Tropidelic Rocks Larger Stages with Unique Reggae-Rock Fusion: An Exclusive Interview

OMAHA — Tropidelic, the Cleveland, Ohio-based reggae-rock band, continues to captivate audiences with their genre-blending sound and high-energy performances. Known for fusing reggae rock, hip-hop, funk, and marching band cadences, the group has cultivated a distinctive style that resonates with fans nationwide. Formed in 2005 by founding members Matthew Roads and Kyle Cheuvront at Kent State University, Tropidelic has released eight studio albums: All Heads Unite (2012), Police State (2015), Go Down with the Ship (2016), The Hard North (2016), Heavy is the Head (2017), Here in The Heights (2019), Tropidelic Live at Sugarshack Sessions (2020), and Of Illusion (2020). Their latest, All The Colors (2022), showcases their evolving sound.

The band has become a staple in the American reggae-rock scene, touring extensively and sharing stages with acts like 311, Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Pepper, Flobots, and Wookiefoot. Fresh off a sold-out Red Rocks performance, Tropidelic opened for Dirty Heads on July 1, 2023, at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Omaha, Nebraska, as part of the Island Glow Tour 2023, alongside G Love and Special Sauce and Yelawolf.

In an exclusive interview on their tour bus, lead vocalist Matthew Roads and trombone player James Begin shared insights into Tropidelic’s journey, creative process, and future plans.

From Myspace to Sold-Out Shows: Tropidelic’s Rise

In the early 2000s, when Myspace was the go-to platform for bands, Tropidelic began as a group of friends jamming at Kent State. “I had a band in high school, but we didn’t take it seriously,” Roads said. “It wasn’t until around 2015 or 2016, when we started touring the country, that things got serious. It’s a slow grind, but you keep making moves.”

Roads reflected on the band’s organic growth. “I’ve never been big on writing down goals, but I’ve always worked hard. You just keep tracking forward,” he said. This relentless work ethic has propelled Tropidelic from local gigs to headlining major venues.

A Consistent Lineup and a Fan-Turned-Member

While band members often change, Tropidelic’s core lineup has remained stable for nearly a decade. “Some guys in the band now were fans back in the day,” Roads said. One such member is James Begin, a fast-spitting lyricist and trombone player from Ohio. “My band used to open for them,” Begin said. “I didn’t think about joining at first. I was just around, and our music wasn’t common in Ohio—it’s a big metal town. They were the only band like us.”

Begin’s addition solidified Tropidelic’s dynamic sound, blending his rapid-fire verses with their reggae-rock foundation. “Once I joined, it just clicked,” he said.

Collaborations That Elevate the Sound

Tropidelic’s music thrives on collaborations with artists like Nick Hexum of 311, Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Prof, Dirty Heads, Matisyahu, Devin the Dude, Brother Ali, Surfer Girl, and Shwayze, among others. Their 2020 album Of Illusion, released on Ineffable Records, marked a turning point, amassing over 40 million Spotify streams. “We never write a song with a feature in mind,” Roads said. “It just happens naturally.”

When asked about dream collaborations, Begin mentioned Cleveland native Kid Cudi. “He’s a funky dude, like an acid trip. His music takes time to get, but it all works,” he said.

What’s Next: Festivals, Tours, and More

Tropidelic shows no signs of slowing down. In support of All The Colors, they’re headlining EVERWILD Music Festival (Aug. 3-5, 2023) in Ohio, featuring Pepper, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Prof, Iya Terra, and others. “We want to bring together people doing cool things from all backgrounds,” Roads said. “It’s about showcasing different types of music.”

In September 2023, Tropidelic embarks on the To The Surface Tour with Kyle Smith, Joey Harkum, Sundried Vibes, and Palmer Squares, followed by a performance at Alta Music Festival in Avila Beach, California, on Sept. 23, alongside Sublime With Rome, Tribal Seeds, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

A Must-See Live Act

Tropidelic’s infectious energy and genre-defying sound make them a must-see act. Their ability to connect with fans—both old and new—has solidified their place in the reggae-rock scene. As they continue to tour and collaborate, Tropidelic remains a band to watch.