XYZ – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
A- I’m just a normal guy who loves video games, Hip-Hop, and some good food. I’m from the Big Island of Hawai’i where I spent most of my days playing basketball. When I realized I stopped growing in the 8th grade I kind of stopped playing a few years later in high school. I made my first song in the 10th grade( I believe) at my friend Kelvins house and fell in love with it ever since. I remember I bought this magic recording program and a radio shack mic, and a home-made pop filter and started making music. I would be up until the morning making music! I linked up with a good friend of mine, he’s a producer that goes by the name Holy Red, and we created some good songs. I use to go by the name JPark, but there’s a KPop guy that uses that name so I changed it to XYZ.
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
A-I made plenty of music from R&B type records to very conscience music, to very dark music. I actually own one of the longest recorded songs by a solo artist in Hip-Hop titled Life (33 Minutes) of pure truth. So my influence is feelings, I do not put myself in any bubble or style just what I feel at that moment. I make music that I enjoy hearing and if someone else like’s it that’s great if not, I’m not to worried.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
A- My music now a days is catered to gamers and the gaming community. I make music for us! I’ve been an avid gamer since I was a child, and I really understand the mindset of a gamer. I feel like we don’t really have a voice so instead of waiting for a voice, I became that voice. When you think of gaming music it’s always funny and corny. I wanted to show the world that we can be cool too! that being yourself, and being a dork or geek,(if that’s what you consider yourself) is ok. My music is very colorful, explicit, and lyrical while staying on path. I do not believe there’s an artist like me, who raps the way I rap, about what I rap about, or looks the way I look doing it! While bringing the sick syllables and straight jacket punch lines at the same time. That will make you think “Let me hear that one more time” I’m not held by images or a presentation. I’m lyrically free to rap and say what ever I want. I’m fearless when I write Music!
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
A- I haven’t really collaborated with to many people I’m kind of solo dolo type of guy haha. I’ve done a mixtape with JL titled Back From Vegas, that style was very different. Much of style as JPark was different it was very simple, I was making music for what I thought people wanted. Now I make music that I want to hear. I would love to do a record with Eminem, Jay-z, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore, and Logic.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
A- Music that hasn’t gone mainstream yet. Underground Hip-Hop is like the path every artist takes before the world recognizes us as legit artist.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
A- I don’t really have any particular influence, really whatever my ear likes at that moment that’s what I go with. There’s no particular producer that I would like to work with, but I do enjoy making great music!
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
A-At the moment just this mixtape. I’m in the process of getting it out to all gamers and Hip-Hop heads who like something a little different while still being something they can identify with. I’m also promoting XMinutegaming.com which is a gaming website for gamers, and Playbudz.com which is a company that I absolutely love. If you’re a gamer you must grab yourself a pair of Playbudz.
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of XMinute Gaming? Also/ tell us a little bit about the concept and idea behind your Mixtape Cover Art.
A- The creative process was great! I first randomly made the All-Star Bobby Schmurda Hot Boy remix with like 12 artist (Fab, Chris Brown, Ludachris, T.I, Lil Kim, Jay-Z,French Montana, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Ace Hood Ect. Ect.) and really liked the verse. I shouted my boy out 3MinuteGamer,and from there we decided to make a website for gamers (XminuteGaming), and I decided to put out a mixtape for gamers. About a week and a half later the project was finished. I found the picture of me as a kid playing the Playstation and used it as the cover art. It was very organic.
Where can we find your music and info?
A- For everything me, you can go to JasonMadsenPark.com That has my catalog of music,photos and little bit more information about me.
Any shout outs?
A-My Fiance who is the most amazing woman in the world! I literally thank God everyday for her love, and presence. My mother who has always supported me, she’s the greatest! My Aunty, and my Dad for being amazing parents. All of my family, and friends I only wish to be a great influence.
