10.14.2022

Video: CEO Trayle – “I Love You But…“

The Atlanta Artist Processes a Complicated Relationship As He Prepares to Release His Next Mixtape HH5, Coming On October 31st via Do What You Love, LLC/10K Projects

Critical Praise:

“The most unnerving villainous laugh you’ll hear this week won’t be in the new Batman movie—it’s in the opening seconds of CEO Trayle’s “Rendezvous.” The way Trayle uses his shapeshifting flow to rattle off threats brings to mind the more sinister side of Chief Keef.” – Pitchfork

“So many rappers stay in one gear for an entire song, but Trayle’s music constantly shifts the rhythm, keeping your ears perked so you don’t get lost as he speeds up. He goes from biting punched-in threats and making singsong taunts to an ominous, slithery flow that leaves you looking behind your shoulder to make sure he isn’t talking about kicking in your backdoor.” – Pitchfork

“The hunger in his rapping turns every song into a boxing ring to prove himself victorious.” – The FADER

“Atlanta’s CEO Trayle is going hard in 2022. The rapper’s earned quite the reputation in the rap game over the past few years. Projects like the Happy Halloween series have cemented him as the one to look out for. “ – HotNewHipHop

“On his recent single, “OK Cool,” Trayle takes a conversational approach, making it clear that—no matter what anyone else in his life is on—he’s still up.” – Audiomack

The Announcement:

Delivering detailed and conversational rhymes through a devilish grin, CEO Trayle is the specter who haunts the Atlanta trap scene. Working through his romantic feelings like only he can, Trayle shares “I Love You But…,” his new video single. Produced by DiorMadeIt, Evrgrn, and A3, “I Love You But…” is a slinky and aqueous trap instrumental, combining fluttering synths and skittering hi-hats to provide the atmosphere for Trayle’s real talk. The song is a one-sided conversation between Mr. Back Door and his main squeeze, as he wrestles with his conflicted feelings–he wants to spend extra time with his girl, but still feels the need to keep her at arm’s length. In the video, directed by Law & Nick Cohn, Trayle and is one-and-only portray a Bonnie & Clyde-esque couple, each partner confident that the other loves them despite their worst behavior.

“I Love You But…” is the latest glimpse of HH5, his next mixtape, the latest in Trayle’s signature Happy Halloween series. The upcoming mixtape features some of Trayle’s most expansive production to date, with contributions from Dun Deal, OG Parker, Go Grizzly, Trauma Tone, and Trayle’s frequent collaborator Stribb, among many others. On his fifth annual Trayle keeps the Halloween theme going on his songs, using his sly wit to present himself as a nightmarish figure to haters and opps across the globe. Featuring a guest appearance from FastMoney Ant, HH5 arrives on October 31st via Do What You Love, LLC / 10K Projects.

“I Love You But…” and HH5 continue a busy year for CEO Trayle, arriving weeks after Vier, a four-track EP released in July alongside a Q&A with The FADER. The title of the EP translates into the number four in German, a number with mythical and historical significance in Trayle’s life–beyond being the source for his explosive nickname C4. Nine years ago, on July 4th, Trayle suffered seven gunshot wounds as he successfully fought off an attempted home invasion. Trayle survived, but he suffered emotional scars that he still processes every day. The rapper explored his trauma and expressed gratitude for the little things on his recent single “July The Fourth,” the EP’s closing track. Vier followed in the wake of Trayle’s 8-song mixtape The Collection, home to highlights like “Of Course,” the tape’s closing track.

CEO Trayle is following in the footsteps of his hero Gucci Mane, crafting street raps that are at once down-and-dirty and refined. The 28-year-old artist’s music found an audience, and earned praise among publications like Pitchfork, Audiomack, and many more, for his gritty bars and sinister steez. Trayle’s trajectory skyrocketed after he released “Ok Cool,” a viral hit that generated over 60 million streams and earned a remix from Gunna.

With much more music on the way and much further to rise, CEO Trayle is primed to take over the rap game.

Watch “I Love You But…”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kCYJMAB6nU

Stream “I Love You But…”: https://CEOtrayle.lnk.to/iloveyoubut

Please contact Michelle, Kevin, or Chris or more info.

The Background:

CEO Trayle has a rare sense of vision. The prolific Atlanta-based rapper and CEO/founder of 1080 Trademark Records sees the music industry the way a great point guard does a basketball court. He understands cause-and-effect, knowing how dropping one frosty, minimalist single will shape the perception around his next project. But occasionally he exceeds even his own expectations. His breakout single, “OK Cool,” a deadpan rebuke to an ex, earned more than 60 million streams, even though Trayle didn’t foresee it as a blockbuster when he made it. The momentum from that track, and its Gunna-assisted remix, paved the way for The Collection, a thrilling, visceral release that showcases the 28-year-old MC’s multi-genre fluency.