Jordan Angel Henderson – Q&A Interview

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

My names Jordan Henderson-Quartey, I’m from the Outskirts of London (UK). I was born in Harrow, and raised in Pinner by my parents who I’d like to give a shout to, as they are good people. I’ve been Producing Hip-Hop since the age of ten. I’d always listened to Hip-Hop music, my Dad used to play a lot and used to sing along from a very young age; I’m talking one or two years old! However, I began Vocalising after my Music teacher in Primary School gave us homework to make a Rap over a simple approx 90mph robust keyboard rhythm, I discovered I had a knack for it.

Further to that, I started to Vocalise aged 12 with a plastic microphone and Windows XP sound recorder. I’d Rap over Instrumentals online, and convert them to mp3. From memory, a lot of it was one take, off the top of the head. My first Pre-Recorded Track was a Track called ‘Influences’ in 2006, followed by a song called ‘Energetic Sounds’, both featuring my good friend Jordan Prince. Not only that but I had been singing and learning the Guitar prior to Rapping and making Hip-Hop Music.

What influences you in making Hip Hop?

It may sound big-headed, but a large part of it is myself, the Genre, and a mutual bond with the sound I’m working with, or creating from scratch. On the whole I feel Hip-Hop, due to it’s relax-type nature is less stringent in it’s rules of compiling sounds, as oppose to other genre’s such as Classical. Therefore, I feel more inclined personally to make Hip-Hop in a relaxed mood, and I suppose that’s what influences me to make Hip-Hop.

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

That’s an interesting question. Previously I produced my Music for my last Mixtape as a Hip-Hop/Rap Introspective Compilation that could sound slightly Pop at times. However, I’ve recently decided to stop releasing Music for a while, go back to the drawing board, and work on a new Overall Sound which will subsequently ‘Umbrella’ differentiating elements of sounds I want to Produce. So for example, I want to be able to sing again, so I am undergoing Vocal training in that area, while learning to play the Guitar again, so I can use those elements separately, but also compile them to create an overall new sound. The Music you’ll hear from me when I start releasing again will although still have some identical elements, will ultimately be a lot more niche and more about ‘me’, as oppose to making Music for other people. You can’t tell somebody else’s story (you can but most get caught out/ the sound isn’t genuine), I believe the true way to win fans is by natural appeal & relation to your experiences, along with Musical quality.

As far as separation from other MC’s goes, I create Music that is my imprint on creation, everybody’s handprint is different, so I could describe in countless ways how my Music is different. Of course other Artists, which in turn may make me sound somewhat similar, have influenced me but ultimately my Music is me, period.

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

I have been fortunate to work with lots of different Artists from many different musical backgrounds. I’ve worked with the people I started out with when I was younger, such as Jordan Prince & a few other people. People who’ve I’ve worked with and I think are talented are my boy Laz, Parker, Cashis, Paula Rae Gibson, Trikz, Abel Miller from a Vocalising perspective. There are other people I want to S/O I couldn’t mention everyone as I’ve worked with so many people. The best singer vocal-wise I’ve heard is Mario Barrett. Donfequan has potential, and so does Ryan McDermott.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

I have a clear definitive position on that question. Underground is almost like compression or suppression. So what should be called ‘Hip-Hop’ is called Underground Hip-Hop, because of what I call ‘Radio Rap’ or ‘Commercial Hip-Hop/Rap.’ So anything that isn’t what I consider the two above, is ‘Hip-Hop’ to me. Alternative is completely different. I understand to an extent the idea of ‘lighter songs’ for wider audiences who can’t grasp the lyrical or production of hard Hip-Hop, but people in general seem to accept as ‘typical Hip-Hop’ isn’t even Hip-Hop!

I believe too many uninformed individuals walk around not knowing enough about what they comment on, in general but Music wise for also. The average person will say so and so is better than another Artist because they’re number one on the charts, but can’t even differentiate between an ‘Emcee’ and a ‘Rapper’. I could go on forever…about that question!

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

Production wise I’d say there’s too many, I couldn’t give a listed order to I’ll compile examples of people who I like the sound of and why.

Noah 40 due to the Introspective filtering sound he creates, which sets the mood for an almost Dorian Gray now Rapper type sound!

Dot Tha Genius is also a capable of good Instrumentals.

I also like Neptunes, as they seemed to be extremely catchy.

There are many more to name, Michael Jackson always had very well Produced Instrumentals and Mastering.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

At the moment I’m literally just trying to go back to the drawing board with everything, however my Mixtape is out there for sale, and you may hear more on a few Radio stations, or a few Freestyle videos. However, at this moment in time I’m very much focused on building a new sound, taking my time. Perfection can’t be rushed.

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of IF ONLY YOU KNEW? Also/ tell us a little bit about the concept and idea behind your Album/Mixtape Cover Art.

I made my Mixtape to portray somebody who’s not very happy with how the world is, which I’m still not. Furthermore, I wanted to show case a variety of techniques such as Rapping, Crooning, Singing, Harmonizing ect. The Artwork was very much based on what I referenced at the top of the question. We had a shoot for that Cover, and got the Image spot on.

Where can we find your music and info?

My central place is www.jordanangelhenderson.com, which is where you will find my entire social media links.

Any Shout Outs?

Shout out to everyone who supported me, Laz, Abraham, family who kept it real, EVERYONE who’s purchased my Mixtape. Also S/O to UGHH Blog for your time also. I wish you all the best.