J. Gillie – Q&A Interview
-Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. Eventually, I moved to Delaware at the age of 12, and it’s been my home ever since.
-What influences you in making Hip Hop?
Essentially, just loving to do music is what genuinely inspires me. The things I see, the people I talk to, the way things are in the world, what people need to hear, what I need to get off my chest, the ambition to be the greatest, all these things are used to help fuel my desire to create music.
-Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
When I make music, I don’t use a template, meaning I aspire to sound like no other artist, past or present. So many young artist have let the mainstream or, “who’s hot” blind their way of thinking, making them believe they have to sound like that particular “sound” in order to be heard. My philosophy is, in order to have a clear thinking mind, which will help your music be/sound more original, you have to block out these other influences. That is my mission statement mentally when I make music, which I think separates me from many MC’s.
-Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
I’ve only collaborated with close friends within “Cool Gang”, and also a young spitter from Michigan named Daylan I work with often. As far as hopefuls, I’d like to work with Future, Cole, and The Weeknd.
-Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
“Gimme Time, Getting mine without a Cosign”.
-Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
Alex Collins is God.
-Any current or future projects you are promoting?
Just Elmhurst Since Birth, but my next project, which will be an album, is in the creative process.
-Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of “Elmhurst Since Birth“? Also/ tell us a little bit about the concept and idea behind your Album/Mixtape Cover Art.
Elmhurst Since Birth, (ESB), really just came about gradually. I knew I had to transplant the ideas I had on my Elmhurst EP to ESB, but in a refined way. I took about 7 months to finish the tape, all in which consisted of moving around a lot, taking risks, loosing and gaining friends, while learning what you really have to give this game in order for it to be reciprocated back. All of these experiences helped me refine the ideas on the Elmhurst EP, and manifest it to ESB. Now, as far as the album work goes, it shows 3 people (me being in the middle) with a serious, almost intimidating looks on our faces, when in actuality it was the happiest time in my life. The kid on the left of me is my boy Capo, and to the left, Malcolm. It was the first time in my life when I learned that you must cherish the good times, while writing these moments in stone. I chose this cover, because the narrative of ESB coincides with the concerned, intimidating looks on our faces, all the while, it was really a glorious time in my life (in the picture). ESB is a journey to get back to that moment.
-Where can we find your music and info?
FOLLOW MY SOUNDCLOUD: soundcloud.com/jgillie302
TWITTER: @jgillie302
INSTAGRAM: @jgillie302
-Any shout outs?
S/O to the WHOLE Cool Gang, (Y’all know who you are). MM for really getting this thing going. E-rod, super DJ of CT A.A., Kristen C., all the people who helped me along the way, Razordamous, Jim, Eli, and all my other DE. Family. Chittos and Mr. Youfit for the FL plug.
