Today we’d like to introduce you to Aroyce Robinson III.
Hi Aroyce , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born Aroyce C. Robinson III, but universally known as Topp, this West Coast lyricist embodies the raw soul of Compton and the profound wisdom of a spiritual seeker. His journey, rooted in a city that’s legendary for birthing musical icons, is anything but ordinary. It’s a powerful narrative of resilience, profound awakening, and an unyielding passion for his craft, his purpose, and fatherhood.
Topp’s initial spark with hip-hop ignited at just 13 years old, a serendipitous blend of fate, local legends, and the pulsating energy of late ’80s Compton streets. DJ Quik’s mixtapes were a wildfire, and when one landed in young Topp’s hands, everything shifted. It wasn’t just music; it was a revelation. Soon after, destiny intervened again as he met Eazy-E at the Compton Swap Meet and Ice-T at an autograph signing. These encounters weren’t just fan moments; they were potent fuel for the flame already burning within his spirit.
But Topp wasn’t content to simply observe. His grandparents’ house became his first stage, where Saturday nights transformed into impromptu concerts. The den, complete with two turntables, a mic, and a boombox, became a makeshift club. While his uncle spun records, Topp — deeply inspired by the poetic inclinations of both his parents — began to weave rhymes into the fabric of his life, stealing moments between school, sports, and the relentless demands of survival.
Yet, it wasn’t until 1999, while living in Oakland, that Topp finally laid down his inaugural track. His cousin Rich, with a modest in-home studio, conjured a beat that instantly resonated. That pivotal moment birthed “Gifted,” a song that not only lived up to its name but unequivocally marked the genesis of something truly significant.
The path Topp forged has been a long one, marked by exhilarating highs and soul-craring lows. He’s faced life’s most brutal challenges: addiction, depression, betrayal, and the crushing weight of deferred dreams. More than once, he stepped away from music entirely, opting for the stability of a regular job to simply make ends meet. But as he eloquently puts it, “Working a 9-to-5 when you’re born to create… that’s its own kind of suffering.”
And yet, each time, Topp returned. Wiser. Stronger. More deeply attuned to his own soul, and more eager than ever to seize the microphone.
In the years that followed, a pivotal connection formed with Oakland rapper and producer Louieville Slugga, a protégé of Mac Dre’s Thizz Nation. Their creative chemistry was immediate and undeniable. Together, they forged a powerful catalog, featuring standout tracks like “Better Alone,” from their upcoming 2025 album release, Public Service Announcement. This track has already garnered airplay from the Bay Area’s legendary Gary Archer on All In Radio’s “The Power Hour.” Topp’s latest music video, “Tie Ya Shoelaces,” also from the new album, is an uptempo masterpiece produced by Louieville Slugga, guaranteed to ignite any party. You can discover this vibrant video and much more on his YouTube channel, Pure-P Ent.
Topp’s creative network continued to expand exponentially. He’s recorded and performed alongside respected artists such as Brotha Bro, Baby Ray, Looney Lane, Kid Gotti, TnoTino, and Dubee. He’s a familiar presence alongside Suga Free, gracing radio interviews, electrifying shows, and making his indelible mark across California.
What Sets Topp Apart?
It goes beyond his compelling delivery, though his voice—effortlessly shifting from sharp, high-pitched urgency to deep, commanding resonance—is instantly recognizable. It transcends his formidable lyricism, despite his renown for lightning-fast flows, intricate wordplay, and a tongue sharp enough to slice through any beat.
What truly elevates Topp is his profound spiritual depth.
After undergoing three transformative spiritual awakenings, Topp entered a new, illuminated phase of his artistry. This era saw him masterfully blend the raw realities of street life with higher consciousness. His groundbreaking 2022 debut album, “NOW,” co-produced by his cousin Malcom Pate and Louieville Slugga, is an 18-track odyssey that explores this delicate balance. Here, street tales seamlessly intertwine with spiritual truth, hustle meets healing, and pain finds presence. It’s an album that doesn’t merely entertain; it elevates.
Topp is a dedicated meditator, and when he writes, he often channels his spirit guides, crafting verses that feel like direct transmissions from beyond the veil. On the track “Reflections” from his album NOW, he consciously channels these guides to help open humanity’s heart chakra. “Sometimes,” he reveals, “it’s not me speaking. It’s a spirit speaking to you.”
Proudest Moments: An Artist and a Man
When asked about his proudest achievements, Topp doesn’t immediately recount accolades or collaborations. His ultimate pride lies in fatherhood.
Being a single father raising his daughter—all while crafting music, maintaining a home, cooking meals, paying bills, attending gymnastics classes, and consistently showing up for himself—is a badge of honor he wears with profound pride. “That’s success to me,” he affirms. “Showing up for my daughter, no matter what.”
Musically, one of his most cherished moments was finally receiving ASCAP approval for his independent record label, Pure-P Ent. This arduous process spanned three years and five submissions. Just as he stood on the precipice of giving up, the approval came through. That moment, both symbolic and hard-earned, served as a powerful reminder that persistence always pays off—eventually.
What’s Next for Topp?
Topp envisions his career scaling to the highest echelons of hip-hop—envisioning award-winning albums, platinum plaques, and a legacy built on far more than just bars.
His ambitious plans include:
- Two more solo albums
- A collaborative project featuring every artist he’s worked with over the years
- A new album with Louieville Slugga
- A multitude of new music videos
- Filmmaking ventures with producer Chris B
- A clothing collaboration with Apache Rose Clothing
- A poetry book collaboration with his brother, acclaimed poet and author Antonio Robinson
But more than any achievement, Topp is profoundly driven by impact. He’s deeply passionate about mentoring young men in his community—not just teaching them music, but imparting the essence of manhood, spiritual wisdom, and the crucial power of staying grounded in life. Topp advocates living by three core tenets: Structure, Balance, and Discipline. As he emphasizes, “With these three aspects in your life, you’ll always be able to overcome any obstacle, and maintain a solid foundation in your life.”
Final Thoughts
Topp stands as living proof that the music industry doesn’t always move in straight lines; sometimes, it flows in profound spiritual spirals. Through every setback, he has returned more aligned, more self-aware, and undeniably more determined.
His music transcends mere rhythm and rhyme—it’s a potent testimony. It’s medicine. It’s the unyielding Compton spirit beautifully wrapped in higher truth.
Whether you’re vibing to “Better Alone” on the radio, delving into the rich tapestry of NOW, or experiencing his electrifying presence at a live show, one thing remains crystal clear: Topp isn’t just an artist—he’s a vessel. He’s here to enlighten the world with his music and his profound spiritual wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/pure-pent/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topppure_p/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topp.robinson
- Twitter: https://x.com/PurepTopp
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pure-pent2835
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@topppurep?lang=en
Image Credits
Chris Berry and Antonio Robinson
