Triggerrun – Artist Bio


Triggerrun Production (TRP), one of the greatest hidden treasures of the underground music scene has returned!

The legacy began in 1989, when three (3) young men from Monroe High (Albany, GA), would recruit three (3) young men from a rival high school, Westover, to form a dance group to compete in local talent shows just for fun. Their first performance would be epic and awe-inspiring as TRP would spark the initial flame to secure their legacy into the underground world of hip hop to begin their dominance!

To quench their new found thirst for fame, Triggerun would set its sight on their next big venture and enter into the city's most popular cash prize event of them all, Albany's "Night At The Apollo" event sponsored and promoted by Gilbert Udoto as spin-off of the World Famous "cultural phenomena, “It’s Showtime At The Apollo”. The goal was simple, to win the local cash prize of five hundred dollars ($500) to pay for studio time at Katz & Jammer, in order to record and shop their demo to the industry major record labels in hopes of their big break!

Hungry for stardom, in 1992, Triggerrun would split into two groups to double their earnings in the "Dance" category. And as a result, Triggerrun would win both 1st and 2nd place in the dance category. Their feat was so impressive, TRP would begin to create a cult following throughout the city. Over the next four years, they would reign atop of the dance category, winning 1st Place for three (3) out of the four (4) years before officially retiring from the amateur circuit during the 5th year.

As an encore, in the summer of ‘93, Triggerrun began expanding its territory crossing Florida lines. Next stop, Tallahassee Florida. Home of the Florida A & M University (FAMU) Rattlers, The Tallahassee Urban League and 100 Black Men of America would sponsor the talent show extravaganza at one of the coolest nightclubs in the city, the Moon.

Triggerrun’s 1st Place finish at the Moon would help the group finally reach their pinnacle. For the next stop would be a one way ticket to perform center stage in front of a national television audience at the World Famous "Apollo Theatre" in Harlem, New York hosted by the one and only Steve Harvey! However, their much celebrated victory would soon spark another competitive stand-off with the FAMU Marching 100’s beloved Strikers dance group.

After securing their victory, Triggerrun would frequent another well known Tallahassee night spot of its day known as “The Barn''. The night would be EPIC! And would go down in history as the first ever, “You Got Served “dance off! The Trigger versus the Strikers!! The dance battle would go back and forward as expected. However, Triggerrun would prevail with their eclectic style of dance to claim the unofficial victory.

Their victory at the Moon would also capture the eyes and ears of Miami-bass music artist, Beat Master Clay D. The “Give Me A Bottle” emcee would invite Triggerrun to perform as opening act for a three day tour headlined by Uncle Luke [Skywalker]. The invitation would be their first professional tour. Triggerrun would use this opportunity to promote their first indie single release, “Pump Ya Fist.”

Triggerrun finally began to experience success, and stardom away from home, as they would be scheduled to interview with the campus television show “Snake Eyes”, (created by Kelsey L. Scott). This interview would spawn an additional opportunity as opening act for II D Extreme and Heavy D, a FAMU sponsored student concert event.

However, it was TRP’s amateur night television debut that would forever change the world of Hip Hop as they would perform an eclectic, aerobatic dance ensemble that would catapult them into the underground mythical urban legends and pioneers for the next generation of Hip Hop dancers. An entertainment spectacle never before seen, Triggerrun would become a precursor to spark an evolutionary dance culture and trend across the nation. H3TheArtist(Herbert Bowens, Jr.) described the performance as "a surreal and humbling experience".

Fast forward to 1998, “Knegil”(Anthony K. Washington) would head north to Atlanta to finish school and raise a family. Still trying to hold the group together, TRP worked to drop their second indie release, the single, “Toss It Up” recorded at the infamous Patchwerk studios home of none other than the legends Outkast. TRP began to set focus on the new music scene growing in Atlanta and would perform at one of the local area club hot spot known as the “Aquarium”. Shortly after, Triggerrun would grow apart as “Knegil” would come to a spiritual crossroads. The choice, either to continue to chase the dream of music or raising a family. The latter proved victorious, ultimately sealing the group's fate.

In the meantime, H3TheArtist (Herbert Bowens,Jr.) would continue his love of dance at Florida A & M University. He marched with the world- renown Marching 100,(Snare Drum..Z Phi 28) where he became widely known on campus as the dancing machine. His dynamic dance style, inspired by the Trigger, was further polished in the program Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre where he studied modern ballet, African, and tap dance. H3 was evolving as an artist and overall performer.

He also pursued his passion in acting while playing the Lead Male Actor in “On Toby Time”, an off-Broadway musical about a man chasing his dreams in NewYork during the Chitlin Circuit and The Scarecrow in FAMU’S rendition of the Wiz. In each musical production, Herb used his acting, singing, and dancing super powers earning him the name…H3 (a triple threat).
After graduating from FAMU with a degree in elementary education, H3 moved to Atlanta to continue pursuing his dreams in the arts. In Atlanta, he landed his first role in the blockbuster movie Drumline(2002) directed by Charles Stone/Twentieth Century Fox and Stomp the Yard (2007) directed by Sylvain White/Rainforest Production. Herbert was amongst a very select group of dancers cast as a Theta Nu Theta (Fictitious Fraternity) which represented a band of elite dancers/steppers.

A musician since elementary school, H3 began quest as a solo artist, writing and composing music which he released through the independent distributor DistroKid . Herb’s “Steppin Out” album demonstrates his lyrical range, vocal style, and diverse content which captures the playful, romantic, and theatrical side of love. In addition, H3 crafted a master musical ensemble titled,”The Carousel-A Poetry Based Musical”, a play about never giving up on your dreams. An inspirational play turned true through his own perseverance and journey that has brought him back full circle to the brotherhood, Triggerrun!

Acting as the glue to hold the group together, Syncere(Nathaniel Whitfield) kept the members in touch, never letting the dream fade. In 2021, things clicked, and major events pulled Triggerrun back together again. They have refined their direction, focusing on what they truly want. Hard at work on new music, they are building an extensive catalog of work and launching a successful clothing line. The time is right, giving Triggerrun their chance to finally share their voice and leave their musical footprint. Using music as a therapy to express pain and process heartache, this opportunity has proven to be a miracle in each of their lives. Their passion has been rekindled, and Triggerrun is remembering a true love that will never fail them: Music.

Triggerrun’s underground music revolution created an undeniable cosmic shift that is still resonating within the industry at large. What began as a music and dance troupe is now a lifelong brotherhood. Triggerrun maintains a delicate balance of curating, critiquing, and refining their work together. Their sound is derived from a collection of hip-hop roots, blended with an R&B flair.

Re-emerging from the underground with its eclectic New York City meets ATL bass thumping, Dirty South infusion debut single, Turn Up!