With his deep roots in Portland’s music scene, the artist shares his journey from music discovery to becoming a pivotal force in production, and why his authenticity and dedication to craft set him apart.

GHR: So great to have you here! What first drew you to music, and how did it become such a central part of your life?
The HOP:I’ve always been more excited about a melody over anything else. Music wasn’t just a distraction to me. It was the loudest and greatest voice that always spoke to me. I loved sports and hanging with friends, but music has always been what I thought about. My uncle Lionel took me in 7th grade to get my first music production program, and I’d crash out every day just finding rhythms and learning how to piece them together. A lot of it was stock harmonies, but I created the kicks and snare patterns myself, which is how I got so good at them. I learned to play bits of piano and guitar by ear, did yard work to learn the violin, and dabbled in anything music-related. And of course, the good ol' black Baptist church is where I truly learned how to sing.
GHR: You’ve worked with many artists, but you’ve mentioned that you love being behind the scenes. Can you tell us about that experience?
The HOP:Yeah, I’ve done a few shows here and there, but I’ve always loved being behind the scenes with the productions. I’ve produced for some of the most prominent artists from my city, Portland, Oregon, which is extremely talented and underrated in my opinion. Portland doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves in the broader music scene, but it’s a hub of creativity. I love helping artists shape their sound, and that’s where I really shine.
GHR: How would you describe your music-making process?

The HOP : Usually, my process starts with me humming a tune or randomly beatboxing. The more I feel and imagine what I’m hearing in my head, the deeper I dig into it. Then I come up with the vibe. After that, I go home and I produce what I hear. I can rap on other people’s music, but everything of mine you’ve ever heard is self-produced. It takes me longer to make a beat—though it’s not that long—than it does to write. I write quick, but I don’t rush. And I love constructive, honest criticism. Don’t lie to me, because I want to give my best. Even with production work I’ve made for others, I’ve often already created a whole song. I always have a chorus or a reference if someone needs it, but I never just throw a beat at them with the hook already made. That can disrupt someone’s process, and I never want to make anyone feel like I’ve already finished something while they’re still struggling to create a hook. If they want a collab or a chorus, I’ve got them, but I like to understand how others create so that I can blend my sound with theirs in the future.

GHR: What specific topic, experience or reason motivates you as an artist?
The HOP: My motivation has always been my experiences. You hear the phrase “ain’t no cap in my raps” a lot, and that’s not true for a lot of folks, but I mind my business. I just do me. Everything I speak of or have spoken about has happened. Even the manifestations of what will happen—it does, because I speak realism: goals, opportunities, and the fight to earn everything I have. So I encourage others because you may not be me, but in your eyes now or one day, you may be better than me—and I love that for you. I teach my kids to be the best. Hard work and focus, that’s what I produce. That’s what I speak. And yeah, I got secular music and love music, but I’m grown haha. I need that too.
GHR: What’s next for you?
The HOP: I’ve got a few projects coming out now. I’m working with a few artists from the town and have a few albums tucked away. Dropping a few songs on all platforms soon. My artist and producer name is Christopher Tyrae, also known as the Heart of Portland. Can’t wait for y’all to get to know me. Love to my city, 4ortyFive Kings, BHBR. Big shoutout to my mix and master engineer/mentor T-Hamed, PoBoySin, and AckRight. A lot to come! Free Grover Clegg Jr.
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