THS grad and hip-hop artist Traff will perform on Friday

Eclectic hip-hop artist and 2004 Troy High School graduate Brian O’Neill, 26, aka Traff the Wiz, will perform as “Zoo Effort” on Friday, Dec. 23, at the Home Bar in Troy.

Traff lives in Missoula, Mont., where he works at a group home for persons recovering from traumatic-brain injuries. In his spare time, Traff operates his own production company, Spare House Entertainment.

He creates beats for MCs (musical coordinators). In hip-hop, it is very different from the MCs, commonly seen at performances, whom act as announcers. MCs generally create beats and lyrics, facilitating stylistic elements in the hip-hop culture.

Traff has been recording, writing raps and poems for more than 14 years. His family has supported his music career from the beginning.

“My family has always given me the freedom in my music,” Traff said. “My Mom loves it now, she is really in to hip-hop.”

Traff’s main project is his group, “Traffic Jam,” although he plays with “Zoo Effort,” as well. Zoo Effort recently played with the rapper “Abstract Rude.” “Abstract Rude” told the group to keep their schedule open in the future, hinting of future plans. “Zoo Effort” was asked to join him later in Spokane for a show, afterward the two groups decided to tour together in January.

“We will travel to Los Angeles in January and begin touring Jan. 4,” Traff said.

The group will tour for three weeks, performing in multiple venues — from LA and Reno, Nev., to Bozeman, Mont., and Boise, Idaho.

Traff and his group had to contribute to the tour — most groups must invest in their own musical careers in the beginning — until a band or group is signed to a contract, the finances for stardom and band promotion is the responsibility of the band or group members.

“Huge opportunity working with ‘Abstract Rude,’” Traff said. “Really, glad we are going to get the chance to tour with him.”

Traff pressed his first compact disc (CD) in 2010. However, he is developing and recording three more CDs. The CDs will be released sometime in 2012, one of the albums is a solo CD he has been putting together for more than four years.

The Home Bar will act as a venue for “Traffic Jam” on Dec. 23. The only member from the group missing is their drummer, who lives in New York and will be returning home for the holidays. Fill-in drummer, friend Angelo Chiaverini, will play with the group.

Chiaverini, Traff and band member Jed Nussbaum are from Troy. Leesus Mickelson, of Libby, also will perform at the Home Bar as well with the trio.

Opening for the band is Blue Grass performer Josh Clinger. Traffic Jam will accompany Clinger during some of his performance and later Clinger will return the favor when Traffic Jam performs.

“Traffic Jam” is a multifaceted musical talent that embraces various genres of music. A mixture of blue grass, hip-hop, rock and rap will entertain the fans, while newbie listeners encounter a new experience.    

Clinger will begin playing his blue-grass music around 9:30 p.m. and “Traffic Jam” will perform around 11 p.m. There is no cover charge for the event.

“I just want everyone in Troy to know how much I love Troy,” Traff said. “I also want them to know how much I appreciate the town.”

“It’s my favorite place ever.”