]).

Tanya herself struggled with anxiety and OCD, finding solace and strength in their shared journey. “I feel like you're not alone,” she assures listeners ([132:59]).

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Musical Journey and Success

Formation of The War and Treaty In 2016, after years of personal struggles and healing, Tanya and Michael officially formed their musical duo, The War and Treaty. They experimented with various names, finally settling on "The War and Treaty" to symbolize the balance and peace they've cultivated in their relationship. “I was like, to be honest with you. You have been my peace in every single war,” Michael explains ([110:38]).

Breaking Barriers in Country Music As an African American husband-wife duo, The War and Treaty have made significant strides in the predominantly white country music scene. Their nomination for Best New Artist at the ACMs and CMAs marked a historic moment, breaking racial barriers and earning them recognition. “We are the first African American husband-wife duo to ever get nominated,” Michael proudly states ([120:47]).

Their authentic storytelling and heartfelt performances have resonated deeply with audiences, culminating in their first performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame alongside legends like Dottie West. “Country music grabbed hold of us. We didn't grab it; it grabbed us,” Tanya reflects ([113:34]).

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Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Success

Handling Fame and Personal Struggles Despite their growing fame, Tanya and Michael continue to navigate personal challenges, including Michael's ongoing battle with PTSD triggers during performances. “At the CMAs, I was on stage, trying to stay calm during the fireworks, and Tanya was my anchor,” Michael shares ([123:09]).

Tanya emphasizes the importance of mental health and mutual support in their relationship. “We are conquering fears together,” she affirms ([133:16]).

Connecting with Other Artists Their journey also includes meaningful connections with other artists like Zach Bryan and Jelly Roll, further solidifying their place in the country music community. “Authenticity is what Bubba is thirsting for,” Michael explains about their influence in the genre ([121:11]).

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Conclusion and Future Projects

Tanya and Michael express immense gratitude for their journey and the support they've received from fans and fellow artists. They hint at upcoming projects, including a new record set to release next year and an ongoing tour that continues to inspire and heal them both.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Trotter: “I grew up in a strict Pentecostal home, and my dad was a womanizer, cheating, and hypocritical. It made me so angry because everyone here is fake.” ([23:02])
• Tanya Trotter: “I was in a relationship when I tried to commit suicide because I felt squashed.” ([55:07])
• Michael Trotter: “We are the first African American husband-wife duo to ever get nominated.” ([120:47])
• Tanya Trotter: “We are conquering fears together.” ([133:16])

Connect with The War and Treaty:

• Website: WarandTreaty.com
• Social Media: Follow them on all major platforms except X (formerly Twitter).

Upcoming Projects:

• A new record set to release next year.
• Ongoing tour dates across the country. Visit WarandTreaty.com for more information.

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Final Thoughts This episode of Dumb Blonde offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Tanya and Michael Trotter, illustrating the power of love, resilience, and authenticity. Their story is a testament to overcoming adversity and breaking barriers, inspiring listeners to embrace their own healing journeys.

Transcript

[Bunny]

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[Michael Trotter]

Stage and the site is live that.

[Bunny]

We opened a store and need a fast checkout.

[Michael Trotter]

Stage. Thanks.

[Bunny]

You're all set that count it up and ship it around the globe. Stage.

[Tanya Trotter]

This one's going to Thailand.

[Michael Trotter]

And that.

[Bunny]

Wait, did we just hit a million orders? Stage Whatever your Stage Businesses that grow grow with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 a month [e-mail] Listen. Hey guys, I need to ask you a question. I want to know why in the hell are you not on Patreon? I don't think you guys even realize how much content we have on Patreon. Let me break it down for you. We have the Bunny XO show. We have Meet the D Forts. We have propaganda. We have more shows that we're adding. And not to mention, we have the visuals of the podcast. Not only that, we have four tiers that caters to everybody's budget and everybody gets the podcast. There's no more excuses. Head over to www.patreon.com backslash Dumblon podcast and sign up. Stop missing out. We have built a huge community over there, guys. I'm talking about hundreds of thousands of people over there. We even have live chats. Live chats that I actually am talking in every single night. Last but not least, we give away gifts every freaking month. I'm talking like signed stuff from Jay and I lives you just never what kind of surprise you're gonna get. It's like a Cracker Jack box. I love the community that we've built over there at Patreon. If you are already a Patreon member, I freaking love you, dude. Thank you so much. You guys are my babies for life. My writers. If I could, I would literally make out with each and every one of you. I love you guys so much. And that's a lot of kisses. Actually. Gotta go Bye, Bunny.

[Tanya Trotter]

Xo Bunny.

[Bunny]

Exo.

[Tanya Trotter]

Podcast.

[Michael Trotter]

Is.

[Bunny]

Is this thing on? What's up, you sexy? Welcome to another episode of Don Blonde. Today I have my friends here, and I am so excited. Tanya and Michael Trotter, AKA the Warren Treaty.

[Michael Trotter]

Yes.

[Bunny]

Oh, I am so honored to have you guys on the couch.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, yes. Oh, you have no idea. Happy to be.

[Michael Trotter]

I've been waiting to get on this. You. You inter. My favorite person of all time, and she didn't even know. And people who know me would probably not believe who I'm going to say. Who?

[Bunny]

Who? Who? Renee Graziano. Oh, she is the best human in the world. I was like, well, she would love you guys. I got to introduce you guys. She has a podcast. I'm gonna look you guys up with her.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm in love with her. I'm like, I don't care.

[Tanya Trotter]

Wait a minute now. He said I'm in love three times. I know. I was just about to say how we got our name.

[Bunny]

I heard you have a thing for older women. Because Tanya's older than you.

[Tanya Trotter]

Correct.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

And your hall pass, I heard, was Martha Stewart.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, I have many hall passes.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yes, he does.

[Michael Trotter]

I mean, you don't want to go there.

[Bunny]

Let's open it up. Let's open it up.

[Tanya Trotter]

I have a short list. He has a long list.

[Michael Trotter]

That's right.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

All right, Tanya, Tanya, who are your hall passes? And then we'll get into his.

[Tanya Trotter]

Well, I have one guy. He's the guy who was the lead in Tudors.

[Bunny]

I don't know.

[Tanya Trotter]

John Rhimes.

[Bunny]

Tom. Tom Rhymes. Give John.

[Tanya Trotter]

John Rhymes.

[Bunny]

Give it a goo. I need a goo.

[Tanya Trotter]

I think his name is Reese. Is it John Reese?

[Michael Trotter]

You ever seen August Rush? That movie. August R. No. Okay, I'm trying to think. What else?

[Tanya Trotter]

Johnny Depp.

[Bunny]

Oh, of course.

[Tanya Trotter]

Jade.

[Bunny]

Jade Depp. I mean, 21 Jump Street. Donny Depp. You can't even touch.

[Michael Trotter]

Johnny Depp's my past.

[Tanya Trotter]

No, no, no.

[Bunny]

I actually love Pirates of the Caribbean. Johnny Depp, too, because he has makeup on.

[Michael Trotter]

Dark.

[Tanya Trotter]

I love. He's dark. You know, it has to have that dark energy. And then I like Idris. Idris is my guy.

[Bunny]

I don't know who.

[Michael Trotter]

Idris Elba.

[Tanya Trotter]

Idris Elba.

[Bunny]

I need to see both of her. I need to see both of her.

[Tanya Trotter]

British man.

[Bunny]

I love it. And does he have that dark mystique, too?

[Tanya Trotter]

He does.

[Bunny]

Do you think because you're such a light and, like, you almost gave me, like, an empathic.

[Tanya Trotter]

I am. Yep. I'm an empath.

[Bunny]

Yeah, because I'm drawn to dark men, too. My husband, believe it or not, when we first got together, was very. He's always been very light, but he. He had so many demons that he was battling and I was like, let me fix you.

[Tanya Trotter]

That's. Michael is a dark. He's. He's a Pisces, so. Oh.

[Bunny]

He's very.

[Tanya Trotter]

Everything's very emotional. He likes to keep everything dark. He doesn't like the lights on. I'm like, what is this? We need to have light. I like everything.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm wearing colors.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, he is you.

[Bunny]

I actually like this. It compliments everything.

[Tanya Trotter]

They look good.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm trying my. I'm trying to do my things.

[Bunny]

Yeah, you guys look so good together. I'm actually a Pisces Venus, so I love my. My love language is of a Pisces, so I get it. We are very deep escapists.

[Michael Trotter]

Come on. There's nothing wrong with that.

[Tanya Trotter]

Highly emotional.

[Bunny]

Yes.

[Michael Trotter]

But we're very romantic.

[Tanya Trotter]

Very romantic.

[Bunny]

We're like hopeless romantics, too.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yes. And I'm a library, so I love, you know, we're the. With a sign of love. You know, everything.

[Bunny]

Love, love, love and balance.

[Tanya Trotter]

And the balance.

[Bunny]

You keep him balanced.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, you keep me balanced.

[Tanya Trotter]

I do. You know I do. It's going to be a long podcast.

[Bunny]

Listen, I watched your TED Talk. Okay. She keeps you balanced, sir.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay.

[Bunny]

Don't try to backtrack now.

[Tanya Trotter]

She has footage. I do.

[Bunny]

I did my research and I try and listen, I tried to dig for some dirt on y', all, so I expect. I want all this dirt.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, yeah, that dirt.

[Bunny]

But let's get into your hall pass list. So, Martha Stewart. So you have a thing for older women. Where do you think this comes from?

[Michael Trotter]

I think my mom.

[Bunny]

Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

My mother. I mean, like the values and just what I was allowed to watch, like what I grew up watching on tv, you know, and so my first ever hall pass was Phylicia rashad.

[Bunny]

Oh, yeah. Ms. Claire huxtable.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

I mean, like, even right now, I.

[Tanya Trotter]

Was like, there's upset sex.

[Michael Trotter]

Get it?

[Tanya Trotter]

He rolls over in the bed, he's like, look at this. It's like some 90 year old woman. I'm like, great. She's fine.

[Michael Trotter]

Jell pudding. In hopes that one day she's.

[Bunny]

She's going to appear, like magically appear.

[Tanya Trotter]

Absolutely not.

[Michael Trotter]

And I'm like, put the jello pudding into, you know, like Claire Hux one. It's going to be some weird. This is. This, this is going to be a weird, like, I'm out of snitch on myself.

[Bunny]

I love it.

[Michael Trotter]

Annette Benning.

[Bunny]

Oh, Annette Benning is hot, though.

[Michael Trotter]

That was.

[Bunny]

Wasn't she with Warren Beatty? She was with Warren Beatty for a long time.

[Michael Trotter]

Yes. Yes, she was her. Renee.

[Bunny]

Renee Graziano, baby. Renee. Renee, we're coming for you, baby. I'm hooking you guys up.

[Michael Trotter]

Who did you just say? You said.

[Bunny]

You know what? Let me see If I could FaceTime Renee really quick.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, my God. Are you trying to end my marriage? It's so fake. Is that okay?

[Bunny]

Okay, let me FaceTime. I don't know if she'll answ her because she's gonna be like, what in the hell is funny face?

[Michael Trotter]

You know something? I have no music industry. What do you call it? Crushes.

[Tanya Trotter]

You didn't say Doris Day. Is she.

[Bunny]

Dora's Day is hot, man.

[Michael Trotter]

Is. Is. Is the number two.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay, let's see.

[Bunny]

Let's see if Renee answers. Hopefully she will. If not, I'll text her and tell her to call. Just so you guys.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my God.

[Bunny]

Hello, beautiful. I swear on everybody, everything holy. You just ran through my brain today.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh.

[Bunny]

We are taught where you're live on the podcast right now. My. My. My friends, the Warren Treaty are here. So it's Tanya and Michael Trotter. He's in love with you. You're his.

[Tanya Trotter]

He is.

[Bunny]

You are his hall pass. So I was like, you know what? Renee has a. I was like, renee has a podcast. We gotta hook you guys up.

[Michael Trotter]

Absolutely.

[Tanya Trotter]

Let's do it. Just promise me you won't take my husband.

[Michael Trotter]

We hugging you right now. All this man is hugging you.

[Bunny]

Can you see them?

[Tanya Trotter]

She's that. My grandson's standing behind me going, who's this?

[Bunny]

I love it. I'm going to play. Hi, baby. Hi. Oh, what a cutie pie. All right, I'm going to plug you guys in.

[Tanya Trotter]

That is. That just happened.

[Michael Trotter]

That's why we're here.

[Bunny]

I'm going to plug you guys in. I'm going to give him your information so you guys can talk about a podcast.

[Tanya Trotter]

You got it. All right.

[Bunny]

Bye, baby. I love you so much.

[Michael Trotter]

I love you.

[Tanya Trotter]

Bye.

[Michael Trotter]

I told you this day was for me.

[Bunny]

Yeah, it is for you.

[Michael Trotter]

This is why I hear.

[Tanya Trotter]

But it's. I called her, so I did this for you. What do I get in return?

[Michael Trotter]

You know?

[Bunny]

Exactly. A Minaj.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. Let's do it.

[Michael Trotter]

The universe is working through you.

[Tanya Trotter]

I don't like older women, though.

[Michael Trotter]

Thank you.

[Tanya Trotter]

We gotta have a different kind of.

[Bunny]

Tanya said, I don't like older women, though.

[Tanya Trotter]

It's not for me. This would be. I would just watch.

[Michael Trotter]

But she. Okay, so. So I'm gonna give you. I'm gonna give you the real.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay. Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

When my mom came home in 95. Was it 95? Okay. So 95. Mom came home with this movie, and she was like, we're gonna have family movie night. We had never had family movie night, like, ever. I mean, we don't do that. That's not in our family. So my mom put this movie on my brother. My sister and I were sitting down, and it's Sister act, too. So I'm like, okay. You know, I'm a big fan of Sister Act, Whoopi Goldberg, you know, the whole nine. I was like, yeah, that's. That's the movie. So two. I had. I hadn't known that there were two. And it was kids, you know, I saw Lauryn Hill. I saw Ryan, Toby, Jennifer Love Hewitt. You know, yo yo is in there. I mean, like, everything. Like, all the kids. And then this angel came across the screen. And I lie to you not. It was Tanya. And I told my mom and dad. I was like, oh, that's my wife. No, I was nine years old.

[Bunny]

I love that.

[Tanya Trotter]

And I was like, yeah.

[Bunny]

So let me get this right, because I did. I knew this about you guys, and I thought it was, like, the coolest story ever. Just like the. What do they call it? The string theory.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Where it's like, you. You see somebody, but you don't know them, and then later on in life, you guys end up together. Like. So you were in Sister act, too?

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

How did you. Okay, so you grew up singing. You grew up in. Take Me on this Journey. Really quick. Let's dive into this, and then we'll. We'll connect it all together.

[Tanya Trotter]

Church, you know, Grew up in a Baptist church in Washington, D.C. grew up singing. Always singing around in. In the town. Always wanting to do music. I can't. Since I was 8 years old. I can't remember.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

Outside of when I got in college, ever not wanting to do music. It was either that or become an entertainment lawyer. Yeah, either. Either.

[Bunny]

Your father was a police officer?

[Tanya Trotter]

My father was a police officer, and he was in the army. He went to the army as well as Michael did, and I just wanted to do that. My mother was a singer. She sang classical music in Panama. I'm half Latina, and so I grew up hearing all kinds of stuff, and so just moving around D.C. and then I met Michael. I did Sister. Whoa. Let me scale up. Let me scale back. So I did a bunch of performing arts stuff. I'm getting right to my back, getting right to the good. And went and auditioned in LA for Sister act, made, got the movie.

[Bunny]

How old were you?

[Tanya Trotter]

I was 17.

[Bunny]

Okay, okay, so you were in your teen years.

[Tanya Trotter]

I was 17 and he liked me at 8, so that wouldn't work out, you know, because you're 9 years old. I'm 9 years older than you.

[Bunny]

Gotcha.

[Michael Trotter]

And it was weird.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, it was real weird. If it seems weird now, you know, you think about it, I'm almost five.

[Bunny]

Years older than Jay, so I get it. Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

But it's cool, you know. And so I did a record with Island Records when I was 17. Right after we did the movie. Yeah, I did the whole R and B thing for a couple of years and that was really fun and cool. And was signed to, I don't know if I should say his name, but I was with Diddy for a couple years.

[Bunny]

Really?

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, I was over there with him. And so were you signed?

[Bunny]

So let's, let's rewind it back. So you grew up in Washington D.C. with your family, so you kind of grew up in the suburbs. We're just painting a picture for everybody here because I know that you had a completely different upbringing, right? So you grew up in the suburbs. You know, you were singing, you were doing acting, doing movies. What were you, what was it like with your family growing? Like, were you guys a close knit family?

[Tanya Trotter]

We were. My mom and dad divorced when I was like 8, so it wasn't like the perfect picture painted picture. But I spent a lot of time in New Bern, North Carolina with my grandparents and my cousins and stuff like that. So the family was very tight. My friends, I didn't have friends outside of my neighbor next door because all my friends were my cousins. And that's how I thought it was summer camp. But it wasn't summer camp. It was hanging out with my cousins and my grandparents. So I had that lifestyle and went to public schools, went to Catholic schools and everything. And it was just, it was just great, you know, and my parents. And when they divorced, I was kind of like, you know, as a kid, you know, I really used music to be that thing that kind of carried me through that pain, you know, because every child, they go through a divorce, you see a happy family, and then it ends up being not a happy family. You go through that transition. So I had that transition happen for me and. But again, music was always that thing that kept me and I would always find a talent show or something to do, you know, that had me busy. Yeah, it was modeling. It was in pageants, whatever. I was doing a thing just to keep me busy from what was going on in my own house.

[Bunny]

Did you always have that voice? Because you have a very powerful voice.

[Tanya Trotter]

Thank you.

[Bunny]

It's so good.

[Tanya Trotter]

Since I was eight.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

I think how I figured out I could sing was crazy, because my brother was the singer of the family. He was a famous one. You know, in churches, there's always the famous. There's the one everybody goes to. And so there was this one Sunday morning, I had to be about maybe seven, and I. We're four years apart, and my brother was 13 to 14, and I remember him just lighting the church up. Like, people were falling out. They were, like, rolling around on the ground, you know, typical Baptist church thing. And I was like, man, whatever he's doing to make people feel like that, I want to do that. So I remember going home that week, and I said to him, you know, how do you do what you do? You know, can you show me how to do it? And he was working some little job in the city and went out and got me Whitney Houston's record.

[Michael Trotter]

Aww.

[Tanya Trotter]

And Jennifer Holiday, who was a singer in the 80s, and he was like, now, if you want to do this, he was like, I want to hear you sing something that sounds like her or something that sounds like this. If you can't sing any one of those songs, you need to forget about being a singer. I was like, really? Just. That could be. No pressure.

[Bunny]

No pressure, bro.

[Tanya Trotter]

So I went on the path, you know, of just studying with my little vinyl downstairs in the basement and singing at the top of my lungs, you know, to hit those notes. And my brother was the one that kind of, like, pushed me into wanting to do it. And I always knew once that voice came, I was like, this is it. And I found it just by looking at him saying, I want to do that, you know? Aw.

[Bunny]

What's your favorite Whitney Houston song?

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, my God, it's so many.

[Bunny]

I know. I mean, how can you pick just one? What's your favorite Whitney Houston song to sing?

[Tanya Trotter]

Ooh. Mm. That's a hard one. Let me see. I love. Didn't we almost have it all?

[Bunny]

Oh, my gosh. So good. I just got goosebumps.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, I love that one. I love all the men I need.

[Bunny]

Well, you know, Ms. Tonya, I'm gonna ask you to sing a little snippet.

[Tanya Trotter]

So everybody can hear this, so everybody.

[Bunny]

Can hear your voice.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm not good with lyrics, so.

[Bunny]

Oh, dude, just do whatever you can, because that voice, people need to hear it. I mean, I know they got to hear it on, you know, on your records and stuff like that, but we need to hear it in studio.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay. Oh, go. Let me see.

[Bunny]

I've got to hear it at award shows, and you guys are phenomenal, so.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay, okay. Just put me on the spot.

[Michael Trotter]

Okay.

[Tanya Trotter]

Let me see.

[Bunny]

That's what I do, baby.

[Tanya Trotter]

Let me see. I'm gonna do. What's the one we just did? I always love you about that. Okay, I'll do just a little piece.

[Bunny]

Of it, which is a Dolly Parton original.

[Tanya Trotter]

It's a Dolly Parton original.

[Bunny]

We love Dolly.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, we'll do that.

[Michael Trotter]

You do the verse to the Autumn.

[Tanya Trotter]

Because I don't know if I know all the lyrics.

[Michael Trotter]

Sleep at night, all that stuff.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, okay. No. Cause I only know that part.

[Michael Trotter]

Do what you want to do do what you do.

[Tanya Trotter]

I only know my part. I didn't know that part. Okay. If I should stay I would leave in your way so I'll go But I know I'll think of you Every step of the way the way.

[Michael Trotter]

And.

[Tanya Trotter]

I will always love you who? I will always love you I will always love you. You.

[Bunny]

Look at my arms. Look at my arms. My nipples are hard.

[Tanya Trotter]

All right?

[Bunny]

Like, my dog even woke up and was like, hello, T.

[Michael Trotter]

No.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yo.

[Bunny]

No. Michael. Do you make her sing you to sleep at night?

[Tanya Trotter]

No. I do want to know the truth about this? Yes.

[Bunny]

Yes, I do.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, God.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yes, I do. I have to do other things at night. Oh, do tell. No.

[Michael Trotter]

Music doesn't sing in the house.

[Tanya Trotter]

I don't.

[Bunny]

Really?

[Michael Trotter]

Nope.

[Bunny]

Why do you think that is?

[Tanya Trotter]

I don't know. I think because it's work.

[Bunny]

Okay.

[Tanya Trotter]

And because I respect that. I'm like, you know. You know the life. We're doing this 24 7. So when I come home and now he's taking this away from me, I'm like, I want to clean, and I want to do all the household stuff and wait, I'm taking it away from me.

[Michael Trotter]

You fussed at me and told me to get out.

[Tanya Trotter]

No, no, no. You know what? It's only.

[Bunny]

Listen, we have one, too, and I understand where you're coming from. You know, sometimes it's, like, therapeutic for us to clean. So I'll clean before the maids come over.

[Tanya Trotter]

That's what I did.

[Bunny]

Like, last night, I cleaned the bathroom, and Jay walked in. He goes, did you clean the bathroom? I go, yeah. He goes, you did better than the maid did. I don't know if we're allowed to call them maids anymore.

[Tanya Trotter]

What do we call them?

[Bunny]

Housekeepers.

[Michael Trotter]

Yes, housekeepers.

[Bunny]

Housekeepers. So, yeah, so he's like, you clean better than the housekeepers did. You know, And I'm.

[Tanya Trotter]

That's what happened before we came here. I, like, cleaned up. And then some people are pulling up. I'm like, who are these people? And our daughter's like, I think dad said they're coming to clean up.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm like, I just cleaned up.

[Bunny]

But it's hard for me to give in to that, too. In the very beginning, too, like, I was just like, I know. I just feel like. I feel like my womanly duties are being taken from me. But now I'm like, oh, Lord, when are they gonna be here? Tuesday.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm.

[Bunny]

You know, your schedule gets so packed and you have so much to do. And honestly, you deserve that because you guys do work so hard and you're on the road. So don't, you know, mistake someone helping you as, like, a weakness, because it's not. We need that.

[Tanya Trotter]

It's so hard to accept help. It is, you know, when you've come because we, you know, our story is so weird, you know, crazy. We've been homeless. We went through the whole. Yeah, we're going to get all that. So it's just been, like, really crazy to just now receive.

[Bunny]

To just be able to sit back and kind of be in a safe space. Yeah, for sure.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

So you said that you signed with Diddy. How old were you when you signed with Diddy? And was it Bad Boy that you signed with?

[Tanya Trotter]

I was with Bad Boy. I was with them for six, five years.

[Bunny]

Okay, awesome.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

How was that working with him? Do you. Is. Was it.

[Tanya Trotter]

You know, I was just talking to my old manager and during the Biggie era, during the Biggie era, we were.

[Bunny]

Just talking about Biggie this morning.

[Tanya Trotter]

So, you know, Biggie and everybody that was there in the 90s, we. We all got to work together and party together and stuff like that.

[Bunny]

How was it meeting Biggie?

[Tanya Trotter]

Great. I mean, he was funny. He was. He was a genius. Own a studio with no, you know, lyrics and stuff and just rip it, you know. Wow. And so that's.

[Bunny]

To be able to freestyle.

[Tanya Trotter]

To be able to freestyle is crazy. And Puffy was interesting because being with.

[Bunny]

Him was like, to say the least.

[Tanya Trotter]

You know, he was. My manager said this. We didn't see this Puffy that people are talking about now. I never saw him drink. I never saw him Smoke. Maybe he did. I don't know. But I never saw that guy. And being around him was kind of like being at school, because you were literally learning on the job training how to market. I mean, this guy. This is a guy that would have a party and literally be on the streets with his flyers and tickets, passing them out to people, and at the end of the night, the party would be packed, and I'm like, wow, he got all these people here because he was on the streets earlier for three or four hours. So I think with the good, everything has good, bad, you know, that comes with it. Yeah. And to me, it was just a learning experience. And I'm. I'm really, really appalled at the stuff that I'm hearing about now.

[Bunny]

I feel like. You know, I feel like maybe before all the fame and the ego and, you know, I think with a certain level of just money kind of gets weird for some people. And, you know, like, I said this. This is just, you know, me saying this. I don't know Diddy personally, and I can't speak for him, but I think, you know, maybe somewhere along the line, something switched, but. Thank you. Didn't have that experience with him?

[Tanya Trotter]

No, I never had that experience. And I had protection, too. I was young, but I had a manager that was like, oh, you're not going to that party, or, no, you need to be. You need to be in the bed. You know, that kind of thing. So I think I was protected. And a lot of that is God, you know, just protecting me from whatever was happening and the people that had to experience it, I really feel felt bad for them.

[Bunny]

Yeah. So you met Michael when you were. How old was I?

[Tanya Trotter]

30. 30. We've been together 14 years, so I was 36.

[Bunny]

Okay, so what we'll do is we'll go over to your upbringing and we'll kind of bring you guys in together. So you grew up in the streets of Cleveland?

[Michael Trotter]

Yep.

[Bunny]

Take me on this journey, because that's completely different than what baby girl over here grew up in.

[Michael Trotter]

It's. Wow. I don't really. You know, Cleveland is not a. A thing I talk about often. And so. And I don't really get asked that, but this is interesting, you know, so growing up in Cleveland, I grew up in a strict Christian household, Seven Day Adventist household. And it was, like, very cultish to me. You know, like I was telling you, Friday night sundown, all the way to Saturday night sundown, it's nothing but, like, God, So you can't do anything. You know, you can't watch tv. I couldn't go outside and play with friends and kids and none of that stuff. It was just church, church, church.

[Tanya Trotter]

And.

[Michael Trotter]

And.

[Bunny]

And that's heavy.

[Michael Trotter]

It's deep. I mean, like, it. It really. It. It really altered my life for a minute there, you know?

[Bunny]

Well, it makes you angry.

[Michael Trotter]

It. I was very, like, on top of. It was a big contrast to what real life was.

[Bunny]

Right.

[Michael Trotter]

You know, I mean, Friday to Saturday is like, hallelujah, Jesus.

[Tanya Trotter]

Jesus.

[Michael Trotter]

And then. And for the rest of the week, you're just living like shit. So it's like, I don't get how this is panning things out. And, you know, in the Adventist faith, when you come into the church, you say, happy Sabbath, you know, so everything is like, happy Sabbath. Everybody's putting on this painted face and saying they're happy. And, you know, the divorce rate is extremely high, you know, and the drugs, the drug rate is like. Like super high, you know, and even in my household. So my father was a alcoholic and a drug addict, but he was a school teacher as well, so I started rebelling heavy. You know, he and my mom were clashing. My mom was, you know, she puts Jesus on everything, and so she's not really being protected. I'm her protection. And so, you know, I turned to the streets early, you know, and was.

[Bunny]

It an abusive relationship also?

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But only when he would. Would get high, you know, when the drugs happened. He's a different dude.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

You know, and that's got to be such.

[Bunny]

For a child. That has to be such a mind because it's like, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. And then there's abuse, alcoholism, and drug, you know, and it's just kind of when I. I grew up in a very. We talked about this briefly before. I grew up in a very strict Pentecostal home, and my dad was a womanizer, cheating and like, just be like, I learned about hip, you know, hypocriticalness, if that's even a word, about being a hypocrite, very early. And it made me so angry because I'm like, everybody here is fake, you know, and it just makes you. I feel like it contributes to rebellion as a child.

[Michael Trotter]

It does. And it teaches you also how to lie.

[Bunny]

Yes.

[Michael Trotter]

You know, and in my household, I mean, like, my. I'm the oldest of all my siblings, too. Just. Just three of us, but I'm the oldest. And my mother, her background, she couldn't tell the truth about what was going on to her parents and her sisters and her brother, you know, so all her friends. And I became my mom's confidant, like very early. You know, like I'm talking about. My mother would just talk to me about stuff at like 4 years old.

[Bunny]

That's a heavy load.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah. And I can remember every conversation. Like we talk. I can remember every conversation I've ever had with my mom. She's my, my mom is, you know, your best friend, my lady and. But I also learned responsibility very quick. We just had this family conversation about this. I had my first real job when I was five years old.

[Bunny]

Wow.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah. I would go to the corner store in our neighborhood, Mr. Farrell's corner store. And I asked him for a job because, you know, I thought I didn't know about the drugs at that age. I thought we were just poor and broke and dad was just stressed out and needing help. You know, I would always hear him talk about he's not. He didn't have enough money. And so the job I had, I would tie the boxes from the shipments that would come in. I would zip tie the boxes and then drag them across the street to the city dump.

[Bunny]

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[Tanya Trotter]

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[Bunny]

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[Michael Trotter]

And I would do this. Yeah, at 5. And I would get paid $8 a day when I would go and do it. So I would do that. And. And then I would buy a loaf of bread. I'd buy bologna cheese punch, and I would have, like, some money left over to buy, like, little Debbie snack cakes for me and my brother. My mom. Well, my mom didn't realize that I was that young. You know, we were bragging about it. And she was like, yeah, because he had his first job. He was. He was a young man. And I said to her, how old do you think I was? She was like, oh, he was young. He had to be about, like. Like 11 or 12. And I was like, well, mom, remember how you. You sent me to the corner store because you were pregnant with Deb, which is my sister, and she just wasn't. It just wasn't moving. So my mother had me buy all these mars chocolate bars because when she would eat the chocolate, my sister would respond in her belly. She was like, yes, I remember that. I was like, now, Mom, Debbie and I are six years apart. And she was like. And it shocked her. All the trauma blocked her from reality. It blocked her from what really took place, you know, and my dad. But, you know, I turned to streets, and Cleveland had a strong gang life. You know, it. It still does in some ways. And the gang association is called Folks in Cleveland. And I had a cousin who was very high up in the gang life in Cleveland. And so I got my little initiation, and I started selling. You know, I mean, I had.

[Bunny]

How old were you whenever you got initiated in?

[Michael Trotter]

I was 11.

[Bunny]

Oh, my goodness.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah. Yeah. Like, I got stabbed when I was 12. And I think that was the turning point. Like, I was laying in the streets of Cleveland bleeding out, and my cousin had been killed. So my mom then was like, we need to get out of Cleveland and get to D.C. and she was trying to. At that time, she wanted to escape my dad. This was like the straw that broke the camel's back. Okay? My baby is like. Like, he's gonna die if he stays here, you know?

[Bunny]

Were you in school during this or had you dropped out?

[Michael Trotter]

You know, it's crazy. I was in school, but not to be in school, you know, What I'm saying.

[Bunny]

So I was just going through the motions.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah. In fact, when we finally went to DC, which was 96, I stayed in DC till about 98 before my mother sent me back to Cleveland to live with my dad because I was wilding. I mean, like.

[Bunny]

Well, I mean, you. You talk. I know you're very open about the PTSD and stuff after you had gotten out of the Iraq and. Which. We'll talk about that.

[Tanya Trotter]

But.

[Bunny]

Yeah, I feel like you went in having ptsd.

[Tanya Trotter]

I had.

[Michael Trotter]

I had a lot of different things, but I never knew how to identify them.

[Bunny]

Right.

[Michael Trotter]

You know, and. Yeah, PTSD is.

[Bunny]

I mean, being stabbed at 12.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

That's trauma, like.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Emotional, physical, spiritual.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. You know, you don't know what you're dealing with.

[Bunny]

Yeah. I mean, you're so young to. You're not even supposed to be able to process that kind of violence at 12.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

But I think I was able to identify that because I had seen it so early with my. With my pop, you know, and. But it was weird because when I came back home to live with my dad is when I finally learned my dad.

[Bunny]

How old were you?

[Michael Trotter]

I was about maybe 12 or 13 when I went back to Cleveland.

[Bunny]

Gotcha.

[Michael Trotter]

And my dad shared, you know, everybody's got a story. And my father finally opened up to me. He got some help a little bit at this time and told me that he had been on drugs since he was like, 13. Like, every drug you can imagine. My dad had already done it, like. Like, and he was hiding, trying to get some pain out of him. And my father, he comes from a. You know, he's got a big family that he comes from. 13 siblings, but not all 13 are from his father, you know, and the first set of kids, his brother, which was my uncle Andrew, had actually raped my dad. And so that's what Andrew had. Mental issues, mental health problems. And so that's what sent my father down that path. And. But I'm happy to report even today, you know, so mom and dad had got divorced and then rekindled and got back together. And to look at my dad or to hear him talk or anything, you know, you would.

[Tanya Trotter]

Would.

[Michael Trotter]

You would think I'm lying because he's so, like, yeah, free, sober, clean, you know.

[Bunny]

Yeah. Praise Jesus, though, right?

[Michael Trotter]

He's dope. You know, he's the dad today. He's the father I wish I had growing up, but I need him now. So that's. That's what.

[Bunny]

You know, and to break that. That trauma and that that generational trauma, it sounds like, from his family. Like he. He's doing it and you know, like, you're doing it too. So you guys are like like the. The cycle breakers in your guys families.

[Michael Trotter]

I remember telling my father, you know, I was like, when I found out that my dad had went bankrupt and then we lost everything, you know, and so dad and mom, you know, section eight and all that kind of thing, and then finally rebuilding enough to like get apartments and stuff. So my father, around 2015, had rebuilt his life so much that he had just bought a house.

[Bunny]

Aw, go, dad.

[Michael Trotter]

And I remember finding out like, I was like, what are y' all doing? And he was like, oh, me and your mom just moving our stuff in. I'm like, moving stuff into what? He was like, oh, yeah, I bought a house. I'm like, what the fuck do you mean you bought a house?

[Tanya Trotter]

Like you didn't even.

[Michael Trotter]

And But I remember telling my dad that night, I was like, dad, you just broke a curse in all of our lives. Now I can move, make something happen with myself because we were like homeless from like 2010 to 2013.

[Bunny]

So let's. Let's circle back to look. So it all we. So you got. You saw her and sister act. You told your family, like, this is the woman I'm gonna marry. Yeah, you, you know, they didn't think anything of it.

[Michael Trotter]

No.

[Bunny]

You, you know, are going through your shit. She's going through her shit. Everybody's growing up and stuff like that. When Tell me about how you guys met and where met.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, it's crazy because I had. So I have to start here with my. My first daughter. You know, I had a baby and I had dropped out of high school, you know, so high school was just done for me. And I had no, no aspirations of going back or trying to do anything. So I took my GED test. And they made me take this test three different times because. Because my score was way too high to be a high school dropout. I spent like three weeks in the ninth grade. And I was like, all right, I'm done. So I got my ged too. Yeah.

[Bunny]

Passed it the first time.

[Michael Trotter]

Yep.

[Bunny]

I couldn't believe it. I was shocked. I was like, how did I do this?

[Tanya Trotter]

Genius.

[Michael Trotter]

And it's crazy. They say it takes eight hours. It's like, it's an eight hour test. I did it in like five. I mean, I was trying to get the hell up out of there, but I had an option to go to college or to go to the army. And I Had my baby. And I was like, I refuse to raise, like, a bastard kid. Like, I'm not gonna put her through that. I don't care.

[Bunny]

Which is amazing considering how you grew up, that you had that dedication to be a father. But honestly, I think it's probably because your dad, you know, no matter what you guys went through, still was, you know, your dad.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

I mean, you. Right. Because I remember the fondest memory I have of my dad, other than what we're creating now, is that this. We were starving. I mean, like, we were looking at cupboards. It was like a snowstorm in Cleveland. We had absolutely nothing in the house. And my father was supposed to be bringing groceries home. 6pm comes, no dad. 8pm, 10pm no dad, 1am I remember my father, literally. I. We can hear his Town Car, his Lincoln Town Car pull up. It's not tuned, so you definitely can hear everything. And I hear the fumbling of the keys, and, you know, I'm like, running downstairs because, I mean, he's still my dad. I love dad. And I remember the door opening and my father falling in to the house, groceries everywhere. And he lifts his head up. It's so cinematic. He lifts his head up and he looks me in my eyes. And I'm looking at his eyes, and I'm like, this is the first time I encounter my father and realize he's high out of his fucking mind. I mean, his eyes are bloodshot, red sweat is everywhere in a snowstorm. He's sweating profusely. And he looks at me, and I look at him, and he's like. And he just shakes his head, and he gets up and he crawls back out to go back on the bench. We don't see him for another week. And I told my mom. My mom was like, how do you feel about this? What is sitting on your mind? I was like, mom, I can't believe that he cared that much that even in the middle of his bench, he remembers. Like, I have to stop for this second. Like, that is a big deal for an addict, you know?

[Bunny]

Oh, absolutely.

[Michael Trotter]

So for me, I hold that, and I held that. And that reminded me that, okay, no matter what, I cannot not be with my children. My daughter. So this beautiful little girl, Michaela Club. I joined the army. Now I'm from the hood. I don't know shit about politics. I don't know nothing about anything. So I didn't realize I was joining during wartime.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

One of the craziest times to join the Army.

[Michael Trotter]

The wildest war we've ever Seen prior.

[Bunny]

To this, was there any music in your life?

[Michael Trotter]

Very, very much so. Of church, like Tanya, all my mom and my grandmother, my uncles, they sing, play instruments and all the things. But music stopped for me around in ninth grade.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

You know, I just was like, you know what? I, I gotta go to the army. And that shocked everybody, you know, Took a little bit. I remember when I enlisted and we're on the bus and I'm like riding away and trying to be hard. I'm like, what the did I just do?

[Bunny]

Oh my God. I couldn't imagine I was listening because I've listened to a few of you guys interviews and I just couldn't imagine signing up and just being taken all the way to a different country, you know, and like just having to be brave. No, you know, like I just couldn't do that.

[Michael Trotter]

And the things that. Okay, so I, and Tanya's gonna be shocked. What that I'm gonna talk about this part.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay.

[Bunny]

I love that she's just got your back. She's like, okay, here we go.

[Michael Trotter]

I mean, she's, she's, this is really gonna shock her. Shocker. Because it's so my, I got my baby in my mind, you know, and before I leave for Iraq, I mean, I'm all over her. That's my, my, my daughter. And I got another one on the way.

[Bunny]

Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

So it's, it's all clicking to me like, okay, this is, this is going to be the rest of my life. But I'm, I'm a part of 16 Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. We're in Iraq.

[Bunny]

Thank you for your service, by the way.

[Michael Trotter]

Thank you. And my first encounter was with an eight year old Iraqi boy. And that's is where the PTSD came from. It's right there. Because he's eight on paper, but he's our age in reality and he's shooting. And I've got a decision to make and either accept that or, you know, take that life. And the latter is the decision that I had to make because it's at this point, it's between him and Mikaela. And when those kinds of things happened, they just happen in the war. It's a part of war. You just keep rolling. And I wasn't built like that, that, you know, I mean, the most things I ever did in the streets was fight. And I got, yeah, I got stabbed and, and I, I, I made it, you know, but when you have to take a life, it's, it's, it changes you. So it changed me. And then the rest of the fighting changed me. And then realizing that our freedoms do come at a high price. And then when you have a connection with God, you're like, God, like, keep it 100 with me. How you. How do you really feel about this? Because that's my brother over there. I know that we don't. We don't really act like it right now, and we've got a history of fighting with each other on earth, but the truth is we're all brothers and sisters. And so how do I justify my actions? And when his father and mother are doing the same thing I'm doing, you know, so.

[Bunny]

I couldn't imagine.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah. So I had a lot to carry into 2010. August 28th, when I met Tanya and we met at a love festival in Laurel, Maryland.

[Bunny]

I want to rewind really quick because there is a really. Honestly, it's a. It was a beautiful story that kind of made me gasp out loud whenever you talked about writing your first song in Saddam. On Saddam Hussein's piano.

[Michael Trotter]

Yes. Yeah.

[Bunny]

Like, can we talk about that? Because that's honestly as much of a monster as he is. It's so. It's a beautiful story.

[Michael Trotter]

You, you, you, you, you, you see? Yeah, we're definitely.

[Tanya Trotter]

So we.

[Michael Trotter]

We think very simple, because every soldier has a profile, and the profile is like the height, weight, and all things, but it's also likes and quirks. So for me, music has always been the thing. And so when I got to Iraq, I was not a squared away soldier. I was like, I joke about it with my union, with everybody, but I was like, the fat, black Gomer, pal. Like, this is just what it was. I mean, everybody was like, trotter's gonna get his. Like, I was not.

[Bunny]

Trotter's gonna get us killed.

[Michael Trotter]

I was not squared away at all, like. And I did not mind letting everyone know that I was terrified to be in the war. I mean, when we flew in, we were doggy barreling. And I, you know, I am not ashamed to say I pissed my trousers, literally.

[Bunny]

You're a baby. I would too, man.

[Michael Trotter]

I mean, it ain't no joke.

[Bunny]

I'm going in saying, who needs home cooking? I'm cooking for everybody.

[Tanya Trotter]

Really. Don't put it.

[Michael Trotter]

Why didn't I put be a cook?

[Tanya Trotter]

Because this shit is.

[Michael Trotter]

And they saw that. And so one of the commanders was like, you know what? We need to find a way to connect with Trotter beyond yelling and all the things that come with the military. And he looked at my file and realized, oh, he likes Music. And we have Saddam's palace. And Saddam. A lot of people don't know it, but Saddam had pianos everywhere, which I never knew.

[Bunny]

I found that fascinating when I heard you say that.

[Michael Trotter]

So they took me down in the basement of the. The Forward Operating Base, which we call F.O.B. they took us down and took me down the basement and showed me this piano. And I was like, wow, I don't play. And he was like, well, you've got nothing but time, you know, when you want to find your way back home, Come down here and find your way back home, you know, be at peace. This is your space. No one else comes down here. We use it as a chapel. And they only come down here on Sundays. So I went down there, and that's how I really just started teaching myself to play. I started with Lean on Me, and it really helped, you know, but it wasn't until that guy was killed to where I really emotionally connected with the piano and really thought, like, okay, you know what? I'm gonna write my first song about this situation. And. And I did. And I asked my unit if I could sing it. But it was some weird stuff happening even with that. Because the guy I had to go through to get this permission was a guy named Michael Iyer, and he was our sergeant major. And he was about this tall, stocky, like Popeye, and a straight up, like, motherfucker.

[Bunny]

Just a gangster.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my God.

[Tanya Trotter]

Not ready for it.

[Michael Trotter]

You know, Like, I'd be like. Like he was so gang. Like. Like, he would be. He would be appalled to hear me say this right now. And that's why I'm going say it. Oh, yeah, We. We. We were like this. But Michael A. Was a short, ball head white male who had no problem with calling you the N word. If you got in his nerves, oh, he would go there with you. But it wasn't like. Like, I didn't feel the, like racist. It was like he grew up in this part of New York, you know what I mean? So it was like one of those things to where I was like, oh, shit. You mean, tell me I gotta go through that guy.

[Bunny]

Yeah. To get approval for this song.

[Michael Trotter]

And I have to go to him. And you know what he does? He's like, trotter, wait a minute. Can you sing? I was like, all right. And I asked him, I was like, but what I want to do also is I want to pray with the unit. Because we were. We were hurt.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

And I didn't. I only knew. The only thing I knew to do in that moment is pray. That's how I was raised. And he was an atheist. So again, I'm being set up.

[Bunny]

The Lord was testing you left and right.

[Michael Trotter]

How about this? At this point, we had no chaplain. Our chaplain was more afraid than I. And he put in an early request to leave. He's like, I'm done. I'm out of here. The Iraq was, at that point, we were like in. In a real thick mess.

[Bunny]

Yeah. I couldn't imagine living in that fear every day. That's just fight or flight all day long, just hearing tension, the bombs go off around you. Seeing people, you know, dying, falling like flies around you. I could not imagine because. So you guys need God.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah. And we, we fantasize through movies, but it's nothing like what we. What we. The cinema that we see.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

I couldn't imagine.

[Michael Trotter]

But he says to our commander, sir, Trotter wants to pray with the fleet. I'm new to, like, no one. Don't really know. I mean, I'm in the unit now, but about three months.

[Bunny]

Feel like the guy that peed his pants, the one we should have threw off the helicopter.

[Michael Trotter]

Little bitch. Bitch. But he says, sure, go ahead. And I stand up on this picnic table in Iraq, and this is a wild wrap up to.

[Bunny]

No, you're cool. I love it. I can listen to you guys talk all day.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm on this picnic table and I take my helmet off, and it's 986 soldiers in our battalion. And all 986 follow me. This is actually incorrect. We're at war. You don't take off your helmet.

[Tanya Trotter]

Right.

[Michael Trotter]

But again, how I'm raised. When you pray, you take your head off, you know, do all the things so. And then I get down on one knee and all.986 gets down on one knee.

[Bunny]

Oh, I got God.

[Michael Trotter]

And then I lay my weapon down on the table. They lay their weapons down in the sand.

[Tanya Trotter]

No.

[Michael Trotter]

Which again is an incorrect thing because you're going to misfire because your weapon is dirty. Blah, blah, blah. But everybody's following the guy that wants to pray. And I remember my prayer because at this point, this is the only way I knew how to pray. But I was like, okay, God, it's your boy. I'm here. We all here. We don't know what we're doing, but we do know we need you to protect us and give us a clear path of what we supposed to do. Are we supposed to fight? Are we supposed to talk? Whatever it is. But I know we want to make you happy. I was like, that's it. That's all I got. Amen. And we didn't. From that point on, we didn't lose another soldier from that moment on. Yeah.

[Bunny]

Oh, my God, that was amazing. Isn't it crazy how we could be so mad at the religion that we were kind of forced to. Forced to follow?

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

But, man, when we have that first, you know, fear, that encounter that we just don't know what to do with, we drop to our knees and pray.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, yeah.

[Bunny]

No, it's crazy. So while he's in the army doing all this stuff, what are you doing during this time?

[Tanya Trotter]

I am having relationship woes. When I say going through, I'm like, you know, I was married. I was in an abusive relationship. I was living on a farm, caring for animals and all that kind of stuff. And just really trying to find myself, you know, I started music so young, and that's all I ever wanted to do, that I never really knew how to be a person.

[Michael Trotter]

Right.

[Tanya Trotter]

You know, I didn't know what it felt like to just be, you know, music was it. And I think that's probably why I don't sing around the house. Because that was. I think, you know, you grow up and you're like, I gotta make it, I gotta make it. I gotta make it. So you're always rehearsing, you're always practicing. My mom was like a drill sergeant. I mean, you cleaned the windows with vinegar and water. You know, there was everything.

[Bunny]

Do the white glove.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, with the white glove. Everything was white around the house. So, you know, I couldn't go outside and play like regular kids could. Cause she was just that strict. And so I was just in relationship drama, you know.

[Bunny]

So when did you get out of your record deal and why? What made that decision?

[Tanya Trotter]

God, actually, I felt like.

[Bunny]

I'm so sorry, guys.

[Tanya Trotter]

Let me back up. I felt when I went to get my record deal, I actually went and sat down with the pastor and asked him if it was okay for me to sing secular music. So that already tells you how strict that was. So when I was in it and I was recording, because this was my second record deal, I was signed to island first. I put out a record in London that then worked itself to the United States. Gotcha. And then signed with Puff. And by that time I was kind of over it, to be very honest. I signed the deal. Once I got in it, I was like, biggie died three weeks after I got the record deal. And we were just recording like 100 songs. And I'm like, I'm so over this. Like, I don't feel the passion anymore. They were trying to do the whole label thing. What kind of artist are you going to be? I didn't necessarily want to do R and B all the time. I wanted to take. And I was listening to all kinds of music. I was listening to country and. And rock and all kinds of music.

[Bunny]

And when you're signed to a label, they kind of try to put you in a box. Yeah, you're in a box half the time. It's not the box you want to be in. It's not the box what they want you to be.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yes. And. And you become this doll baby that they put on a chair, and they're like, okay, you're gonna look like this. You're gonna sound like this. And I was like, nope, before I do that, I'll. I'm out. You know? So they spent a ton of money on the record, and I got out of the deal, and then I just went into a really dark depression. I mean, it was really dark. I mean, suicide attempts, you know, depression. And once that happened, why do you think that was?

[Bunny]

Why do you think you went. And I love how she skips over her trauma so fast. She's like, yeah, so this happened.

[Michael Trotter]

And I was, yes, yes, she did.

[Bunny]

I mean, I'm the same way, too, though. I'll be like. I'll be like, I sawed my vagina lip off. But, like, can we order pizza? And people will be like, wait, wait a minute.

[Tanya Trotter]

We just talk about your vagina. Yeah, let's talk about that. Yeah, I think it was. I think it's not being in tune.

[Bunny]

Right.

[Tanya Trotter]

You know, when you're not in tune with who you are and what you were created to be. And then you put God on top of all that, you become a robot. You don't become a person.

[Bunny]

You live in fear, too, and you.

[Tanya Trotter]

Don'T become a person. You are open to everything because you don't know who you are. You know, what you do, but you don't know who you are.

[Bunny]

And also being under your mom's thumb like that.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. Is.

[Bunny]

You know, you were never able to think for yourself, you know, so that kind of. You've probably felt squashed a lot because you didn't have a voice.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. And you have to have a voice, you know? And I think that was a part of the relationships I was going through, you know? The drunk. Well, I was in a relationship when I tried to commit suicide because I felt squashed, you know, I was like, I just want out, you know, not just out from this, but out from me. Out from all this pain that I feel that you don't think you would feel if you didn't grow up with. With trauma, you know? So I'm creating trauma.

[Bunny]

You do have some trauma.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, yeah, you're creating trauma as you go into these crazy relationships or if you don't process what your parents went through with a divorce, this is still traumatic to you. It may not be you getting stabbed, but your family being uprooted and your family going through a divorce is a huge trauma to a child.

[Bunny]

Well, even having a mom that's overbearing is traumatic. My stepmother was the same way.

[Tanya Trotter]

Very, very traumatic.

[Bunny]

I mean, I had no privacy. They would take doors off the hing. Like, that stuff really affects you as you get older, and you don't realize it until you're in your darkest hour and you're like, why am I feeling like this? But it's because we've just shoved it down so deep.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. And that was it for me. I was like, this is it. And I don't want to. I don't want to feel like this. I don't want to be in this. I just rather end this after all this good outside stuff is happening. And then, you know, after that last bad relationship before I met Michael, I went to work. I literally was like, I'm getting a therapist. I was a praise and worship leader. And on Monday morning I go to a therapist, and I realized I was like, I don't need God in that way anymore. So I stopped being a worship leader and I went strictly into, like, meditation, realizing that I was this empath kid, realizing that I was a healer, you know, in different ways than what the church kind of taught me. I was. And. And all the stuff that made me feel spooky and weird because there was nobody around me like that. I literally just tapped into it.

[Bunny]

I love that. I feel like religion is religious and spirituality is spiritual completely. And you don't have to be religious to be spiritual. I preach that on this podcast all the time.

[Tanya Trotter]

Exactly.

[Bunny]

Yeah. Because I feel like religion is so fear based, whereas spirituality is so much more fluid and loving. And I really feel like that's what Jesus and just higher beings are all about, is leading with love. Not fear, not anger, not ruling with an iron fist. Jesus was a freaking Capricorn, okay? We know he smoked.

[Tanya Trotter]

We know.

[Bunny]

We know he did something. He was drink wine for sure.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. He saw a burning bush, and no one was Around.

[Bunny]

Let's just.

[Tanya Trotter]

You're. Buddy, you're walking on water. Hello?

[Bunny]

Yeah, no, he. I mean, he was. I think he was a cool dude, you know, I don't think he was this rigid human that they are. You know, they tried this rigid being that they tried to make him out to be.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

When you tried to commit suicide, thankfully that didn't work.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Did you realize. Did you get out of that relationship then that you were in and then you got into another one that was another bad one? Oh, no, because it was. Can you take me on that journey too? Because I feel like women need to hear your story about being a domestic violence survivor.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. And it came in different forms. You know, the first one was physical, so I did my first tour on crutches. Yeah, I did my first.

[Bunny]

How could you leave that out? That is crazy.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, I did my first tour on crutches and, you know, left immediately after that happened. And I hid that from, like, you know, my family as long as I could. I wasn't in it a long time, but the trauma was enough, you know, for it to.

[Bunny]

Broke your foot.

[Tanya Trotter]

Well, I was running almost about to get thrown off a 10 floor. 10 floor apartment building trying to run from him. And I ran, ran, ran and hit my foot on a Stairmaster. You remember the old Stairmaster?

[Bunny]

Oh, my gosh.

[Tanya Trotter]

Got cut, got caught in it. And it just. So I hopped down the hallway to the elevator. It was like a movie, you know, I'm like dragging my leg, trying to get out, get away. And so that happened. That was the first bad one. And I was talking about the cars. Oh, the car. Oh, the cars. He stole. He took my car. I was trying to get away. I'm in the car driving and runs it into a wall. You know, I was able to call my sister and say, come get me. You know, this fool is crazy. She comes get me, he runs up. Cause we called the police by that time and then. But they can't find him. Goes to my mom's house down the street, and once they're gone, he shows up there, you know, so it was just very dark.

[Bunny]

Not the kind of dark we like. Not the Johnny Depp.

[Tanya Trotter]

Not that kind of dark. But I learned, you know, every situation, you learn what you saw in them and you're like, okay, well the next one I'm not gonna. I see that sign. But then you go to the next one and you don't see the rest of the signs. So the other one was more like a friend, you know, almost like, you're running from a bad situation. It was a friend. And then I had a son. And so I had a. And he wasn't abusive at all. He was my friend. And we're still friends to this day. And I have a. My son, Tony Antonio, who was the light of my life. And, you know, and he's beautiful. He's a beautiful, beautiful son.

[Bunny]

Family.

[Tanya Trotter]

He is so great.

[Michael Trotter]

And both of them are beautiful.

[Tanya Trotter]

But still didn't get the work done. Yeah, he's a great. Still didn't do the work, you know, had a baby and still didn't do the psychological work that needed to be done. So of course you had another bad relationship, you know, and that was bad. Didn't work out. And right before I met Michael, I was in another one that was bad. And right after that one I was like, that's it? Yeah. And here we go, therapy. And now I'm pulling it back into the worship part. And I went. Got off the farm, left him, left everything. And I was homeless. I left everything and stayed with my mom. And across the street from her house was this therapist. I didn't have a car, so I would walk across the street, go to my therapy sessions three or four times a week.

[Bunny]

Hey, but you were doing it, you.

[Tanya Trotter]

Know, I was doing it living off my little residual checks, you know, from movies and doing a movie and music. And I met Michael.

[Bunny]

Sorry, he's over here snoring.

[Tanya Trotter]

I love it. I love it.

[Bunny]

So you and Michael have an interesting story of when you guys met each other. You were with somebody else. Yes. And you guys were at a love fest.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yes.

[Bunny]

Not a swingers fest, right?

[Tanya Trotter]

No. No.

[Bunny]

Okay.

[Tanya Trotter]

No.

[Bunny]

All right. Just wanted to clarify, it was a festival because now that I know you guys, you guys might be a little freaky, you know, Martha Stewart and shit.

[Michael Trotter]

Come on.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, we have. We have different names, you know, but we met. It was a love festival I was doing out in Laurel, Maryland, and giving school, you know, school supplies back to kids and stuff like that.

[Bunny]

And.

[Tanya Trotter]

And the lady I was working with, she hired Michael to come. And I met him after I saw him perform. He was killing it. He was with this guitar player who had to be in his 70s. It was 900 degrees outside and he had on a sweater and.

[Michael Trotter]

And I was doing. I was doing hip hop.

[Tanya Trotter]

He was doing hip hop, like with.

[Bunny]

A 80 year old guitar player.

[Tanya Trotter]

It was.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah, it was weird. It was a weird little. It was like a beat.

[Bunny]

Yeah, I love that.

[Tanya Trotter]

It was so dope. And I'm listening because at this time I'm broken. I'm, you know, going through therapy. I'm still trying to find my way. And I see this guy out here and out there that's like maybe 40 people on this big field. Imagine a big festival and we. It's 40 people out there and he's performing, like just getting it. It's thousands of people. And I remember, I'm like, dang, I used to have that passion to do it like that. And I'm looking at him like, this is so cool. And so when he got off the stage, I rushed across into heels to meet him.

[Michael Trotter]

Do we gotta talk about this part?

[Tanya Trotter]

And he shows up with his girlfriend. So, you know, I buy like 9 CDs from him. Cause he had these little. They were like homemade CDs. They had burner.

[Bunny]

Cuz you were out here hustling.

[Tanya Trotter]

He had his burner CDs. I bought them.

[Michael Trotter]

No.

[Tanya Trotter]

And I'm like, did you write all these songs? He's like, yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm like, gosh, you're amazing. So I'm like, you know, can I get his number? And I think I gave my number to your girlfriend. Did I give it to you?

[Michael Trotter]

You gave it to me, definitely.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay, now I'm thinking about it. You may have thrown a big show together. But anyway, so I gave him my phone number.

[Michael Trotter]

Wait, wait, wait, wait. I have to clear this up.

[Tanya Trotter]

What?

[Michael Trotter]

She was actually not my girlfriend.

[Bunny]

Oh, she was.

[Michael Trotter]

I will be honest.

[Tanya Trotter]

When is she not?

[Michael Trotter]

She wasn't my girlfriend.

[Bunny]

I've heard you say in other interviews she was your girlfriend.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, she wasn't my girlfriend. Like we.

[Tanya Trotter]

Did you kiss her?

[Bunny]

Did you guys. Did you guys bone?

[Tanya Trotter]

Did you?

[Michael Trotter]

Yes.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

She was my jump off. I mean, this is what it is. I'm keeping it above, like, you know.

[Tanya Trotter]

Like, I hope she's not watching this. Oh, she.

[Michael Trotter]

She will be. But this is the truth.

[Tanya Trotter]

Like, you gonna call her jump off?

[Michael Trotter]

No, no, no, no.

[Bunny]

That she sounds like a sweet. Jump off.

[Tanya Trotter]

She's a sweet girl.

[Bunny]

Because what she ends up. Up saying to you.

[Michael Trotter]

Yes, that's why I wanted to clear it up.

[Tanya Trotter]

She.

[Bunny]

Because I thought that was pretty crazy that a girlfriend would say that. So I kind of understand where you're coming from too.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah. Yeah. Like she recognized the fact that. And I was adamant about us not being boyfriend and girlfriend because of Michaela and Courtney. I had been through too many of the rebound moments cuz I was married to their mom.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

We were married. Like we were. We got together when we were young. You Know, and had our kids, but we were married and we divorced. And I went on like a. Every girlfriend was like a fiance, you know, Like, I never, I was just like trying to rebound heavily.

[Bunny]

Well, you're a Pisces.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Everything you guys, you consume.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

And I had a lot of, like. Let me tell you this. Cause I don't talk about this either. When I went into the Army, I weighed 191 pounds. When I came out, I was literally 4:10, emotional. I had a lot going on. Like, I had a lot of insecurities, low self esteem. I mean, I didn't recognize me physically, mentally, in any way, shape or form. But for some reason, when I met Tanya, that day, when we met, met, I was, I was just smitten. And I didn't care who knew it. And she, the young lady I was.

[Tanya Trotter]

With saw that, but I didn't see it. I didn't see that he was smitten right away. No, I didn't.

[Bunny]

I, I. The same thing happened with Jay and I. Yeah. Like, he. Not to interject our story, but he was interested in me. But every time he would come around or try to hang out with me, he would bring other bitches. One time I left him on the roof because I was like, if this isn't about me, I'm not hanging out with you. I am the main attraction here. Okay? And I think he caught on to that after a while.

[Tanya Trotter]

You know, girl number six. Can you.

[Bunny]

Exactly. So no, I understand how you feel. You're like, wait, what?

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, but he was. We, we connected on friendship immediately.

[Bunny]

But you threw her number out.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

Yes. See, she likes to belly through things.

[Bunny]

I'm like, look, I need, I need a small detail.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yes, I know this Spicy's life.

[Michael Trotter]

She gives me her. I mean, again, when I was nine years old, I said that was gonna be my wife. That's Tanya Blunt to me. And when I get to the festival, Diane Gray was like, do you want to meet Tanya? And I was like, oh, shit, I want to meet her. And I.

[Bunny]

Did you recognize then that that was her? You knew her name and everything?

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Like, when we. I got booked for the thing, I was like, girlfriend. So, yes, not my girlfriend, but we meet and Tanya just is like, hi, I'm Tanya Blunt. She's all light.

[Tanya Trotter]

And I'm like, oh, I was in therapy.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm like, I thought she was high. I didn't know what the hell was going on. I was like, oh, this.

[Tanya Trotter]

I probably was high.

[Michael Trotter]

This is going to be it like, okay. And I'm still.

[Bunny]

I'm telling. I'm saying that to people from now. And I was in therapy.

[Tanya Trotter]

So, you.

[Michael Trotter]

Know, when she came over after I performed and. And was telling me, like, she want me to be the. I'm like, listen, you're signing Blunt. I already knew she was signed a bad boy. I'm like, you could work with anybody in. Who's actually in the industry. I'm not in the industry. I am trying to survive.

[Bunny]

You were self sabotaging.

[Michael Trotter]

I was like, listen, this is. This ain't even a real number. She just being nice. I tossed the shit in the trash and. And kept it moving and thought nothing.

[Bunny]

Else of it but the X or the. I don't want to call her a jump off the X.

[Michael Trotter]

No, she's not. Jump. Let me do that. She's not. She actually told me that. That's what we were.

[Bunny]

The friend. Yes. My friend said to you, like, hey, you guys have, like, chemistry?

[Michael Trotter]

Well, she was like, you, You. You like her, don't you? We were in a car. And I was like, no.

[Bunny]

And I was like, whenever a man answers like that, it's automatically yes.

[Tanya Trotter]

Look at her legs, Susie. Yeah, you noticed her legs. Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

And she was like, you know, what's so crazy about this? Otherwise? She was like, I can see this. Like, y' all would be so amazing together. And she was like, and I'm. I'm in the way of that.

[Bunny]

And I was like, that's a woman right there, though. That's a good. That's a cool woman.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah, she's married now with a kid. I'm like, she. They. They doing they thing, you know, and she was right. And. And. And I was like. I looked at her and I was like, for real? She was like, yeah. And I was like, like, okay. You know, I dropped her off. And I was.

[Bunny]

You're like, really?

[Tanya Trotter]

A poop. I'm like, this is it.

[Bunny]

That was my chance. You threw her number out, but you threw her number out?

[Michael Trotter]

I did. You know, I didn't think nothing of it. I, I. I just was like, you know, chilling. And the next day was a Sunday, so I was going to church and everything, and to try to make a little. I was getting paid, like, 125 bucks to go play at a church. I. I was out of military by then and struggling and everything, and my little track phone started ringing, and my homie, you know, my boy Chris was with me, and I was like, I don't know this number.

[Bunny]

So you called the next day oh.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, I found his number. I tracked it down.

[Bunny]

Yeah, tell that person. Because my dad gets hilarious.

[Tanya Trotter]

My dad is a detective. You're not gonna not call me. I'm not gonna find your number, dude.

[Michael Trotter]

I was a little scared.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

That's hot.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, I got it. That's hot. Yeah.

[Bunny]

A woman who knows what she wants.

[Tanya Trotter]

I mean, I was in again.

[Michael Trotter]

I was in therapy.

[Tanya Trotter]

I figured it out. Now, you know? I'm like, okay, I want it. I want what I want, you know? So I call him and I'm like, okay, we're gonna. He was cute. He was really. He was really cute. I thought he was cute. No.

[Michael Trotter]

She calls me and I'm like, hello? She's like, hi, can I speak to Michael? I was like, oh, this is he. She's like, hi, Michael. This is Tanya. I was like, like, tanya? Tanya who? And she was like, tanya Blunt? And I was like. I said, hold on one second. I'm like, stop the car. Pull over.

[Tanya Trotter]

Pull over. He's like, what's wrong?

[Michael Trotter]

I was like, t. Tanya Blunt's on the phone.

[Tanya Trotter]

He was like, I mean, it's a long time too. I'm like, on hold. I'm like, what is happening?

[Michael Trotter]

I'm trying to get it together. I'm trying to get everybody in the car to shut the fuck up. Like, let me.

[Bunny]

He's trying not to pee his pants, maybe.

[Michael Trotter]

I don't know. I think I wanted to pee my pants, but I put the deep voice on me.

[Tanya Trotter]

Hello?

[Michael Trotter]

Hello?

[Tanya Trotter]

Came back a different person.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm like, oh, this is my shot. Okay. What's up? No, I think I said. I was like, what you need?

[Bunny]

What's going on?

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, what's going on? What you need?

[Michael Trotter]

What you need?

[Bunny]

She's like, excuse me, sir.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, and the rest was history.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, the rest was history.

[Bunny]

So take me on the first date. I've never heard you guys talk about your first date.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my God. Wait a minute.

[Bunny]

I need to hear about this.

[Michael Trotter]

Okay.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

Her birthday is September 30th. Yeah, she DC is throwing her like this.

[Tanya Trotter]

I love big parties.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my God.

[Tanya Trotter]

So I. When I do have a party, it's like a thousand people. I don't know there. Yeah, I tell everybody. Bring a hundred people that you know to the party. So it's like my kind of girl. It's like, so many people at this.

[Michael Trotter]

Party, but we're talking up until this point.

[Tanya Trotter]

So I'm.

[Bunny]

I'm like, you guys haven't seen each other?

[Michael Trotter]

No, we. We. We. We. We, like, on the phone. Yeah, doing the thing. Falling asleep long. I'm, like, romancing.

[Bunny]

The phone.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, romancing.

[Michael Trotter]

So I'm like, I think. I think she's starting to dig on me. Like, okay, I think. I think. So I tell her straight up, hey, before her party, I'm like, don't fall for me. I'm not a catch. Because I. I know her story. We. We know each other's story. I'm like. Like, I. I have nothing going on in my life. Like, I don't have a car. I'm sleeping from couch to couch, and I got two little girls that I haven't told her about just yet. Like, so I'm like, don't fall for me. I'm not. And I'm. I'm. I feel you're starting to dig on me. And I just tell her my story. I'm like, listen, I'm nothing. I got nothing. And I was like, I know I'm supposed to be something in life, and I don't know how to get there, but I know how to love. I said, and that's not enough, so don't fall for me.

[Tanya Trotter]

But that was what I was looking.

[Bunny]

That is enough.

[Tanya Trotter]

That was more than enough. Because I had the things, you know, I had the liars and the things and all that stuff that comes with it. And I was like, I never had anyone be honest with me.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

And so his honesty, I was like, I could. That's what made me fall in love with him, because he was. I could tell he was honest. By the time I really knew who I was and all that stuff, I was like. I felt him. You know what I mean? I was connected with, but I hadn't.

[Michael Trotter]

Been honest to anyone.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

So again, when I. When I said earlier about the being trained to lie, I was trained to lie about what I. Like how I feel. You know, my first marriage, you know, we were. We were friends first, and we should have never crossed that line, but I was trained to lie, so she was the first person I wanted, I was desperate to tell the truth to. I was like, here we go. I'm not the dude. I'm not what. Whatever it is you're building in your head, I'm going to save you the drama. Nah, it's not me. And Tonya then says, okay, I heard what you said. Now let me tell you what I see. She's like, I see a king. You just need the right kind of queen in your life.

[Bunny]

That's right, baby.

[Michael Trotter]

And I'm looking at her, and she's Looking at me and I'm like, now.

[Tanya Trotter]

He starts crying.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm about to pee out the eyes.

[Tanya Trotter]

He starts.

[Michael Trotter]

I was like, I'm done. And so she then tells me, here's.

[Tanya Trotter]

Where it gets the first date.

[Michael Trotter]

She says, I'm having a birthday party. I want you there. The limp. What? She says, the limo picks me up at. So now I'm like, here come that Hollywood. I mean like I'm. I'm keeping in the buck with you. I'm like, no, we've never had this pop up shit in a limo. And I'm really like low key. Like I don't do shit. Like time and say. I am like, he does a Western.

[Tanya Trotter]

Westerns. He does movies and me. Aw, that's it. Well, no food. He can cook his tail off. I'll tell you about that later.

[Michael Trotter]

But I ain't gonna tell you about my plot to get jelly in. Me and him do a duo and he be jelly roll and I be belly roll. And then that's it, baby. We do the hottest duo ever, you know, and we just.

[Tanya Trotter]

We singing.

[Bunny]

My husband loves you. He would probably do whatever you want. Okay.

[Tanya Trotter]

And then we have to do a.

[Michael Trotter]

And I've already started because every performance we've done so far outside, I sing and play with a hot dog in my hand.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. He's like this.

[Michael Trotter]

But I diverse Twitter later. Yeah, but I just was like, okay, you know what? She doing that Hollywood shit. I knew it. And I saw. I was like, nah, I'm not gonna come. So she sends her. She has her assistant call me and was like, you, you need to be at the house. You could ride in limit. I was like, I'm not Hollywood. I don't do the flash. Nah. So then she hits her back and was like, well, tell him he can use my car and he can drive himself there.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

Now I'm insulted because I'm like, I.

[Tanya Trotter]

Know you don't have that.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm like, wait a minute.

[Bunny]

There's no making you happy, Michael.

[Michael Trotter]

No, because I'm like this. I never like I'm one of those. Latanya knows I'm one of those guys. I'm not a scrub. So I'm like, I'm not about to fucking show up and drive your fucking car.

[Tanya Trotter]

Like hell.

[Michael Trotter]

No.

[Tanya Trotter]

So I was like, but I won't.

[Bunny]

Get in the limo. I'm just gonna walk in.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

Well then the next call I get is her. So she's like, hey. I was like, hey. So I'm like, try playing all softened up. She's like, the limo leaves at 7. You need to be here at 6:30. Okay, bye. Bye.

[Bunny]

Aw, I love that. My mom's like, look, chop chop.

[Michael Trotter]

And we ain't dating or nothing. So I show up. Cause I'm like, okay, now you didn't like, son me, so I'm gonna show up now. And me and my homeboy, Chris. Chris New Day. So we pop up. He drives me there. I'm like, I need your wheels. So we show up and we do the DC party and everything. And then she says, I'm having an after party at the place I'm staying at.

[Tanya Trotter]

Karaoke. Cause you gotta have a party after a.

[Bunny]

We love karaoke.

[Michael Trotter]

So we get back to the house, and she's like, you want to go with me? I need to go get ice for the party. So this was perfect for me because I got her a gift so I know that her favorite artist is Aretha Franklin.

[Bunny]

Yes.

[Michael Trotter]

And so I found like this in cvs. I found like, the. The greatest history there for five bucks. It had all the right songs on it. So I was like, good. And then I also wrote her a song, recorded it at my boy Chris New Day's, and, and, and I, I, I got it for her. And I was like, I'm going to give you my gift now. So we're in the car and I gave her the Aretha Franklin thing, and she's like, wigging out. And then I put in the CD and I play her the song. And she's listening to it. And I'm used to like, you know, women love male singers. So I'm like, oh, I'm about to wrap it up. She's like, oh, that's so sweet. Come on, let's go get the. I was like, what the. Like, did you just. On my gift, like, in my head, I'm like, oh, my God, I'm nothing. I told you I was.

[Bunny]

Tanya's a gangster. One thing I've learned about Tanya, she's.

[Michael Trotter]

A G. Straight up G. As if that wasn't bad. I. I get ready to leave this party, and I tell my. My. My guy. I was like, yo, I think I'm gonna let her know how I feel. So we're driving, and he's like, bruh, that's Tonya Blunt, bro. You've got nothing. Everything. He's like, don't do it.

[Tanya Trotter]

Don't hate her. Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

He's like, bro, don't do it, bro. Like, we. In fact, the reason why we were kicking is because she wanted me to write Music for her and her brother and be the producer, and it was gonna pay me and all this stuff. So my friend, who was my partner at the time, like, we do music together. He's like, bruh, this is just a payday. Like, chill, man.

[Tanya Trotter]

Like.

[Michael Trotter]

So I'm like, no, I'm about to tell her, bro. So we're texting me and her, and she says, michael, you left your sweater. What else will you leave? Because I'm always leaving things at her house. So she's like, laughing. And so I was like, I'm about to do it, bro. He's like, don't do it. I was like, it's about to go down. So I take that. What else am I gonna leave my heart a. And you know what she said back?

[Tanya Trotter]

I was, no, no, no.

[Michael Trotter]

Do you know what she said back? Not a damn peep.

[Tanya Trotter]

I didn't know, but it was because I was drunk. I've been drinking all night, and my phone died. So when I got the shit.

[Michael Trotter]

When I tell you, not the phone.

[Bunny]

Dying at the wrong time, it was like 12:00am My butthole is puckered for you.

[Michael Trotter]

When I tell you. All night. I was texting her back, like, I'm so sorry. Sorry.

[Tanya Trotter]

I was.

[Michael Trotter]

I read the room wrong. I'm like. I'm like, I'm sorry, Ms. Blunt. I didn't call her Ms.

[Tanya Trotter]

Blood.

[Michael Trotter]

I was like, ma', am, I'm sorry. I was like, I read the room wrong. I was like.

[Bunny]

And your friends over there, like, told you.

[Michael Trotter]

He's like, you sucking idiot. He's like, you just lost our job, bro. And I'm like. He was like. He was like, yo, you can't sleep on my couch tonight, bro. Bro, you got. I was like, dude, all night. I did not sleep while I was texting her all night. Do you know when I finally heard from Tanya was 12:00pm the next day.

[Tanya Trotter]

That's when I got up.

[Bunny]

You poor baby. What did you think of the song that he wrote you?

[Tanya Trotter]

I love the song. It was called the Beauty in youn. It was so sweet. It was really.

[Bunny]

And you just probably weren't used to receiving love that way, so you didn't know how to react.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, I didn't know how to receive it. You know, I just. It was beautiful, and it was thoughtful. And for him to even think about getting, like, the Aretha Franklin CD and writing his own song, I was like, this is.

[Michael Trotter]

But October 1, 2010. That next day was the first day.

[Tanya Trotter]

That was our first date. So it was like a 48 hour.

[Michael Trotter]

And she calls me from a whole nother phone, so I don't know it's her. And I was like, this phone keeps calling me. And so I answer.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm like, blowing him up.

[Michael Trotter]

And she's laughing. She's like, oh, hi. And I'm like, hello?

[Bunny]

She's like, that was my next question. How did you feel when you read that text message?

[Tanya Trotter]

I was laughing. I was like, oh, my God. It's like 20 messages. That's what I said when I answered the phone. I'm like, oh, my God. You, like call me 20 times. What's wrong?

[Bunny]

I'm like, way to. Way to humble the man. Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

I knew from that point on.

[Bunny]

Love her. She keeps you humble.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my word. We go to our first date at this Thai restaurant.

[Tanya Trotter]

Entice to a restaurant.

[Bunny]

Were you ready? Were you ready for love with him? Or were you more kind of just scared?

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, yeah, go ahead and tell us.

[Tanya Trotter]

I wasn't ready for love. I was ready for. I was ready to have sex. I had done the whole, you know, I'm gonna wait. I'm in church. I'm a church girl. I'm like, I'm ready. Let's go.

[Bunny]

She's like, dick me down, baby.

[Tanya Trotter]

Get it out there. Not him. Not this guy right here.

[Bunny]

Lover boy. He's a lover boy.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, he was not a lover boy. Then he was like, I'm waiting. Oh, I wanna. This is.

[Michael Trotter]

My mama told me.

[Bunny]

I'm like, this is amazing.

[Tanya Trotter]

He's like, I'm waiting. I don't want to have sex because it's gonna mess things up.

[Bunny]

I'm like, that was like my husband. My husband tried not to have sex with me. No, the first. It's because you guys. It's because you guys saw something more in us.

[Tanya Trotter]

That's true.

[Bunny]

Like, I was ready to just hump and send him on his way.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Yeah. And literally my husband made me sit down. Not sit down, lay down in bed with him the night that we decided to have sex and make a five year plan with him. A five year plan. Nothing puts you in the.

[Tanya Trotter]

This guy. This guy. This guy.

[Michael Trotter]

Don't tell her. Please.

[Bunny]

Please do.

[Tanya Trotter]

Don't tell me. No, you. You. You have the. You have the pleasure of saying this around.

[Michael Trotter]

I am worse. I did not know he did that.

[Tanya Trotter]

No, he did.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my God.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, he did.

[Michael Trotter]

I told her. I said, my mother said.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yep, he did. His mother.

[Michael Trotter]

I said, my mother said the same sex complicates things.

[Tanya Trotter]

And he sits me down before. I'm like trying to, you know, get.

[Michael Trotter]

It out, you know, I'm like, someone's.

[Tanya Trotter]

Trying to do it with him. And he's like, stop, stop.

[Bunny]

That's what my husband did.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm like, dude, no.

[Michael Trotter]

I smacked her hand.

[Tanya Trotter]

I was like.

[Michael Trotter]

I was like, no. I said, and no, here's the worst.

[Tanya Trotter]

Let's go back. So let's go back. So after this movie happens, I come back.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, you didn't tell her. We went to the movies.

[Tanya Trotter]

We went to the movies and then went to the movies.

[Michael Trotter]

October 1, 2010.

[Tanya Trotter]

Went and got Typhoon and then went to the movies. And we left the movie early because it was terrible.

[Bunny]

Horrible.

[Michael Trotter]

We don't even know what movie.

[Tanya Trotter]

I don't even remember what it was.

[Bunny]

Probably Nacho Libre. I walked out of it.

[Tanya Trotter]

It was horrible. So I get to the house, I go upstairs and put on my nice little lingerie.

[Michael Trotter]

No. I tell you, I said, I have a movie. Yeah, that. At home where I'm staying. I said, you want to watch a real movie? I want to get this movie. Because at the house she was staying at, there was a movie theater in the basement. So I was like, we're going to go get some popcor, get some grape juice, and we're gonna watch this movie that I have. I'm not gonna tell you what it is. I said, it's a real movie. Let's go.

[Tanya Trotter]

And I'm like, this is perfect. So I go upstairs, I get smell goods on, and I get ready.

[Bunny]

I love that you did the lingerie, too. Cause I did, too.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, yeah. I was ready. I was so ready. And I come downstairs, I'm like, you know, he likes Doris Day. So I'm, you know, I'm giving, giving it. And I'm in my lingerie. And he stands up in front of the tv like this. There's a television in it. And he stands up and of it, he was like, all cool points are going to love. He's like, you're going to love this movie. And I'm giving him the eye, and I'm like, getting moist. And, you know, I'm ready to tear him up, right? And he. He's. The TV comes on. He starts, that's my face. And I'm like this. I'm like this. I'm watching this happen. And then this man walks on the scene in the screen, and It's Cecil B. DeMille. And he starts giving a oratory, whatever, this speech about the movie. Speech about the movie. So the whole time I'm looking, I'm like, okay. And Michael's smiling just like this. He's so happy.

[Michael Trotter]

And I'm reciting everything because I want to show her I know the whole movie.

[Tanya Trotter]

So he starts every. When the guy's talking, he's talking and it comes up and it says the Ten Commandments.

[Bunny]

Oh, my goodness.

[Michael Trotter]

Charlton has John. Listen, that movie has so many Y. Brenner, Charlton Heston and Baxter. Who's another hall pass if she was alive.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, but I'm in lingerie.

[Bunny]

The Ten Commandments. That in your mind, you were like, this is going to really get her going.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah, because she's so. She's the most fashionable person I ever met in colors. And I thought of all the women in that movie with all the colors and fashion.

[Tanya Trotter]

He told me all this. So I went and got. He was like, you're going to love it. It's your kind of movie. The women are beautiful, the clothes, Everything is great. So I let.

[Michael Trotter]

It's my favorite movie.

[Tanya Trotter]

It's his favorite movie all the time. So it comes up, we get in the middle.

[Bunny]

Millions of people are about to know.

[Tanya Trotter]

So it is so this. So by this, by this time, I'm like, okay, how do I get out of this?

[Bunny]

No.

[Michael Trotter]

And Moses comes standing up, reciting the entire.

[Tanya Trotter]

He bursts into tears. Oh, I'm like, what is happening? He's crying because Moses is rolling down the line. He's like, this is the part. And I'm like, no. So I said, I'll be back. I go upstairs. She.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, no.

[Bunny]

I was like, no, keep going.

[Tanya Trotter]

We've been two hours now. The movie's three and a half hours long.

[Bunny]

He didn't try to make a movie move on you. This whole time he's just putting on the, he's standing up.

[Michael Trotter]

He's standing, smashing that popcorn.

[Tanya Trotter]

He's standing up for two hours watching the movie, saying. And I'm just sitting there. I'm like, I'm trying to be nice, like, this is going to stop.

[Bunny]

Were you scared? No, I, you just really couldn't read the room.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm a nerd. I mean, like, I, I am horrible. Like my, my father. It's so bad. When my, my father and mother heard this story, my dad looked at me. He was like, where did go wrong with you? I was like, I just, I don't know. I, I, I, I wanted to show her this movie. And it gets worse because when it was over, I looked at her, I was like, all right. The next film I have, oh, my God.

[Bunny]

A three and a half hour film.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm trying to Feed him grapes.

[Michael Trotter]

Story ever told about Jesus.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm doing everything. I'm trying to feed him grapes. I'm doing. I'm like. Like, this is.

[Michael Trotter]

I take the grape out of her hand.

[Tanya Trotter]

He takes the grape out of my hand and eats the grape. I'm like, am I here? What am I?

[Bunny]

He is so uncultured over here. He's like, no.

[Michael Trotter]

And then the next day is the first day we ever did it.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. I waited 24 hours.

[Bunny]

Damn. Ruined the lingerie.

[Tanya Trotter]

The night.

[Michael Trotter]

And she. And she. I will say I tried to fight her off. Then I was like, no.

[Tanya Trotter]

I was like, stop it.

[Michael Trotter]

I was like, okay, all right, keep going.

[Tanya Trotter]

I feel like it's.

[Michael Trotter]

Never mind. We're doing this.

[Bunny]

Finally. Finally. She sat through your movie thon.

[Tanya Trotter]

I know. Reward me, please.

[Bunny]

Listen, she loved you. She loved you from the start.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my God.

[Bunny]

Because I'm not sitting through the Ten Commandments when I'm in lingerie. I would have had to turn that shit off and be like, we will. This will be. To be continued.

[Michael Trotter]

Her up. I said, oh, wait a minute now. You about to miss the best part. She was like, okay.

[Bunny]

Oh, my goodness. That is so funny, you guys. Oh, my God. I thought me and my husband had a. A crazy first night story, but that takes the kid.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm so embarrassed.

[Bunny]

No, don't be.

[Michael Trotter]

That's what I did.

[Tanya Trotter]

14 years, so.

[Bunny]

14 years. I mean, you guys have gone through a lot. So you guys finally, you know, have some sex and you guys are together. Just from that moment on, you guys are like, you know, together. When did you guys decide to get married? Like, take me on this journey after we got through the Ten Commandments.

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh. We got married six months, five months later.

[Bunny]

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

It was. It was. It was great. We were together.

[Michael Trotter]

I mean, I did know at age nine.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. The day we met, we never separated from that day. We had never been apart.

[Michael Trotter]

Like, one time.

[Tanya Trotter]

When was that?

[Michael Trotter]

When you went to.

[Tanya Trotter]

That was when we were married, though.

[Michael Trotter]

But we got sick, remember?

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, we got sick.

[Michael Trotter]

And that's when we knew legend was coming.

[Tanya Trotter]

I couldn't have another son for 14 years after I had my oldest. They told me I would never have kids again. So I had surgeries and went through the whole thing. And I wanted a baby. And it was so sad. But when I met Michael, I told him, I said, I'm going to have your son. And I didn't. I knew I couldn't have kids, you know, because manifesting. The doctor told me that so. But I believed in it. And so.

[Michael Trotter]

And I didn't think I could have boys because I had two girls and they were kicking my ass.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. We got pregnant right away. Like, what? I was eight months. We were together eight months.

[Bunny]

Aw.

[Tanya Trotter]

No, no.

[Michael Trotter]

Remember November.

[Tanya Trotter]

November of the following year. November. You're right, because he was born in July.

[Michael Trotter]

Because I remember Granddaddy, my grandfather. Three months later, the same day, I found out my grandfather had passed the same phone call. Like, my sister was like, hey, Granddaddy died. And then Tanya was coming out of the bathroom with a pregnancy test.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Oh, my goodness. That's amazing. That's meant to be.

[Tanya Trotter]

It was meant to be.

[Bunny]

You guys were meant to be. And so take me on this journey. You guys have babies. When. What happened? Whenever you guys were homeless. Because I've heard you guys mentioned that before.

[Tanya Trotter]

Like, what. What happened?

[Michael Trotter]

That's the wildest thing. We met homeless.

[Tanya Trotter]

We sure did. Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

She was staying with a friend in her. She was. Tanya was coming out of her recovery period.

[Tanya Trotter]

I was with my mom, and then I went and stayed with my girlfriend.

[Bunny]

Right.

[Michael Trotter]

And I was a homeless vet, so I. I just couldn't. When I came out of the military, I was still married, but when we got divorced, that's when I went away and. And just was couch to couch, which.

[Bunny]

Is crazy to me to ever hear the word homeless vet. I feel like when you go and you go through what you guys go through over there, and for our country, we. You guys should know, never be homeless, ever.

[Michael Trotter]

And I will say I just didn't know what it meant to be a veteran. I didn't know what was out there for me. I. I knew nothing. You know, I just knew that was wrong, baby.

[Tanya Trotter]

But you didn't. I didn't know he was even in the military when we met. I didn't find that out for three years.

[Bunny]

Why didn't you tell her?

[Michael Trotter]

Because I was embarrassed. So when I came home from the war, we were being protested against. So when I got in the airport, I was in my uniform. I'm all proud. I'm like, I survived. I didn't get killed. You know what? I'm, like, really happy to get home. And in Baltimore, there was, like, protesters, and they were throwing things at us, and they were just like, you're killers. And they were protesting the war and Bush babies and all the thing. And I was like, oh, so this is how my country feels about us. Okay? And then.

[Bunny]

That's terrible.

[Michael Trotter]

And then I couldn't get a job. In fact, I remember sitting on the couch Couch and me and this other guy who was just released from prison, we were going for the same job. And he was like, oh, bro. He was like, man, I might as well pack up and go home. I was like, no, man. I said, you know, maybe we both get hired. And they hired him over me. And I remember trying to figure out, like, why does this keep happening? Like, but. But in their mind, they would rather hire an ex con because the ex con knows that he can't mess up versus a military guy who has just come home from war and if he flips the fuck out, he can blame it on the war. And you know what I'm saying? So in their mind, the incentive was to hire. So I just could not get a job. Also, I'll say this on this podcast. It's also a plan of our country. This isn't a conspiracy theory. The military is under strength in a real way. The Army, Marines, they are under strength. The Navy and the Air Force is over strength. So what happens?

[Bunny]

What does under strength over strength mean?

[Michael Trotter]

Which means they're numbers. So they. They need people to join.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

And nobody's joining in war. Like, hell no. So what was happening for during my time as well? Let's make it so hard for the war veterans to get jobs to where they have to go back into the military so that we don't have to implement a draft.

[Tanya Trotter]

Wow.

[Michael Trotter]

So that's what was going on. And so I made up in my mind, well, you know what? Maybe I shouldn't tell anyone about my service. Maybe I should just be quiet and just say, I'm trying to get ahead. And that meant in anything. Because even my friendships that I left and tried to return to didn't last because they were holding me to the old Mikey. And I'm not that guy anymore. I'm not laughing and joking and smiling. Who you see even today is a complete 180 from what they got to see. Coming home, I was very serious. I was very, like, short, you know.

[Bunny]

Well, you had been through a lot.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah, I didn't have any time for it. And the stuff they was laughing at, I was still thinking about the killings and the deaths and that kind of thing. So we just. I just was like, you know what? I'm going to be quiet about about it.

[Bunny]

Yeah, but to hide it from the woman you love, like. And did you notice in him any PTSD anxiety, stuff like that? Because I'm sure there was things that, you know, had to have presented themselves.

[Tanya Trotter]

I noticed maybe once legend was born and he Kind of wouldn't want to. Want to hold him, kind of the noise. Then he got to the point where he was maybe, like, one and a half, two. He. You know, little kids, like, bald. So Michael would see a ball and kind of just stare at it for, like, minutes at a time. And then the big boom was a boom. It was July 4th, and Detroit, Michigan, and fireworks were going off. And he has this episode, and he's, like, diving up under.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, when there's fireworks in Detroit, I mean, they had some shit out there.

[Tanya Trotter]

That sound real close.

[Michael Trotter]

Thug.

[Tanya Trotter]

Don't.

[Bunny]

Don't come to our July 4th party tonight.

[Tanya Trotter]

And he's freaking out. You know, he's up under the bed, and I'm like. But I kind of saw signs. And I'm like, this time I'm going to. We just got to talk about it. I don't know what's going on. Yeah, but this isn't normal. And he's just like, get down. Get down. I'm like, get down. What are you talking about? And then he kind of just starts telling me, you know, I went to war. And I'm like, you went to work?

[Michael Trotter]

What?

[Tanya Trotter]

You know, you were in the military. He was like, yeah, I went to the military, and I was in. Went to war twice. And I'm like, okay, and you're homeless, and we're figuring this out. And I'm like, you need to go to the VA to, one, figure out what's going on with you, and two, see how they can help you. And it was an angel, as always, when you go to places and God's with you, it's angel inside the voice. And he walks up to us randomly. You're at, like, a regular doctor's appointment. And he's like, are you guys getting your benefits like that? And I'm like, benefits?

[Michael Trotter]

Jamal.

[Tanya Trotter]

Jamal. And I'm like, no, I don't know anything about it. And he educates us about it, and it's not moving as fast as we want it to move. And he's like, well, maybe you can take it up a notch. And the next thing I'm thinking is, let's go to the government, you know, to see what they can do. So I write the senator, Barbara Makowski, and I'm on like, we're homeless. We don't have anything. My husband's served two tours in Iraq. Is there anything you all can do for us?

[Michael Trotter]

And they looked at my file and realized that all the stuff that was written up in my file about me and what I had done out there. And I remember her saying, how did we let you slip through the cracks? She was very, like, charismatic and very.

[Tanya Trotter]

Like, very compassionate, too.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah. She felt it. It made me feel. Feel like someone actually cared.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

What was popping off other than Tanya? Because Tanya saved my life. I mean, like, we talk about legend, but even before that, you know, I came to her with two little girls. And my little girls were my. And still are in my world, you know, And. But I was. I was. I was lost, you know, And. And when I met Tanya, I felt hope. Even before we were dating, you know, I felt like, I think my life is about to change. And I remember my daughters. My baby girl, Courtney, she was like. Courtney was like, how old?

[Tanya Trotter]

Six.

[Michael Trotter]

She looked at me and she was like, don't you mess this up for us, mister.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

And Courtney is. Wow. Courtney is not a people, people person. Like, she does not. Like, she did not as a baby. I used to have to tell people, she's not trying to be rude. She's just straightforward, you know, I love her, but they took both of them. Michaela. Michaela introduced herself to Tanya. She was like, hi, I'm Michaela Tenise Trotter. Can I have your autograph and your number? And I was like, what?

[Bunny]

Who are these little girls had better game than you.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay.

[Michael Trotter]

They chastised me about that game.

[Tanya Trotter]

I love them so much. Those are my babies.

[Michael Trotter]

That was a wild period. I mean, but to the homeless point, when we realized when we fellow. When we start dating and stuff, we just never separated. And I was over that house October 2nd until we would leave. Like, I. I never left. I didn't leave. Like, we were. We would wake up, eat, watch tv, fuck.

[Tanya Trotter]

That was our life.

[Michael Trotter]

It was. It was bad.

[Bunny]

Like, no. That's how the beginning of. Of passionate relationships are.

[Michael Trotter]

It was all day and. And then one day, the people were like, okay, y' all gotta go.

[Tanya Trotter]

It's too much noise in here. You all need to go.

[Michael Trotter]

Here's a fact. We counted this.

[Tanya Trotter]

Get your own house.

[Michael Trotter]

Our first year.

[Bunny]

I love it. They're like, you're making us look bad. Right? You're making my husband have to step his game up.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, our first year, we counted this.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

We stayed in 20 different houses.

[Bunny]

Wow. Just like rentals.

[Tanya Trotter]

Like, everybody let us two weeks later, kick us out. Out.

[Bunny]

Oh, my goodness.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

And we found one guy who was a ex military himself, and he and his wife. I got into a spat with the first lady of a church I was working for in Virginia. They were having a stay in one of their members homes, he had a. A duplex. And legend was about.

[Tanya Trotter]

There's two and a half, three. No, was he walking.

[Michael Trotter]

Remember we was holding he. He remember she would hold him and.

[Tanya Trotter]

He freak out because he. He was about a year. He probably just turned a year.

[Michael Trotter]

This lady had very bad energy. And legend, whenever she would hold him, he would scream and. And claw and. And. And she was like, he's got a demon in him and all these things.

[Bunny]

No, you got a demon in you, lady.

[Tanya Trotter]

Crazy. Crazy lady.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, we got into a little. Little disagreement about, you know, they hired me to be the music director, but she wanted all the solos. And I was like, lady, y' all hired me to do a job. So I put in a. A plan that if you're late, you can't sing on Sunday, no matter who you are, because we have rehearsals and stuff. And so she was late and wanted to sing. I said, I'm sorry, that can't happen. So we got into it and I was like, all right, you know what? I can't do this. And they were like, well, if you're not gonna be doing it, then guess what? Y' all need to move out right now. We had nowhere to go. Like, with a little baby. They kicked us out the. Of this little apartment. And this. This. This guy, James Cooper, he said, why don't y' all come on Sunday? Come come up to our. Our church. They had a little house church. And I was like, man, we gotta go on faith, Tanya, because we. I got. I got literally eight bucks to my name. And without any hesitation, they take up this offering for. For us. And then they open this door and show us this room in their house. And they were like, this is your room. This is your house. Y' all stay with us y. Rent free, as long as you need, no strings attached. We went back to Richmond, got our things, and drove back up there because they had given us enough money from an offering and we were there. We would be there from 2012. Yeah, 2011. We would be there from 2011 all the way to 2016, rent free. I mean, like, we would give them things in 2016.

[Tanya Trotter]

That's when your pension.

[Michael Trotter]

That's when my. The military finally finished processing all the things for me. Yeah, they sent me a check for 5000, 675 as a holdover. They were like, listen, we're almost done processing your claim, but until then, here's five grand. And then Tanya's mom, this was in November 2015 is when I got that. Then Tanya's mom had passed away, and we were War and Treaty by then. We became Warren's reading in 2014.

[Bunny]

Okay.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

And we had a little tour plan, and Tanya quit. Tanya was like, I'm done.

[Tanya Trotter]

I met my mom. I was devastated.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my God.

[Tanya Trotter]

I mean, I just couldn't. She wasn't sick. And three weeks later, she just died.

[Bunny]

I'm like, what happened?

[Tanya Trotter]

She got. She had a little fire in her house, and it raised her blood pressure.

[Michael Trotter]

Up and triggered that trigger.

[Tanya Trotter]

Triggered, like, vascular dementia. So when blood pressure gets high, your memory leaves. And she ended up going to a hospital. And it was just one thing after the other, one thing after the other. Two weeks later, they were like, we're gonna put her in hospice. And we're like, hospice? She was just. She just had a stroke, but she kept having series of strokes, and the vascular dementia just kept getting worse. But now that we look back, we knew. She knew she was gonna die.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

Her entire house was clean. She had all her paperwork together. So, you know, she knew something was gonna happen. And then she passed away, but Tanya had quit.

[Michael Trotter]

And I never forget this moment. We. We were. We were. We were done. Like, we had nothing. And we were still living in their home. But Tanya was like. She was starting to get that I need my own. Like, I'm ready to get out of here. You know, that kind of thing.

[Bunny]

A woman wants her own stuff.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

We were on wic. We had food stuff, stamps. We were, like, living.

[Michael Trotter]

We were. We were in it, man.

[Tanya Trotter]

We were. That was.

[Bunny]

You hung in there a really long time together, doing just, you know, happy.

[Michael Trotter]

Like, that's the thing. Like, I had. Tanya was getting her residuals. And each year. This is how bad it was. Each year, Tanya could rely on one main check. They'll pay her, like, 10 grand to come to Switzerland and do, like a Christmas thing. With this one church, I was making literally $125 a Sunday to play. That was the only work I could actually find. But it was two hours away, right? And I would be driving just those two hours to go and do that and then driving back, and finally I looked at my wife, and I was, like, in tears because I knew that I was done. I was like, tanya, I'm dying. I can't physically do this anymore, and I don't know what we're gonna do. And she was like, baby, it's okay. And then I was really at the height of my depression with ptsd, and I would be in the basement in the dark, and Tanya would be Showing me different videos of certain bands like Mumford and Sons, Civil Wars, Lo Bello. Like, she was just showing me all.

[Tanya Trotter]

These artists, and she was like, you know, to disc. I'm seeing other people doing what we may be able to do. You know, let's consider it. I don't know what it's called, but I sure like how it feels, you know, it looks good.

[Michael Trotter]

Something saved my life because this was the first suicide moment I was having in 2013. And Tanya was in the shower, and it just. Depression just came in like a Mack truck. And I was like, like, I'm going to end this. And two artists came on this, my TV in that living room. The first one was Lee Bryce, and he had a song called I drive your truck. And it was like military dog task swinging it. And he. The lyrics. And I was just like. And I was just, like, stuck. Like, what? What's going on? Like, what's happening? And then the second cat was artist named Brantley Gilbert.

[Bunny]

We love Brantley.

[Michael Trotter]

And he's got this song at this time called that's one hell of a name, man. And that was it. The dam just cracked in half, and I was just, like, yelling and balling, and I couldn't take it anymore. And Tanya came in there, and I was like, I don't know how. I don't know know what I'm gonna do, but somehow I need to be doing that, what they're doing. And then so we. In 2014, we became a duo, though, because we recognized something that, you know, Tanya is immaculate alone, like, by herself. Her voice is just her stage presence. Tanya's a superstar. Me alone, I can make it. I can fare. You know, I can get along.

[Bunny]

No, he's together is so special.

[Michael Trotter]

But when we. We started doing something, rehearsing together songs I wrote for brother and a mutual friend was like, oh, hell no. That is what y' all are.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

So 2016 comes, and so let's pause.

[Bunny]

Right there really quick. Tell everybody how you guys came up with the name Warren Treaty. Because that's such a. That is such a. A, like, just distinct name. The first time. I remember the first time I saw you guys perform, I was like, who are these people? I was so excited. And Jay's like, that's the Warren Treaty. And he's like. He's like all talent. Like, he was happy that I didn't know who you guys were. And you got to, like, fill me in.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, we were fighting. Yeah, we were fighting because Michael, she.

[Bunny]

Said we were not in therapy.

[Tanya Trotter]

We Were not in therapy. That was. I needed therapy and that, you know? But we were fighting. We had changed the name, like, nine times. Well, Michael changed the name nine times. And I'm like, the Steady Libra, you know? I'm like, if that skill starts going, you know, off, I'm like, it freaks me out. So I'm like, we're not changing the name again. Yes, we are. Like, yes, we are. And I'm like, we're not doing it again.

[Michael Trotter]

Yes, we are.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm like, we're not. It's not happening.

[Michael Trotter]

We are changing.

[Tanya Trotter]

And we're going. This is happening for, like, 15 minutes. Right? And I'm asking him, why does he want to change it? He's explaining. Yeah. And I'm like, no, it's not going to. To happen. And so I say, listen, this is not.

[Michael Trotter]

But we're getting loud. I mean, we're, like, fighting.

[Tanya Trotter]

You know, we argue.

[Michael Trotter]

And you would think, okay, they're probably getting divorced.

[Bunny]

Passionate people.

[Tanya Trotter]

Respectfully passionate. That's why I told my son. I'm like, you know what? We're having a. We're having a respectful debate. It's just loud.

[Michael Trotter]

All right, here they go.

[Tanya Trotter]

Everybody just walks out of the room. All right? And then, you know. But he finally gives in. I say, michael, this is not a war. We have to find a treaty here, some peace. And he's like, and I'm gone. Gone.

[Michael Trotter]

I said, you just did. That's the name. She was like, what? I was like, the Warren Treaty.

[Tanya Trotter]

And that's it.

[Michael Trotter]

The natural tug and pull of life.

[Bunny]

But it actually kind of applies to both of you because you have the war and the war inside of you that's been going on, and you're kind of like the peacemaker and the treaty and, like, the balance of the relationship.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

So it really does fit both of you guys.

[Michael Trotter]

I saw it immediately.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

When she said it, I was like, oh, this is our life. Like, this is. You know, that. That. That settles it for me. And she was like, it's too long.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Typical woman.

[Tanya Trotter]

Too long. What does it mean?

[Bunny]

She said, what does it mean?

[Tanya Trotter]

What does it mean? After I said it wasn't me.

[Bunny]

Yeah, it's your idea. I love it. So how did you guys finally decide to keep it, though? Like, how did you convince her that it wasn't too long?

[Michael Trotter]

I just told her what it meant to me. I was like, you know what, Sonia? I said, to be honest with you. You have been my piece in every single war. That's it.

[Bunny]

I was like, that's a great wife.

[Michael Trotter]

I was like, I don't know what other name we could come up with that would represent our time together here on Earth. And I hope to be that same thing. Back to the struggles and the wars you have inside of you that I have yet to see. And she was just like, oh, okay, we. I'm in that. That's it. That's what it is.

[Tanya Trotter]

I was like, all right, bet.

[Bunny]

So take me on this journey, because now you guys are making music. I mean, how did you guys get your foot in the door? Especially in country, because it is not an easy avenue.

[Tanya Trotter]

Wow. It's weird because I can't pinpoint the win, can you? You can. I can't.

[Bunny]

I mean, this man knows dates. You're like my husband. That's how Jay is. He'll tell you. Dates. I don't know. I never.

[Tanya Trotter]

I don't know. I mean, we were just.

[Bunny]

I don't even know what day it is, you know, ever.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm like that too. I'm like, okay, where's the phone? Yeah, exactly what day it is. I don't know. I mean, we were recording music, and we did a record with Emmylou Harris. We did. Well, we did EP first.

[Bunny]

Okay.

[Tanya Trotter]

In Albion, Michigan. You know, after my mom passed, I wasn't doing music, and I kind of fell in love with it again in Albion and put it out. And Michael didn't want it out initially, so I kind of snuck it to this lady on Twitter. The song Hot Ho.

[Michael Trotter]

The single. Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

And it was kind of folky, you know, it wasn't mainstream country sounding, you know, RA Record. And it kind of took, you know, to certain parts of the country that we call the heartland.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, country wasn't in the cards.

[Tanya Trotter]

No. At all.

[Michael Trotter]

We had. No, no, no.

[Bunny]

No aspirations to be a country because.

[Michael Trotter]

To me and Tanya, that meant something else at the time.

[Bunny]

Oh, okay.

[Michael Trotter]

Like keeping it 100. I mean, the things I knew of country music as it pertains to people that look like us. I was like, I'm Nah, we gonna be over here.

[Bunny]

There's not room for us is how you felt.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, that's how I felt.

[Michael Trotter]

And. But. And also, I didn't wanna be in the industry at all.

[Tanya Trotter]

No.

[Michael Trotter]

I had a problem with selling the music and doing all. Because, remember now I got into writing music. I think that's what I skipped over to tell you. When I wrote that song about the fallen comrade, my colonel saw how it affected our battalion, and he changed my job. I became the songwriter for our unit. So I had to go to every memorial, every death, and learn about the soldier if I didn't know them, and write the song and turn around and perform it that afternoon at the memorials. So I had gotten to a rhythm of literally writing songs about a life and not really trying to be clever and not trying to be cool. I was literally writing about. About one individual who was living and is now no longer with us. So when Tonya presented the idea of sending the songs to the radio and all that stuff, my famous. Sounds like they go that Hollywood shit again. Hell, no, I ain't in.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm like, I just bought some bootleg CDs from him. But it wasn't. But even that album was more his story, kind of, now that I think about it, it was him letting it out. You know, it was whatever he had gone through, it was letting it out. And that. That I purchased. So we never. I don't think again. I can't remember the. When you. You have the dates and you know when, but.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, yeah, I know exactly what. What took place. We got to go back to a guy named Peter Cooper. Peter Cooper's a Nashville staple at the Country Music hall of Fame. They were inducting, in 2018, the late, great Dottie west into the Country Music hall of Fame. And somebody had caught wind of an interview of me and Tanya on NPR talking about our story and talking about the homelessness and the military and all that stuff. And Peter was like, you know what? Dottie west would have loved the Warren Treaty because of her character and because of the story of her. I mean, she would just let people stay on her couch for days and months at a time, you know, and she kind of lost her marriage a little bit to that, amongst other things, what he was doing. But nonetheless, they were like, we want to present the war and treaty to the family. And the family was like, oh, let's do this. Let's get them the same. And so our first moment was we sang lessons and leaving at the Country Music hall of Fame for the induction. And it was from that point on to where we. We just. Country music grabbed hold to us. We didn't grab it. It grabbed us.

[Bunny]

Isn't it crazy? And I tell everybody this, like, whenever I talk about it on the podcast, because my. My husband and I thought it was going to be so hard for him to get into country, too. And once they grab a hold of you, you. They love you.

[Michael Trotter]

Yes.

[Bunny]

And they really just try to, like, bring you in and, like, it's the most, you know, because My. My husband was in hip hop before this, in country rapper, if that's even a thing anymore. But it's like, it was just so different, you know, everybody. Nobody had each other's backs. Everybody was fighting draw. It's fueled by drama. And then you come to the country circle and it's just like everybody loves everybody and like everybody wants to help everybody. And I don't know if that's you guys experience, but that's what it's been for us. And it's been so beautiful to watch. And we're like, we feel so fortunate to be a part of the family, you know, that's how we got to meet you guys and see you guys and just. It's been amazing.

[Michael Trotter]

It's been amazing to see what country music allows to represent itself as well. I remember we were. We were laughing with your husband because it was like the day the Grammys started announcing the nominations, it was a. A wild thing because every year we get prepared for it by our teams at the time, and it never happens for us. And so this particular year I was just like, ah, I'm not interested. You know, we're in the airport watching it. And so we get a nomination for best new artist. And when you understand the. The inner makings of how that happens, certain genres have certain slots that they'll slate you in as the future of the genre. Right. And so I didn't know that. I was just like oblivious to that. Like, okay. I'm just like, hell, yeah, we nominated what? You know, like, yeah, I didn't realize that that nomination, it's not so much about the win, it's more about the nomination and what it means to a genre.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

And so Jelly, I never forget. Here's the crazy thing. I go into my inbox and do a video because I'm like, I'm going to send Jelly Roll. Now that I know what this means, I'm like, okay. Jelly Roll and the Warren Treaty are actually representing in this genre. Genre? Country music. The future and the present of country music. Yeah. So I'm about to send him a message. Failing to realize he has beat me to this. He's like, Tyward Treaty back, you know, doing the thing. He's like, can you believe that we like. And honestly, no, I cannot. Because, I mean, when you look at Jelly Roll and when you look at Warren Treaty and you put them face to face against what has represented this genre for years, starting with Johnny Cash, starting with Loretta Lynn and all the things, and as you travel, Garth and Randy Travis and you look at that, and then you look in today's industry, there are artists who, on the outside, they want to reflect that. You know, I mean, even me, my stylist, had me trapped for a while into believing that I had to reflect this in order to be. In order to be accepted as a country artist versus realizing my talent was already putting me in the room. Right, right. But then when you look at the stories and you look at. Look at the outer makings, like when you look at Jelly Roll, it's like, you cannot ignore and miss the fact that authenticity is what Bubba is thirsting for.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

Because I mean, like. Like people on this genre a lot.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

Especially the genre itself, because they'll say.

[Bunny]

Things like, country music fans, fans, they're crazy.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, they'll say stuff like, well, you know, we got to make music for Bubba. And Bubba is not that bright, what they say, but they don't realize something. I. I just had this conversation the other day with someone. I said, do you understand what's happening? Like, we just left Iowa State Fair.

[Bunny]

Oh, you guys were there with that?

[Michael Trotter]

We were there.

[Bunny]

Oh, yeah. Yeah, that's right.

[Michael Trotter]

20, 21,000 plus.

[Bunny]

Yeah. Crazy, right?

[Michael Trotter]

And you cannot go anywhere without hearing on the intercom, oh, Jelly just pulled up. Or to hear what a fan says about Jelly. Or. Or realize people wearing these shirts and people are really connected and. And people are. You know, the. Those who are. There's maybe 25% or 50% of the audience is connected to the music. But people who look like me, who are showing up, they're connected to the speech, that's different. Like, people. People think it's a joke, and they think it's cool that someone will put organs behind his acceptance speech. And I'm like, y' all don't understand what that means. That means he's preaching to them. And he's touching a part heart that makes them feel like somebody's hearing them or they feel better. I remember for me, I. I just kept listening to. I only talk to God when I need a savior. Because that's how I felt in Iraq. I felt. At first, I felt real shitty about that. I felt like, man, I've been hearing about you all my life. And this is what it comes to. Like, I gotta get on my knees and talk to you now because I'm scared.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

I'm terrified about what the guy is going to do about there. But then I started listening to what God was telling me. It was like, it's okay if that's how you Want to come at me, and that's that. Because I understand you more than anybody.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

So that is to represent country music. And then you got the War and treaty. Let's just be honest. Got a black husband and wife. Wife representing country music.

[Bunny]

I don't know. When I saw you guys the first time, I was fascinated. I was like, you were like, just Jessica Rabbit up on the stage looking all gorgeous. And then we have, you know, your hunk of a husband, and then. But when you guys open your mouths, you guys already have such a presence, you know? So when people see you, they're like, what is. What's going on? You know, when you guys start singing, it is, like, so angelic. Dude. It is just. Oh, it's amazing. And you so much. I just remember looking at my husband, and I'm like, who are these people? And he was just so stoked for you guys, you know, because he just loves you guys so much. And he just filled me in on you guys. And ever since then, I've just been watching you guys journey unfold. And I get to see you guys at all the award shows. We got to sit together at the Grammys.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

I was wearing a diaper. It was really uncomfortable. It was the worst day of my life. But we.

[Tanya Trotter]

We. Oh, girl.

[Bunny]

My period started the day of the Grammys.

[Tanya Trotter]

Tight.

[Bunny]

Sewed me into a diaper in my dress. And I, like, had to keep asking Gracie Abrams right next to me. I'm like, do you see blood on me? Like, I. Every time we stood up, I was just so horrific. But I was so thankful for all of us to be able to share that moment together. And sitting at the table. And then I think you and my husband are a mean.

[Tanya Trotter]

They are. They were jamming, watching Tracy.

[Michael Trotter]

Wait, did y' all hear that about Tracy today?

[Tanya Trotter]

No.

[Michael Trotter]

This is going to freak y' all out. So earlier in the year, it was just released that Stevie Wonder and the Jacksons, like, Michael and Janet, are actually cousins. Like, blood cousins.

[Tanya Trotter]

Wow.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, Janet just said. Well, I mean, now we're talking about it. So Samuel L. Jackson is their cousin, but Tracy Chapman, too.

[Bunny]

Really crazy. Sorry. What a crazy musical family.

[Tanya Trotter]

That's insane.

[Bunny]

Like that.

[Michael Trotter]

Wow.

[Bunny]

That's insane.

[Tanya Trotter]

That's insane.

[Michael Trotter]

That's why we were freaking out. I mean, like, we were freaking out because that moment was so, like, I forgot while I was there. I mean, like.

[Bunny]

Yeah, yeah, it was a beautiful moment.

[Tanya Trotter]

It really was beautiful.

[Bunny]

Like, you had to have been there to actually, like, really get to, like. I'm sure it conveyed on tv to everybody, too. But being in that moment, getting to see Tracy Chapman on stage with Luke Combs, who's an amazing performer. Yeah, it was just a moment, and it was like. It kind of took us all back to our childhoods because I know I don't know how old you guys were whenever that song came out, but I just remember that song when I was younger. So it was like everybody just had a moment of their childhood, you know.

[Tanya Trotter]

It was so wonderful. I was telling you. And to be able to see Luke in that moment, you know, I sent them a message afterwards and they responded back to see him. You could see how he was. He said, I was so nervous. This is the most nervous I've ever been. But you saw one of our giants just become so small in that moment. And like a, you know, humble. Humbled. Standing next to her, humble, Happy to be here. It was beautiful. It was so beautiful.

[Michael Trotter]

Happy to be here. A part of creating a moment. I think that people. So when I said, you know, to be black and representing this particular genre, I think people are afraid to acknowledge the history, but in a pure way, right? So, you know, Tanya and I, when we got our nomination in the ACMs and the CMA maze, we are the first African American husband, wife duo to ever get nominated, period.

[Bunny]

Wow.

[Michael Trotter]

Like, people didn't know that.

[Bunny]

Like, I did not know that.

[Michael Trotter]

It was a big deal. The fact that we were even nominated, it was like, wow.

[Bunny]

How does that feel, though? Coming from the streets of Cleveland, coming from your upbringing to the struggle that you guys have had to face together to now being at these shows and being nominated, the first people to be nominated like that all the time.

[Tanya Trotter]

I cry all the time. I'm driving down the street sometimes I'm just like bursting in tears, you know what I mean? Because it's. You can't dream this up. You couldn't put it down as a marketing plan, but just the thought of it now even brings me to, you know, wakes my eyes, just makes me want to cry because I'm like, so many people had this dream, you know, and for it to happen for us, you know, it's just. It's mind blowing.

[Michael Trotter]

And on the other side of. Changed my. Me personally, it changed my life. And people will say, well, of course, yeah, it's got nothing to do with music. It's got nothing to do with getting shows or fan base or nothing. I've actually got healed at the CMAs from fireworks and from the Fourth of July situation. And I wrote a post about this. But I'll briefly tell you, our manager at the time was like, michael, I need to talk to you. Miranda and Carrie both have pyro in their performances. And you're sitting very close to the stage, so we're gonna pull you. You at a certain time so that, you know, we got headphones in the back so you don't hear it. And I'm like, man, I don't feel like making a sense, you know, I didn't want people to be worrying about that, and I didn't want me and Tanya to be.

[Tanya Trotter]

Cause we could overshadowed by that, you know, we couldn't go watch fireworks. Legend has never watched fireworks with us. We've never. And when we do festivals, we have to find a place to put Michael where he can be calm and I'm soothing where. Because it's a trigger.

[Michael Trotter]

Especially on Fourth of July. Like North Carolina?

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, like North Carolina. You know, we did a festival, and he's, like, freaking out back of stage, like, shaking and everything. So.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, we had the CMAs and Miranda's performance, and Carrie's performance happens, and they don't pull me at all. And I'm just sitting there with Tonya, and I'm staring because Tonya's in, like, this bad motherfucking dress.

[Bunny]

And she always looks so damn good.

[Michael Trotter]

I am like, every time I see her, like, this is. But then it. And then I heard a still, small voice say, you made it. And I was like. And I just started bawling because I realized I sat through those two performances that had the pyro. And from that moment on, I've been able to. To do fireworks.

[Bunny]

You felt safe for once. Yeah, Yeah, I felt safe.

[Michael Trotter]

And I felt in charge.

[Bunny]

Yes.

[Michael Trotter]

I didn't let them pull me.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

I tell everybody that because I suffer from OCD and, like, severe anxiety, too. And the way I've gotten through it was my husband came to me. I told them this the other day, or I forget who I was talking to. But my husband came to me about two years ago, and he said, bunny, I love you. You haven't left the house. You are reminding me of my mom. And it's very triggering to me. And he's like, if you don't leave this house, house, we're going to have to think. Rethink our relationship, you know, because that's how bad my OCD had gotten me to where I couldn't barely even go to the store, like, do anything. And so my way of curing that was like, okay, I'm just gonna Hop on tour with my husband, and you jump right in. The last tour, I got my own bus, and I got. People don't realize. They're like, why does she have to have her own bus? Blah, blah, blah. Well, because I'm conquering fears. I'm paying for it, so don't ask questions. But I got on that bus, my crew hopped on with me, and I conquered every fear I've ever had, and now I am like, it's crazy. You have to go through it to get through it, and especially when you're conquering fears like that.

[Tanya Trotter]

You really do.

[Bunny]

Yeah. And now I'm like, I'm ready to go on tour. I can't wait. We live three weeks, and, like, I go places now, like. And I don't have panic attacks, and, like, it's just a. A work in progress. And I. I always tell everybody, if you're dealing with any sort of anxiety, OCD cd, be in charge.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yes.

[Bunny]

Be the. The captain of your ship and don't let it own you, dude. And that is so cool that you got through the fireworks, man. That's huge.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm proud of you at the cma. So awesome.

[Bunny]

Miranda's coming on the podcast tomorrow, actually. I can't believe I landed her.

[Tanya Trotter]

That's my girl.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my God.

[Tanya Trotter]

Kudos to you for. Everybody. Loves you for call everybody. I mean, I actually experienced that we opened up for the Rolling Stones, and the last time I had that kind of anxiety was I missed my mother's funeral. That's how bad my anxiety is. And it gave me a really bad heart condition because I almost died. I almost died.

[Michael Trotter]

That's how she missed it.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah. My anxiety is that bad. And I thought I had it under control. I was like, okay, I'm touring. This is great. I'm in front of people all the time. But now that you're talking, I'm realizing that I have kind of, like, isolated. I don't go out as much, you know, Michael wanted to go dancing, and I was like, no, I don't want to go.

[Bunny]

I used to do that, too.

[Tanya Trotter]

And so then this was like, what, seven weeks ago, eight weeks ago, when we opened up for the Roll the Stones, I was just like a ball of. I was a mess, like, getting on Michael's nerves, just whatever. And I think it was because I was. I was being. I'm so glad you had me. I was like. I was really getting on his nerves because it was irritating me, that one. I felt like something was happening, but I didn't know what. It was. You know. And so when I got out and it was time to do the sound check, I felt it. I was like, okay, this is. I don't know if I could do this. And I felt myself just, like, getting smaller and smaller and smaller. And then I just. I don't think we talked the whole day. You were, like, sitting across the room, and I was like. We were in the same space, and I said nothing to him for, like, hours.

[Bunny]

Because you're just so anxiety.

[Tanya Trotter]

I was so just trapped. And I realized that I'm like, oh, this is what it is. And it just showed up after nine, ten years.

[Bunny]

That's trauma.

[Tanya Trotter]

Never had done before. And it's the trauma.

[Bunny]

It's trauma.

[Tanya Trotter]

When you just said that, it just reminded me that, you know, but you're not alone.

[Bunny]

Everybody is going through something, and there's just different levels. I. When I was going through all my trauma, I was like, I've never had anxiety. I've never had. Or. I'm sorry. I've never had. Had depression. I always had anxiety. I never had depression. I've never been suicidal.

[Tanya Trotter]

Blah, blah, blah.

[Bunny]

When I turned 40 years old, I'm telling you, my suicidal ideation hit me so hard that I didn't think I was going to make it to 50 years old. You know, I was like, just the thought of living that long was like, this is exhausting. I can't do it. You know? And you're going to go through levels like that with your anxiety. But the best thing I could ever tell you, and if you need to text me, text me anytime. Do not let it control you, because when you let it control you, you're giving in. You have to fight back, and you do it on your own time, and when you can, and it'll happen when you can, but do something different that you would never do before. Like, next time Michael asks you to go dancing, go dance with him. But say, you know what, baby? I'm gonna go dance with you, but I'm gonna go for an hour.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

And that's what I used to tell myself. Okay, I'm gonna go do this. Remember, I would give myself time limits, guys. And, like, I would show up to Jay's shows, and I would be out, like, before, halfway through his show. But I started to learn how to trust and feel safer more and more and more. And it's a process, but you'll get through it.

[Tanya Trotter]

I promise.

[Bunny]

Promise.

[Tanya Trotter]

Thank you.

[Michael Trotter]

That's amazing that you said that, because that's actually why the housekeepings were Hired. Because, see, my wife is the kind of person. I just wrote this in a post the other day. Tanya does everything for everybody.

[Tanya Trotter]

And.

[Michael Trotter]

I realized that's also a part of. A Part of her super strength, her superpower power, but it's also a part of the thing. Right. And so I know how long to let it go. And then I'm like, well, hey, Tonya, I need to be involved. I need to know what's my role? What do I. What can I do? What do I. And so, you know, finally she's like, okay, you need to pay this bill. You need to hire this, that, that. And so I did. And because. And it makes me feel like, you know what? I'm doing something for her, even though it's for us.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

You know, well, it's taking the load off.

[Michael Trotter]

Yes.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

My husband had to do the same thing for me because I. I was just like Tanya, when. People don't know this, but when Jay and I first got together, I used to kind of quote, unquote, manage him, and I would do everything, and it got to a point where it was just crazy. Now I don't. I don't know anything that's going on with his business at all.

[Michael Trotter]

But it's your name Tanya.

[Bunny]

Good.

[Tanya Trotter]

His country name was T.R. michaels.

[Michael Trotter]

You forgot this one.

[Tanya Trotter]

I tried everything.

[Michael Trotter]

I've tried everything. My R and B name was Mike.

[Tanya Trotter]

Ivory of R and B Hip hop.

[Michael Trotter]

And she managed me.

[Tanya Trotter]

It was so funny.

[Bunny]

I love it.

[Tanya Trotter]

You got.

[Bunny]

Jay was a totem pole roll. Oh, yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

You got. I can't.

[Bunny]

Solid totem pole roll. He. He will love you forever. He'll be like, oh, my God. Because that's like his. His Antioch name and everything.

[Michael Trotter]

Wait, do you want to know some of our duo names before?

[Bunny]

I would love to know some of your duos.

[Michael Trotter]

Okay, so here's. Here's a classic.

[Tanya Trotter]

You go back and forth.

[Michael Trotter]

So we were first called nya, which stood for nine years apart.

[Tanya Trotter]

And then it was Empty Earth.

[Michael Trotter]

Empty Earth.

[Bunny]

I actually kind of like Empty Earth.

[Tanya Trotter]

It's a rock band.

[Michael Trotter]

That was our rocker phase.

[Tanya Trotter]

That was a rocker fan.

[Michael Trotter]

We were like Beyonce. We had sage.

[Tanya Trotter]

We had eras before they were eras. I love it.

[Bunny]

I love it.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, we never put no music out. We just had days.

[Bunny]

Empty Earth, though I do love Empty Earth.

[Michael Trotter]

Empty Earth. And we were playing on things. I was like, oh, empty. Like, empty Earth, you know? She was like, no, no, no. And then we were. Dear Martha.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, okay. And then we were Mike and Tanya.

[Bunny]

Dear Martha. Does that have to do with Martha.

[Tanya Trotter]

Stewart, now that I think about it.

[Michael Trotter]

Bunny.

[Tanya Trotter]

You know what? I didn't think about that. Stop using your hands. Now that needs to be in my house. You have done that is me. I'm like, that's the name now that I think about it.

[Michael Trotter]

No, it was so my military buddy who was killed, his wife was Martha. And we have a song called dear Martha. So we were trying to do that.

[Bunny]

Gotcha.

[Michael Trotter]

And then we were called I'm not your sister.

[Tanya Trotter]

I ain't your sister.

[Michael Trotter]

I ain't your sister.

[Bunny]

What phase was this?

[Michael Trotter]

Was the folky.

[Tanya Trotter]

The folky. Yeah, yeah. Then it was Mike and Tonya. He's trying to change it again.

[Michael Trotter]

It was never Mike and Tanya. That's what I wanted.

[Tanya Trotter]

You wanted to.

[Michael Trotter]

I want to change it again to Mike and Tanya.

[Tanya Trotter]

I don't want to do that.

[Michael Trotter]

And then we're trying to remove the Warren treaty.

[Bunny]

The Warren treaty is.

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah, we're solid now.

[Bunny]

So can we dive in really quick and I'll let you guys go because I have had you guys for over two and a half hours. This has been amazing. This has been amazing. I just want to let you guys know. Hey, driver. My daughter. Our daughter played that song over and over again. It's her daughter's favorite song. Yes. How did you guys connect with Zach, Brian, and take me on that journey with you guys because I know it's a huge hit on Tick Tock and I want everybody to know the story behind it.

[Tanya Trotter]

It was at the ACM, we were doing the ACMs and Zach was time to leave, you know, behind stage or Wesley. And he runs back there.

[Michael Trotter]

No, we. Yeah, we weren't going to meet him.

[Tanya Trotter]

We were not going to meet him.

[Michael Trotter]

No, we were going to talk to.

[Tanya Trotter]

Was it Nate?

[Michael Trotter]

Nate?

[Tanya Trotter]

Nate. Nate. Yeah, Nate Smith.

[Bunny]

Nate Smith.

[Tanya Trotter]

Uh huh. We're going to meet Nate. And Zach runs back there as we're talking, finish up talking to Nate and he's like, guys, he's like, I'm sitting next to my dad, I got chills. My dad grabs my leg, he's like, what is happening to me? He was like, I don't know what's happening to me. He's like. And so he. We gotta exchange numbers. He was like, do you understand? I don't think people understand what just happened to us in there. He said, but they will. And so we exchanged numbers. And not even a week later, he sends Michael the song.

[Michael Trotter]

No, it was the next day.

[Tanya Trotter]

Was it the next day? Right?

[Michael Trotter]

Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

And maybe a couple days we. No, the next Day. And we sent him a voice memo. He's like, I just want to hear whatever you guys gonna do. Like, here's the song. Whatever. Send me a voice memo. Send me a voice memo Act. Yeah. And so we send the voice memo back to him, and he puts it up on his.

[Michael Trotter]

Here's my new songs.

[Tanya Trotter]

He puts it up in a Zach Brian kind of way. And I love that about him, though. I love. I love that he doesn't give a.

[Bunny]

He knew what he wanted.

[Tanya Trotter]

He knew what he wanted.

[Bunny]

He knew what he wanted.

[Michael Trotter]

His classic line was, wait, are y' all signed?

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

I was like, what the fuck you think, bro? We gonna get in trouble.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Tanya Trotter]

So we had to do the whole industry thing and, you know, get the paperwork together.

[Bunny]

Who are you guys signed with?

[Tanya Trotter]

Where were? Universal. Nashville.

[Bunny]

Gotcha.

[Tanya Trotter]

Okay. So with them. And he flew us to Philadelphia, and we. And we are in the studio, and if you hear on the record, Zach Bryan say that the song is Michael's. This is your song, Mike. It's his song. Because Michael goes to the bathroom, and I, like, start talking to Zach. I'm like, yeah. Zach gets on his guitar. I was like, you know, Michael plays the piano. Piano like that. He said, oh, he does? I said, yeah. I said, he would sound really good on this record with you. And he said he would. He said, you think he'd play? I said, hell, yeah, he'll play. Now, Michael doesn't like to play the piano just, like, exposed. Right. You know, by himself. So he gets back from the bathroom, and Zach's like, yeah, Michael.

[Michael Trotter]

Wait. Yeah, yeah. And.

[Tanya Trotter]

He'S like. He's like, yeah, yeah, Michael. His piano right here, man. He was like, what?

[Michael Trotter]

He's like, what are we doing with that?

[Tanya Trotter]

He's like, what are we doing? He's like, come on. I'm doing this. You know, you start playing. So Michael starts playing. He starts playing, and then Zach leaves out and goes on the other side. Cause he's recording out there, and we're recording in the booth. And Michael's kind of apprehensive, like, not playing the song the way he was doing it with Zach. So Zach says, come on, man. He says, it's your song, Mike.

[Bunny]

Aw.

[Tanya Trotter]

And it's. We just go all the way down and start.

[Michael Trotter]

And I got this stupid ass Ned Flanders laugh from the Simpsons.

[Tanya Trotter]

I'm like, okay, yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

I hate that part. It's your song, Mike. Laughing.

[Tanya Trotter]

He's laughing. And that's how the song happened. It was. Yeah, I love it. Ned Flanders, I love. Was so Un. It was so natural. It was so organic. And who knew?

[Michael Trotter]

It's a few people in our business, in this industry that you. You. You. You just want to stay connected with, you know? I mean, jelly is one. Zach is another one. Dirk Spintley.

[Tanya Trotter]

Miranda.

[Bunny]

Miranda's my little spicy taco.

[Michael Trotter]

We got so. Okay, never mind. Never got to tell you that.

[Bunny]

Who was it? Who was it about?

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, my God.

[Tanya Trotter]

We.

[Michael Trotter]

We. We did all right. And I think we. We got so fucked up in that, right?

[Bunny]

Oh, with Miranda.

[Michael Trotter]

See, people think me and Ty are so, like, conservative and so. Not.

[Bunny]

Honestly, that's kind of what the. The idea that I had just watching you guys as interviews because you guys are so proper. But then the minute you guys sat down, I was like, oh, this is game on.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah, we're like. I mean, we. It's bad.

[Bunny]

No, but you guys. You know what? You guys are real.

[Michael Trotter]

Miranda was like, wait, are we doing this?

[Tanya Trotter]

Oh, yeah.

[Bunny]

Miranda gets saucy. She don't play.

[Tanya Trotter]

I love her.

[Bunny]

Yeah. She's amazing.

[Tanya Trotter]

And she's brilliant in the studio. Brilliant.

[Bunny]

I mean, she is. I. And I know I'm gonna get some heat for this, but besides Dolly and. Which, to me, Dolly's the queen of country for other reasons.

[Tanya Trotter]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Miranda is the queen of country because she is just.

[Tanya Trotter]

She's the truth.

[Bunny]

No, she. She for real.

[Michael Trotter]

I love that you said that. Because it's hard because of the history of Miranda and not. Not. It's. When you are married in the industry, you know, things overshadow, you know, like. And then when both of you are, like, powerhouses, like, I mean, Blake is a G, you know, Miranda is a.

[Bunny]

Real G. Yeah, no, Miranda's the G. She's the truth.

[Michael Trotter]

Like, straight up.

[Bunny]

She's like street country. And I feel like Blake is like.

[Michael Trotter]

You know, he's that post, so he's that poster child.

[Bunny]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

But, you know, Miranda is. Okay, so you. I could say this to you and you'll be like, damn, I get that. You know, in church, people, the preachers used to say, if you don't praise them, the rocks will cry out.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

Well, this is the rock moment. These are the rocks. We are the rocks.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Michael Trotter]

And the rocks is the real thing. It's like that over there. You've abused this gift of spirituality for so long by creating this poster picture of what it is and then trying to force people to live up to that. And then now it's like, okay, now we unchained. Yes, we're unchained.

[Bunny]

We are like, everybody's making their own path. Everybody is my husband, you guys. I mean, like, you. Yeah. Thank you.

[Michael Trotter]

Oh, yeah.

[Bunny]

I appreciate you.

[Tanya Trotter]

You got a fire torch? Just burn the damn path up.

[Bunny]

After six years, I'm. I'm. I'm just glad to be here.

[Tanya Trotter]

I love it. I love it.

[Bunny]

I love you guys and I appreciate you guys so much. Thank you for sitting down with me. And whenever you guys want to come back, if you guys have new projects, anything, you guys always have a seat on my couch.

[Tanya Trotter]

We would love to. Thank you. Thank you so much.

[Bunny]

I know. I'm so excited to have you guys. I'm so excited for the world to get to hear this and just love and embrace you guys. Like, I'm really stoked about it.

[Tanya Trotter]

Thank you.

[Bunny]

More than they already have have. What are you. So let. Shout out your socials and then, like, let me know of any projects you guys have coming up.

[Tanya Trotter]

We actually. Well, we're touring. We have the record coming out next year and they can reach us on the Warren Treaty.com the War and Treaty on all socials except X. Is it X now? Twitter. X. Whatever. I don't even. That.

[Bunny]

That place scares me over there.

[Tanya Trotter]

War.

[Bunny]

Yeah, it is scary over there. Is there anything else you guys want to shout out your tour dates, like, anything like that?

[Michael Trotter]

This is what we're bad at. Yeah, we're gonna be somewhere.

[Bunny]

Just [e-mail].

[Tanya Trotter]

There you go. There it is.

[Bunny]

I appreciate you guys so much. Thank you.

[Michael Trotter]

Thank you.

[Tanya Trotter]

Thank you.

[Michael Trotter]

Thank you.

[Bunny]

Thank you guys for tuning in to another episode of Dumb Blonde. I will see you guys next week. Bye.