Jay Ax – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
I was born in Crown Heights Brooklyn New York and grew up between Booklyn and Jersey. Now I reside in Staten Island. I have been making hip hop since middle school just freestyling. I recorded my first record when I was 16 for fun at the Blak HOuz Rekording studio in Jersey.
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
My influences come from my life. Making hip hop and writing rhymes has always been my outlet to relieve some stress from the life I have lived. Through all my trials and tribulations HIp HOp has always been there for me.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
If I had to describe my music I would describe it as mood music. The music I create always coincides with the mood that I’m in when I’m writing it. What differentiates me from other MC’s is that I can jump on a party record and still slaughter it lyrically.
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
I have collaborated with a few artists. I’ve done shows and toured with the likes of T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Kid Cudi, Keith Murray, Wyclef, Joel Ortiz, Immortal Technique, Sheek Louch of The Lox, Jae Millz, Khia, and a few other artists. I recently just finished recording a record with Young B (Chicken Noodle Soup Girl). If I had a choice of who I could work with in the near future, I would have to say Jay-Z, Nas, Young Jeezy, all three of The Lox, Mya, Rita Ora, Katy Perry, and Snoop Dogg, just to name a few.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
My definition of Underground Hip Hop would be… That’s a good question. It depends on your definition of Hip Hop and/or your definition of Underground. Some say I have commercial appeal so they never throw me in the underground category. But If You Ax Me, no pun intended, I would classify myself as Underground Hip Hop.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
As far as production goes, my biggest influences would be the greats like DJ Premiere, Rza, Dr. Dre, Havoc of MObb Deep, Alchemist, High Tek, J. Dilla, Timbaland, and some of the new producers too like DJ Mustard, DJ Khaled, and Mike Will. My production is mostly done by Kelly Portis, Mr. Juice of Tray 8 Productions, Scervin Beatz, Lajik of Blak Houz Rek, J Philly, and last but never least the late great David “Bayz Bza” Stagno. I would like to work with all of the production influences I listed above but most importantly the legindary DJ Premiere and most definetely Havoc. And DJ Khaled too because you have to love that down south bounce sound.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
As of write now I’m in the studio working on my new indie album. Still unsure if we are calling it “The Axsociation” or “Ax Factor” yet but there definetely will be an Ax pun in there. NO scheduled release date as of yet but look out for it early 2015.
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of your latest music video “Young Bachelor”
After I recorded “Young Bachelor” when I thought about shooting the video for it, I knew in my mind I didn’t want it to be too crazy. For the “Young Bachelor” video I wanted to show what a typical night in the life of a Young Bachelor is like. And if you saw the video I think I got my point across.
Where can we find your music and info?
For all of my music videos and new music you can check them out on my official artist website “DontAxMe.com” or you can subscribe to my youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/vodkastr8
Any shout outs?
Would I be a rapper if I didn’t have any shout outs? First off my family, my twin Cyn. My couz DJ Benz out in Philly. I want to shout out my brothers Neech-E, Frank Doket, Brodie Jaymz. My whole UTH family. My homies Kritikal, Joe of Innovative, Gary of Cobra Sun, Lajik of Blak Houz. My Synergy Capital Fam. My homegyals Hala Maroc, Zionia Francis (model), Kymberli Lauren, Takiyah. And one love to anyone that has helped and supported along the way.
