J. Quest {Interview}

LA based lyricist J. Quest spoke with GroundSounds about what it means to Go Beyond, and how working 30 hour days lead to his premiere mixtape.

J. Quest, my dude, how are you man?

What up what up! It’s a great day to be alive.

Now you are originally from down here in SoCal right?

Yessir. I was born in Inglewood. Now I currently reside in the beautiful city of Rowland Heights.

A lot of people may not know this, but you are actually a drummer. I heard you have played some pretty cool gigs over the years. Tell me about that…

Drums is what got me into doing the music I do now. I’ve played drums for Enrique Iglesias at the American Music Awards, America’s Best Dance Crew Season Finale, and the 2009 Rose Parade, to name a few things. Also, I’m apart of a company called PCI Productions, which is pretty much an entertainment drumming company that goes all over the U.S. performing at State Fairs and Community events. 

So how did you make that transition from playing drums to rapping?

I grew up in the studio with my cousin Triple S and Jr. Tre. The idea was always in the back of my head but being in that spotlight with the drumming gigs motivated me to want more and drums really enhanced my passion for music as a whole.

So what is the creative process like for you when you are in the studio?

An ideal day in the studio would be with my team creating something from scratch. I like to let the music inspire me to write the words. The story flows much better for me that way.

I know you are always trying to “Go Beyond,” what does that mean?

To “Go Beyond” is to exceed any negative limitation the world tries to set us to. So anybody out there working towards a success future is a Beyond Goer.

30Hour Days is dope. I love the smooth sound that flows throughout. How did you come up with the title, and who produced tracks on the mixtape?

Thank you for taking the time out to listen! The title actually speaks for itself. During the making of this project I literally was awake for 30 hours every day. Between writing, recording, going to school, and working a part time job haha there was very little time for sleep. Production consisted of great friends; Chris Charles, Omari T, Eyelim, and Keez.

Who are your biggest influences?

My cousin Triple S has been my biggest influence. Every since I was a kid I’ve looked upto this dude. He’s also a musician and President of our label, First Kingz Productions. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today if it weren’t for his guidance and coaching.

Do you have any new projects, tours, etc. that we can look out for?

You could definitely look forward to new music coming real soon. Music videos and an EP/Album is the works. Stay tuned. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

I see myself creating a platform for other artists who started out such as myself with a goal to go beyond the norm of just being a rapper. I’m looking forward to using my music to influence people of all ages, races, backgrounds, and culture.

If you were on a deserted island, and you could bring 3 albums, what albums would you bring and why?

Will Smith – Big Willy Style: He is one of my favorite artists of all time. Always has been.

David Ruffin – Gentleman Ruffin: The most soulful album I’ve ever heard.

Gary Clark Jr. – Blak and Blu: He brings what Jimmy Hendrix was doing to modern day times. Amazing Album.