J.B. (Virginia Beach) – Q&A Interview

Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop? 

I’m JB da Pilot aka Just Becuz, and I hail from Virginia Beach, VA. My first verse probably dates back to the early 2000’s, but my career started my freshman year of college in 2009. In an age where rappers seem to be so far removed from the lives of the consumer, I pride myself on being relatable. I’m from a single parent household, I eat off the dollar menu, my ex-girlfriends hate me, I procrastinate, I hate losing, I’m addicted to sneakers, and I watch too much nextflix. Don’t you?

What influences you in making Hip Hop?

If it’s good, I like it. And if I like it, it influences me to an extent. I try to take a literary approach as far as creating my music. You’re never actually going to have this 100% original, unprecedented, incomparable novel because you’re drawing from some sort of archetype, genre, or style. So the best you can do is take something you appreciate, and begin to mold that work into something even greater. In that sense, I’m influenced by everything I enjoy. Movies to icons to fashion etc.

Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?

My music is an extension of my personality and my experiences, both of which are a pretty different from your conventional rapper. You won’t hear me curse or throw around guns/drugs but I’m too boastful through verses to be considered conscious rap. I hold myself to a high lyrical standard, but I still place value on having a commercial sound. Consistency is important, but I try to be as versatile as possible. Sometimes I want to drop 1000 bars and show you I’m the best rapper. Sometimes I want your girlfriend to play my song when she’s dancing in underwear. That’s just me.

Who have you collaborated with?  Who would you like to collab with in the near future?

I’ve never been a fan of features for the sake of features. I think organic relationships produce the best sounding music, and it wasn’t until now that those opportunities have presented themselves. As of this spring/summer I’ll be working with some artists I genuinely respect and appreciate, but I can’t give that info away just yet. Stay tuned.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

“know they say Hip Hop is dead cause the dope sh*t is underground” – Joe Budden … He’s been one of my favorite artist for a while now but I digress. I just think unground signifies the music the majority doesn’t know about it. I don’t believe it has to have a certain sound or subject matter, but it’s more so about the lack of coverage and exposure. Not all underground Hip Hop is good and not all commercial or popular rap is bad. It just so happens that the internet has created a larger avenue for underground artists like myself to forward their brands.

Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production?  And who would you like to work with?

I’m a 90’s baby. So by the time I could truly appreciate music, the Neptunes, Timbaland, Kanye, and Just Blaze basically produced every song on the radio. That time span influences the beats I choose now because it is my favorite period of rap music. It was sample heavy, but sounded original. It was east coast, but had crazy bounce. Crazy. But as a result of my desired versatility I haven’t locked in with a specific producer. I have a pretty wide group of people I go to. Obviously everybody wants beats from the super producers and legends, but I would definitely love to work with the Olympics, Tminus, Detail, and Dj Dahi.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

My latest project “The Best Out” was released a few months back and it’s composed of both freestyles and original songs. It exemplifies one of those times where I just wanted drop 1000 bars every time I stepped in the studio. However, I’ve been working on my upcoming album called “Growing Pains” for the last two years. You can expect that to drop this fall. It’s amazing I promise.

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of FLYER (Music Video)? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.

FLYER was all about showing illustrating a night out with me and the team. They’re shots of us in the studio with Phil Ade’, they’re moments in the mall, we’re even posted at Krispy Kreme for a second. Ha! We just tried to incorporate performances while providing candid scenes across the city. The homie LVCHLD aka @Postmodtv did a great job of that when he shot it.

The cover to “The Best Out” is a metaphor to how I see myself in the industry. Kobe Bryant is arguably one of the best to ever play the game, and I still don’t believe he gets the credit he deserves – but that’s me talking in 2014. The photo is from ’98 when MJ would go on to finish his second 3peat and Bryant was only 19 years old. Yet, you can see the determination on Kobe’s face as he goes toe to toe with Jordan and Pippen. It’s like he’s saying ‘yeah I know you’re great. Yeah you’ve won it all. Yeah you’ve been the best, but I’m here now.” And that’s exactly how I feel as an artist.

Where can we find your music and info?

You can visit  www.ItsJustBecuz.com or hit me on twitter.com/JBdaPilot

If you show that you’re down with the set, we also have the Mile High Club crewnecks available at MileHighClothing.bigcartel.com

Any shout outs?

Shout out to the 757 at all times. Whaddup to the MHC. And Much Love to the good folks at UGHH for pushing the culture. That’s the triple truth Ruth.