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Phoenix rapper JAE E is set to release his new mixtape on December 21st. GroundSounds caught up with him to discuss the new project and more. Big thanks to JAE E and Collin Land for the interview!
GS: How was the transition between New Orleans and Phoenix, both personally and professionally?
At first it was pretty hard… The culture is very different than what I was used to. I talked, dressed, and acted different than everyone I came across. As far as musically, the scenes are only similar in the aspect that independent artists are out there grinding. Down in New Orleans the best way to get your music heard is hitting local club/radio DJ’s to have them spin your joint, whereas out here it is a little bit more difficult to get spins on the radio stations. I can say my mindset has changed a lot since I moved out west and seen REAL money…. The team’s mindset has been GOmode ever since.
GS: You’ve managed to build a pretty good following in Arizona, which isn’t known for producing hip-hop artists. What do you think is best for an up-and-coming musician, to build a strong local following, or to relocate to a major city (Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta) to try to gain more exposure?
To be honest it really depends. I did a lot of work in other states before I was recognized back home in AZ. So it worked for me a little bit backwards according to most. I look at local followings like big homies. They don’t disrespect per se, but they don’t really take you serious till you prove to them you can hold your own… and when that day comes it’s ride or die….We have learned to embrace that…It keeps us sharp and since then the love and support from home has been there. So I really don’t think it is all that necessary to relocate but def. to not be opposed to reaching out to other markets where you think you music may be more appealing. When it is all said and done the biggest thing is consistency.
GS: How have you managed the balance between hard work with your music and raising a daughter? How has that changed your perspective and your lyrical content?
Well she comes first before everything, so it’s def. father first… artist second. What I try and do is keep her involved and around wherever I see fit. Places like studio sessions or photo shoots, for example I have the ability to take a break and still show her the right attention. As far as lyrically, she’s helped me be a bit more aware of what exactly I’m saying. It’s fun though you know, everyday is a new experience with my Lil’ Bit, therefore a lot of our day to day ends up on records. Plus, the fans enjoy hearing occasional updates.
GS: What rapper or musician has most influenced you and why?
Hands down (and off haha) Michael Jackson. I’m the biggest Mike Jack fan. He is by far the greatest entertainer to walk this earth in my opinion. The man was amazing! One thing I always want to leave people with is a memorable live performance. For fans of your favorite artist to say, “Yo that JAE E cat… he puts on a good show”. People always said that about Mike. As far as rappers, there are a few; Big daddy Kane, Slick Rick, I mean Lil Wayne of course, TIP and the homie Fab without a doubt. Lately though, The Game has really been inspiring me.
GS: Your new mixtape, ADITL: First Class, comes out on December 21st and features collaborations with DMX, E40, and others. What was it like working with those guys and where do you hope this new release puts you among the rap community in the Southwest?
Man it’s awesome to have those dudes bless my project like they did. Just to be able to say I have a songs with artists like DMX, E40, Nate Dogg is Huge. After ADITL drops we will have a solid argument for the top spot in the Southwest. You can leave that on the record too.
GS: “Go Get It,” a catchy track off your new release, would sound right at home on most hip-hop radio stations. How do you go about promoting it so it can start to get play on the radio and possibly gain nation-wide attention? Aside from social-media promoting, what other avenues have success in today’s music landscape?
Well me and the team have been building solid relationships with a lot of radio stations, blog sites, radio promoters and program directors, so we been pushing a lot of material ourselves. It has taken some time but the record is now getting the attention we knew it could get… There are def. other ways, college radio is big and overseas and plus Internet radio. Take your pick, but going back to what I said earlier, nothing really matters without consistency.
GS: You have opened for artists like Wale, Soulja Boy, Kendrick Lamar, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, TYGA, The Game, and many others. What have you learned from watching them and talking to them about success in the industry and rapping in general? Any crazy stories from these shows?
They have all impacted what I do as far as performing. I enjoy picking their brains when it comes to crowd participation I see that a lot when watching Kendrick & Game. We all know they make good music. But the way they command the stage takes who they are and how their fans see them as a complete artist…and yea there’s always something crazy happening BUT… What goes on backstage stays backstage lol
GS: Where can readers find your music and in addition to the release of ADITL: First Class on the 21st, what can we expect from you in 2013?
My website of course www.yaboyjaee.com | Twitter.com/yaboyjaee | Instagram / yaboyjaee| YouTube.com/yaboyjaee
Also be on the lookout for a new project along with an EP releasing 1st quarter called “Man on Fire”. This one is gonna be epic, can’t wait till the people and my fans hear it.
Oh and one more thing…. If you aint in GO Mode… Then you what are you doing?
