Get Behind It Or Get Lost : J-Lie

J-lie an up and coming rapper who is currently based in Atlanta. I think he's dope because he thinks outside the box musically, he's always coming with a new sound. I remember the very 1st song I heard by him was Forever with La-Ron and after that I kept looking for new music. Soon enough I found it, and it was closer than I thought.Peep the Interview Below for More



1.Tell Me about you & your love for hip-hop...


I started rapping seriously when I was about 17. I was born in New York, raised in LA, and now I'm here in ATL just working and building up my musical resume. I decided to dedicate my life work to music when I decided to leave college on a athletic soccer scholarship. I'm 23 years old and my mother is from South Korea and my father is from South Africa. If I wasn't doing music, I would either be a professional soccer player or own a sneaker boutique.



2.What seperates you from other artist? At the current moment who else is in a leauge with you, other artist of your calliber?


The biggest thing that separates me from the relevant artists in hop hop today is my nationality and background. Although I am half Asian and half African, the Asian culture has no American heroes relevant in their race. (as far as hip hop & R&B goes) so I am here to handle that! I am also very cultured and diverse from the simple fact of growing up in 3 of the biggest cities in the United States. The category I put myself in as an artist, there's not many current or active artist other than Fabolous (but even he represents that "hood"mentality). Nelly was one of the hottest rappers of our time and was diverse but even his music is not paid attention to as much so there's room for me and I'm ready.


3.What artist are your inspiration? What songs are in constant replay at the moment?

The only artist that has inspired me my whole life is Tupac Shakur. His wisdom, beliefs, and message hit home for me and he has always been my favorite artist, poet, and revolutionist. I stay with "All Eyes on Me" book 1 & 2 in my car disc changer. I hate to out date my interviews but right now the hottest songs out to me are "Baby By Me" 50 cent feat. Ne-Yo, "Sex Therapy" by Robin Thicke, & this unrealeased track from me, LaRon, & Nonstop called "Freak In The Sheets".



4.Where do you fit into hip-hop right now? Do you ever feel solo-dolo trying to make it?

It's funny cause I've noticed a lot people in the entertainment industry will help someone to a certain level. Once you become a threat to their stardom or spotlight then you become competition and all that other stuff can go out the door. It's a harsh industry but if you're not built for that then I'd say you're choosing the wrong path. I honestly don't want to fit in though, I wanna open a gate for new artists that are just who they are and don't have to change their whole wardrobe, hairstyle, lifestyle, or music at that to become successful.

5.We all know that the industry is ruthless, what things are key that any artist needs to survive?

God, a strong team, and a heart of steel. People that hate on what you're doing most likely want to be doing what you're doing. Today, everyone's a critic so you have to be able to take the good with the bad and the dark with the light.



6.I see you love tattoos, As Do I...What does tattoo art mean to you? How do you feel about people who get pointless tattoos?


It's a wonderful way for me to express myself. I confide in the music I create but also find body art as a therapy. They all have a story and have separate meaning behind each and every one. They are for me, not for the the world. Almost like my diary or autobiography. Pointless tattoos? I mean it's obvious, you get what you pay for! Someone got the "hook up" of $30 tattoos, I promise it's going to look like a $30 tattoo! But really, I just say make sure it has meaning and thought. Don't get them just because its a fad right now. A lot of people don't realize there it is a lifestyle for body art.

One of his many tattoos


7.Do you have any upcoming projects or shows?


Yes. I am actually going to drop another mixtape first quarter (around January/February). I am also working on a project with Nonstop (Konvict) and LaRon (Rowdy) which will also drop around February/March. Shows: I have about 3 lined up for All Star Weekend in Dallas, TX for the NBA. My next ATL performance will be Jan 22 with Wiz Khalifa and FatKidsBrotha. Just keep posted on my facebook, myspace, or twitter.

His Latest MixTape
http://babyyu.urbanradioondemand.com/podcast/jliefinal.mp3


8.Who are your supporters, affiliates, & label mates who you work with?


Eminem is none of those to me but he is the best rapper alive so I have always wanted to get a verse from him. (one day). I will have a song with Lloyd before the summer of 2010. Whoever else I work with, I'm all open for collaborations I'm not too picky - its good for the fans.

9.How can people get in contact with you?

www.myspace.com/jlie
www.twitter.com/jlie
www.facebook.com/jliemusic

Peep is last show he did in Atlanta