JP ONE – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
My name is JP ONE. I am a hip-hop artist/entrepreneur from Detroit, MI by way of Benton Harbor. I’ve been grinding ever since I was released from prison October 4th, 2011. I have seven projects available online in less than four years and that’s a lot for a REAL LYRICIST. Trap rappers can make five songs a day, but… Well, you get the point. LOL
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
I am influenced by all of the legends. I am a real student of the game and I have always been of the culture. When I write lyrics, I challenge myself to be better than I was the day before and that’s the only way I’ll make it to the status I want. Self-motivation is the best motivation in the world.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
My music is real street-hop. It’s not just hip-hop and it’s not just street. I’m not going to use a bunch of big words to try to sound smart and I’m not going to dumb it down, either. My music is no different from my personal conversations. I have above average intelligence, but I’m very relatable, because I’ve been through the struggle, from juveniles and foster homes to about nine years in prison.
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
I have collaborated with Boldy James, Elzhi, Black Milk, Guilty Simpson and a few other people who can really rap. LOL… Seriously, I’m just now starting to deal with other artist, this year. I wanted to lay a strong foundation for myself, before I branched out. 2016 will definitely be full of features, though.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
Underground Hip-Hop is raw and real. In today’s market, everything is about the sell and most of the “artists” are sell-outs. They can’t even explain half of their actions. They’ll tell you they did it for money or fame, instead of for the love of the art. It’s nothing wrong with making your money, but it has to be more to it than that.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production?
I like gritty beats, samples, and live instrumentation. I love MUSIC. I don’t want to listen to four bars being half-looped and a bunch of loud drums and then someone calling it a “trap beat”. I want people to listen to my music and feel refreshed. My production sounds nothing like anyone else’s. My in-house producers are Pig Pen, BJ Gates, and Flamin’ Lacez. I will start working with other producers soon, though.
And who would you like to work with?
I want to work with Dr. Dre, Kanye, Timbaland, Toomp, Havoc, Alchemist, Premo… All the greats.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
I am currently promoting Fire & Brimstone 2, which dropped July 27th and features Elzhi, Black Milk, and Guilty Simpson. Fire & Brimstone was released March 9th (R.I.P. BIG) and Fire & Brimstone 3 drops December 14th. I have been on tour most of the summer promoting the single, “Livin’ Life” which is all about enjoying the fruits of your labor. The response has been incredible.
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of Fire & Brimstone 2? Also/ tell us a little bit about the concept and idea behind your Album/Mixtape Cover Art.
The Fire & Brimstone Trilogy is all about real lyricism. There’s nothing fancy or flashy about these albums. If you enjoy good hip-hop or you want to hear music the way it’s supposed to be done, you have to hear it. There are people who don’t listen to rap, but listen to me, because it’s real and relatable.
Where can we find your music and info?
My website is www.jponelife.com
All of my social media is @chosen1jackpot
You can find my music on iTunes… Fire & Brimstone 2 is right here https://itun.es/us/OtCQ9 and all other online music sites, paid and free.
Any shot outs?
Yeah, S/O to my whole team at Gifted & Talented, LLC., especially Layna Sky. Then to all of the people involved with the trilogy, Boldy James, Elzhi, Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Nep Jennings, Pierre Anthony, Chel Strong , Jovie, Gain Green, Motivation, Street Pacino, 3D, Latoyua Hart, Pig Pen, BJ Gates, Flamin’ Lacez, SPC Productions, Dave Brown, Tony Rizzo, Brandon Hughes, White Mike, The Olypicks, Big He, Kidd The Producer, King Ray, my wife and my kids. #WESTILLWINNING
