What up Goodlifers. Long time no see. Well we are back and stronger than ever. We recently got a chance to sit down with an extraordinary artist from Flint, by the name of JP. Let me tell y'all something this young artist is really on his way, his drive and determination is off the charts, and you can hear it all in his music. Lets see what this swagged out fella had to say. Enjoy.
GLC: So JP, Tell us where you from, for the people that don't know?
JP: I was born in Kalamazoo, MI, moved to Paw Paw when I was 4 and started school, then moved to Allegan in 8th grade and finished high school there. Once I finished high school, I moved to Flint and that is where I have lived since 2006. So I guess I'd say Flint... cuz I am a Fly City Boi!!!
GLC: When did you first know you wanted to do music?
JP: I've always been really into music, and have been a fan of hip hop, rap, and R&B since I was about 10 years old. I would even sit in class in high school and write raps back and forth with friends. But it wasn't until I moved to Flint that I actually thought about making my own music. I went out to the clubs and saw kids my age on stage performing their own music... that was the first time I had ever witnessed that! That is what opened the door! I saw and heared what they were doing and thought to myself "I can do that!" So I started playing around with it, I got some cheap equipment and started recording my own stuff. I would say that the positive feedback from the jump is when I knew his this was something I wanted to do! If I wouldn't have gotten the encouragement I did early on, I don't know how far I would have taken it. But I had made a myspace page and uploaded a few songs I had recorded, and people actually liked it! That was in early 2007, and that's when it all started! And I have gotten more and more into it ever since. Now it is t ONLY thing I wanna do!
GLC: Who are some of your inspirations musically?
JP: I draw inspiration from a lot of different places! Life is probably the biggest inspiration for my music. The life I have lived, the people I have met and dealt with, the places I have been, the things I have seen, the pain and losses I have suffered... and the life I WANT to live, the places I want to be, the things I want to see, my hopes and dreams for the future!!! My music is a reflection of both the life I have lived and the life I want to live! My music is a way for me to vent, and talk about problems I am facing or things I am dealing with. It is a way for me to get it off my chest. It is also a way for me to speak to my audience and share my feelings on certain subjects. And the fact that my fans listen to and love what I am saying is one of my biggest inspirations! Good artist motivate and inspire me a lot as well, even artist who I am not fond of inspire me too. And last but not least, my family and friends. They are probably my biggest inspiration!
JP: I tell people this a lot, and I am glad you asked this question! If I could be signed to any label, and I know this may sound cliche, but I would want to be signed by Lil Wayne to Young Money! And here are the reasons why! One, Lil Wayne is a very diverse artist and isn't strictly gangsta rap, or strictly club music, or R&B, he does it all! I consider myself to be very diverse as well and I feel like I could truly be myself under Young Money! Any other label, I feel, would try to point me in one direction or the other... and that's not what I want. I wouldn't make good music if I couldn't make the music I WANT to make! and reason two is that Lil Wayne has EVERY type of artist you can think of on his label, gangsta rappers, swag/hype rappers, singers, female artists, you name it he's got it... EXCEPT for a white boy!!! I feel like I would be the missing puzzle piece to complete the team!!! With that being said... Llil Wayne wassup??? Holla at ya boy! lol
GLC: Who and what would you say you sound the most like in the game right now?
JP: I've been told by numerous people that I sound like Drake. I've also heard that I am "The white Trey Songz!" But I know I'm not even on the same level, vocally, as Trey! I can, however, see how people could think/hear that in my music! Those are two of my favorite artists so my style probably does reflect their inspirations on me and my music more so than any other artist. But I must say, I personally feel that I have a very unique style and sound! I don't want to be "like Drake" or "like Trey Songz" I want to be JP!!!
GLC: Top 5 MC's? Anybody doesn't have to be in the industry, they can be local artist too?
JP: My top 5 would be Drake, J. Cole, Lil Wayne, T.I. and my dude from Flint Marq Madison!!!
GLC: If you had 25 dollars and you had to get something to eat, drink, and listen to, what would they be?
JP: Hmmm... I would have to hit up Blimpies and get a 12-inch Club sandwich on zesty Parmesan bread wit Swiss and American cheese, mayo, a few onions, heated and grilled! BEST SANDWICH EVER! lol. I wouldn't get a drink from there tho... I'd probably hit the gas station and get either a peach mango Fuze or a Powerade. And it depends on what the newest releases are music-wise on what would I get to listen to! If there was a new album out by a artist like (which there are a LOT, so its pretty likely) I would stop by Meijers and grip it, because I like to support my idols and motivators! If there wasn't anything new out that I wanted, I would hit one of the hood spots or barber shops and buy a couple of the newest mixes!
GLC: Tell us your definition of the Good Life?
JP: STRESS FREE LIVING! Which sounds pretty impossible but it's really not! I live my life daily with no regrets! I've learned, luckily at a young age, that life is too short to live with regrets... so I always think before I do or say things. Because of that, I usually don't have to deal with stress from dumb decisions. Love stresses me out however, lol, and there is no answer to that other than patience which I am working on! I have a strong faith in God so those that I have lost, although I still cry to this day, I know they are in a better place and I will see them again one day! The biggest stress in my life and most everybody I know is money. smh. They say money can't buy you happiness, but to some degree it definitely can! My definition of the Good Life would be a life with no financial issues for me or ANYBODY I love and care for, no family issues, everybody gets along and stays in touch, my boys get out the hood and see there is more to life than hustlin and trappin, I got a good woman on my side who is down to ride thru thick and thin and loves me the way I deserve to be loved, and I am living a life and doing things that make those watching and counting on me proud!
GLC: Where do you see yourself with your music in te next 5 years?
JP: Honestly... EVERYWHERE! I am moving to Miami this year and I feel like that is where I will get my big break! I have already dropped 4 albums and am currently working on my 5th. There are major artist in the industry today who have been around for years and years and haven't even dropped 5 albums. I truly love what I do, and because of that I will NEVER stop! I will drop album after album after album! And I don't think it will be long before somebody with some major pull hears my music and the love and passion I have for it! Once that happens, it's straight to the top! I feel like I am ready for he world, my confidence is where it needs to be, I just need that big push! I don't think it will take me long in Miami to get noticed and take it to the next level!
GLC: What do you think it will for you to make it from a local artist to an artist in he industry?
JP: I just need somebody with some money or connections to get behind me! I would really like a manager with some serious contacts, but even if it's just somebody that sees my potential and knows somebody. Once somebody who is in the position to truly help me get to the next level takes the time to listen to my music and learn about me as a person, and sees how much I love what I do and how hungry I am and how much I believe in myself... they won't be able to deny it! And tat is all it is going to take, is that certain somebody to get behind me!
GLC: Any advice for the up and coming?
JP: My biggest piece of advice would be BE YOURSELF! I can't tell you how many times I check a local artist out and they are trying so hard to be a Lil Wayne, Drake, or Gucci Mane, or somebody like that... THEY ALREADY HAVE THEM... WHY WOULD THEY WANT YOU? lol. You gotta be yourself! If you aren't, then people aren't gonna feel what your saying. And you have to believe in yourself. If yo don't believe in yourself, then you can't expect anybody else to.
GLC: Where can people go to get or listen to your music?
JP: I have some of my albums and music on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, etc., but the easiest way is just to hit up my website, http://www.jphiphop.com/ ! I have all of my music on there and a lot of it is free for download! You can also read my full bio, if you want to learn more about me!
GLC: Any shout outs?
JP: GOD! MY FANS! MY FOREVER FLY TEAM! My mom and the rest of the fam! All my goonies and my people in Fly City! And everybody that took the time to read this interview. Also GoodLifeCampaign for looking out on the interview. RIP CKALI, RIP DADDY. and Free REAPER!!!
Well Goodifers there it is. JP is on his way to the top. And we wish him much success. Really takethe time out to listen and get t know this young talented artist. Thanks and be on the look out for more on goodlifecampign.
Truth
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