Q&A With Rising Hip Hop Artist Jon Jacob

Hey Jon Jacob, we would like to thank you for your contribution to underground Hip Hop and keeping the culture alive! Your new album “Unconventional Methods” is impressive!!! Please tell us what exact area code you represent? How long have you been making music? How did you come up with your emcee name?

I’m from Western Massachusetts. Springfield. 413. I started recording and putting out music when I was 16 using “The Verbal Surgeon” as my moniker 10 years ago. As far as Jon Jacob that’s my actual first and middle name.

What influenced you to become a Hip Hop artist? What were the main factors that got you into, quote on quote, “Underground Hip Hop”?!

I’m a 90’s baby! I grew up in the golden era. I remember vividly having a natural attraction to hip hop. The hard-hitting drums, the energy and all around vibe. Self expression is big for me. I’ll always say what’s on my mind and you find a lot of that in hip hop. Some people have a problem opening up, that’s never been the case for me. I love that nitty-gritty, that’s what I was raised on.

How important is it for you to stay ORIGINAL? How would you describe your style?

When I first started rapping I was more focused on being strictly lyrical. As I grew into the art more the style evolved a bit. When it comes to writing I never force it, I write when I’m in the mood or if a line pops up in my head. Staying original is important to me. I’ll always grow and evolve but I’ll never abandon my roots or forget why I started putting music out, to begin with. My style right now is weird. The beats I produce are very minimal and clean. A lot of production nowadays has too many Layers. I always try to make my voice the focus of the track front and center and ride the beat. I feel I can definitely still hear my 90’s influence in my flow even with a more new school cadence. Does hybrid flow make sense or is that corny? Ha, I guess I’m a little bit of old with the new.

Tell us about the creative process for your new album “Unconventional Methods”!

This is the first project I’ve produced from start to finish. I produced, recorded and engineered everything. That’s a first for me. No samples, everything played out. I knew from the jump I wanted to start with an EP 20-25 mins of music. I usually start by producing a rough beat getting a vibe for it and putting words to it. I don’t move forward from there until I have a full track lyrically. Then I’ll mess with the beat and tune it up, bounce stems, mix and record everything. The entire process was very organic creating this EP. I always have fun creating, if I’m not enjoying it what’s the sense in doing it?

In 2019, who will be on your personal music rotation playlist!? Any new artists you are listening to?

Oliver Francis is one of my favorite artists right now. His grind really motivates me and he’s slept on like crazy. Big Baby Scumbag, A lot of Kevin Gates. All of his new shit is ON POINT. Gutta 100 up and coming out of Florida. Lil Skies, Nipsey, Been really like Jaden’s new shit too as of lately. Trippie Redd, Yung Pinch. Pouya, Fat Nick, Shakewell. The list could go on forever. I like a lot of different sounds.

Any new projects and videos you are working on? Planning on a tour anytime soon?

I have a few more videos to drop off the EP and the next project is already in the works. I have a split project under wraps with a good friend of mine as well we just have to figure it all out. Before tour, I think I need to find a manager or a talent agency to help me build and grow in the right direction. This hustle is all about connections.

What’s your TOP 5 Dead Or Alive??!!

Vinnie Paz, Sean Price, Prodigy, Pun, Eminem.

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

A lot of people associate underground music with a certain sound or being unknown, but the reality of it is simple. Underground is DIY. Doing shit by yourself for yourself. Not waiting for anyone’s permission or approval. Doing what you want to do on your own terms when you want to. There’s an insane amount of successful artists who most people have never heard of but they’re making a living off of their craft. That’s underground. There’s a good amount of mainstream artists who are self-funded and self-sufficient. That’s underground in my opinion as well. Lack of recognition or fitting a mold will never be “underground” in my opinion. Doing what you want to do with your art, being successful at it and doing it yourself is what I define underground music as in general.

Drop all your music and social media links!

My debut EP ‘Unconventional Methods’ is available now on all streaming platforms!

EP STREAM LINKS

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1jk3OmHSAYehIzbuqUi0yv

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unconventional-methods/1437336815?app=music

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/theverbalsurgeon/sets/jon-jacob-unconventional

Video Links:

With Me Or Against Me: https://youtu.be/rsejhMnACCI

Blessings: https://youtu.be/emM9H7bWMa8

Foreign Coupe Freestyle: https://youtu.be/Pr8_p_zTmHc

@jonjacobmusic on instagram

Any shout outs!?

Big shout out to Sage English and DCMP camp. DJ Neptoon, drethedon, Kizle, Smoke Morr, big drip, Gifted, Fat Cat Crew, The friendly staff at UGHH Anyone I forgot and the people who believe in me.