L Jay – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
Well I’m L Jay, 22 years old from Brooklyn, NY. East New York to be exact. I started rapping in 5th grade with my brothers P. Fly and V. I started taking music serious my sophomore year in college. I realized I had talent, and felt I could help bring back positive, fun, hip hop. Now im in a group called Fang Gang, which stands for ” Forever Ambitious, Nothing’s Guaranteed.
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
Jay Z is one of my biggest influences. My pops is also a huge influence on me. When I was young, my father used to listen to a lot of old school rap and jazz, and that influences the kind of music I make today.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
My style of music is upbeat. It’s very energetic, very positive, and smooth mixed in one. You can listen to it as you start your day, good times, bad times, or while you’re partying. What makes me different from other MCs is that I’m not trying to be a killer, drug dealer, etc. but I’m also not trying to be the peacekeeper, or the gospel choir. I’m just giving you me, my experiences in life, and turning it into relatable music.
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
I haven’t really branched off and collaborated with any big names, but in the future, I’d love to work with Jay Z of course, LL cool J, Tory Lanez, and T-Pain.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
My definition of “Underground Hip Hop” is hardcore, aggressive, and raw. It’s the essence of hip hop. Battle rap is a HUGE part of underground hip hop. I believe the culture started from battle rapping, to where as mainstream hip hop is more commercial.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
Production wise, I look up to Ryan Leslie, Just Blaze, Swizz Beats, and Timberland. As of now my favorite producers to collab with is Joey Cutless, Iamone Beats, Vic Jones, and Fanobee.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
Right now, im working on “This is Me”, my first EP. It will contain 6 tracks, and will only be available on iamfang.com. There will be 25 hard copies as well with a bonus track for the true “Savages” (That what we call our die-hard fans)
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of THIS IS ME? Also/ tell us a little bit about the concept and idea behind your Album Cover Art.
The creative process was very easy this time around. With my latest project S.I.N (Success is Necessary), I felt I was trying to be what bloggers and critics wanted me to be. This tape is more of what I wanted to do. Its more ME. Topics I want to touch on, more about my struggles, and more about my dreams. S.I.N had those things, but was more conscious than I normally am, and more radio friendly. The art work shows my two cuban links, which I was able to get through hard work. I often consider myself a King, and that’s why i only wear gold cuban links. Its like the modern “King” jewelry.
Where can we find your music and info?
You can find my music on my soundcloud at soundcloud.com/ljay_eme
And all updates about my music on facebook.com/ljaylive
Twitter.com/ljay_eme
Any shout outs?
Id like to shoutout my mom, Big Steve, P. Fly, V, HD, Floet, Silent Tiger, Doogz, Destiney, any member of Fang Gang I missed, Shane Hamlet, Reign, J- Smooth, Scott Morris, SB Sounds, P Butta the Hair Weave Killer, Marx, Cali, my GSC Wolves football team, ALL the Savages. Love yall.
