Ameyaw Meets

US rapper, JB hankers after performance in Ghana and Africa

Jesse Brown, alias JB is a talented and young New York-based rapper currently balancing pre-law in college with his passion for hiphop; and enjoying a growing fan base in his community and on the internet for his music. Although his family was originally from Brazil, JB was born in Brooklyn, New York, where he had […]

Published

13 years ago

January 16, 2011

VJ Scaro

JB, a huge fan Kanye West, has been rapping as a hobby since high school but started to take it more seriously and publicly in the summer of 2009, when he dropped his first song ‘Clientele’ ft EazzY from Philadelphia. He already has two mixtapes out and the third, ‘The Red Album’ is expected to drop on January 19, 2011. After that project he will tour a bit before working on his debut album. He is an independent rapper under Takes6x Management currently looking at a few offers, to analyze what works best for him. “I’m on my Indie flow for now trying to sell out the venues and when the time is right, I’ll sign to the Label that’s going to give me the freedom I need and time I need to grow into my full potential,” comments the rapper.

Among the venues that JB is looking to sell out on his rise to the top is Ghana and Africa at large. He will be visiting Ghana during the Independence Day celebrations and would be looking forward to his first performances on African soil. An ambitious dream for an upstart rapper who would be competing to stay relevant to an audience that is used to music from the more established American acts, who ironically usually have no desire to reach the African market. I caught up with JB to find out what drives him to want to visit Africa and to find out more about his music and aspirations.

Ameyaw Debrah: How did growing up in New York influence your music?

I traveled a lot and most of it was done with me, my 2 sisters and my mom. I lived in Brooklyn, NY then Philadelphia, PA for a little before I moved out to Los Angeles, California where most of my growing up was done. I experienced not having everything I wanted and not eating some nights because my mom was a single parent and she had to keep a roof over my head. So I didn’t have “Game Boy Color” until it was out of style and things like that. So I talk about that in my music and also the things I dream of and experience now that I’m in a better situation. I always remind myself that I’m never going back to that life in my music – me or my family. I also tried to portray that energy and hope hn my music because I’m making something out of nothing, literally.

Ameyaw Debrah: What else inspires your rap?

I’m inspired by the fact that I’m involved directly with a culture that goes back years and years. And also with the hope that someone somewhere is going to listen to it and that person would be inspired to do something they’ve always dreamed of.

Ameyaw Debrah: What is your style of rap?

I don’t know if I could put myself in a style of rap. I like wordplay and stuff that makes people think a bit – something you could vibe to in your car on your way anywhere.

Ameyaw Debrah: Which artists influence your music?

Kanye is my favourite artist. He just has everything you want in an emcee and he challenges me to come harder on my lyrics. Also, Wiz Khalifa because of his ear for great samples and simply good music hands down!

Ameyaw Debrah: Who produces your music?

I work with a lot of Producers on my projects but my in-house is Bam3, Bryant Myers. He also has his own production company IMR8 so shout out to them; they’re really talented over there.

Ameyaw Debrah: Which song would you say gave you your ‘breakthrough’?

I think most of my songs on my last mixtape caught the attention of a lot of listeners because I just poured my soul into those lyrics and I didn’t rush the project so it came out really well and I’m happy with the outcome. So shout out to the supporters they’re the ones we should be thanking. This has already been a trying journey and I’ve had to sacrifice a lot but I found out a lot about myself and the people surrounding me. I made the proper adjustments and now I have the sickest manager and I just keep making music. I’m focused and I have goals to accomplish with less time than work. So Im always working yah know?

Ameyaw Debrah: Have you worked with any popular artists so far?

Young Dizzy is on my newest Mixtape and he’s affiliated with Grand Hustle with T.I and Young La and all of them down there. That’s my boy and he’s trying to find the right situation for himself but he’s really taken over the West Coast. The others I decided to save for my album so that people knew I was capable myself of making hits without really popular features.

Ameyaw Debrah: Your last mixtape was ‘More Awesome Shit’. Why that title?

Because my first EP was entitled ‘F*&^ You I’m Awesome’ and with that being said I was tired of people challenging my ability so my first one was a statement and ‘More Awesome Shit’ (DOWNLOAD MIXTAPE)was the follow up. It was pretty much stating that, here’s more music that you’re going to like and a lot of people caught on to my Awesome Movement and kept it afloat.

Ameyaw Debrah: What inspired the track “Long Awaited” and what did you mean when you said finally you are on your way to being famous?

For me, that was a statement song. To me, fame is a much smaller thing because I’m honoured for even 1 person to hear my songs. And if someone outside of my circles likes the song, then that’s BIG to me coming from where I’m from. I appreciate every little bit of support because it could disappear in an hour or even less. So to me, that is what ‘Famous’ means; and I’m well on my way to that.

Ameyaw Debrah: American hiphop is usually about money, sex and drugs. How much of that is real to you?

Well the money is one thing, but sex and drugs? (Laughs out loud) Those are things that I would say come with the territory of making good music and travelling everywhere. So it’s up to you to partake in the activities or be different. I try to stand outside of the fold and be different; some of my songs have emphasis on women but most have more substance.

Ameyaw Debrah: So what inspired your song ‘So in love’ who inspired that?

Well at the time it was a past relationship that I think about sometimes but I could never go back to. But I’m single now and taking every day at a time. I mean if it happens again I won’t be able to stop it, that’s fate.

Ameyaw Debrah: “I want the dead presidents to fucking raise me, praise me for the things I have done” was a line in ‘Get On My Level’. What’s your level?

Well it was more of a way demanding respect from people that doubted I would be able to go from just rapping sometimes in my dorm room to, well something similar to this – answering questions for a dope website like this one. Thumbs Up!

Ameyaw Debrah: Do you have any music videos out yet?

Not as of yet, but I will be shooting some videos for my fans when I get to Toronto at the end of January.

Ameyaw Debrah: How do you promote your music?

Most importantly I go out and spread CD’s whenever I can. I also give them out at shows, and the internet is a large tool for me. I’m always on twitter. www.twitter.com/_iamJB or updating my Facebook statuses and interacting with the very people that love my music.

Ameyaw Debrah: Musicians find themselves acting nowadays. Any plans to go into acting?

I have an animated character that I show on stage and when I’m not in front of everyone. But I’m content with putting on a show on stage. If the opportunity came then I wouldn’t say no.

Ameyaw Debrah: What have been the highlights for you so far?

Having the opportunity to record at DJ LAZYK Studio and talking to Billion Dollar Baby on the phone. He is the creator of the Wave movement from Harlem and has ties with French Montana. I have some big things coming up on the album so I don’t want to tell a lot. And actually getting a chance to put on a show in Africa will be the biggest thing, I’m too excited.

Ameyaw Debrah: What have been the challenges on your journey so far?

Dealing with and sifting through the people that are around only in your successful moments and dealing with promoters sometimes can be really hard. But I just pay extra attention to details and keep my circle small.

Ameyaw Debrah: Which of your songs are your favourite?

I think my favourite songs are the ones off the newest project. Its showing that I’m flourishing as an emcee and you’ll see why when I drop the tape.

Ameyaw Debrah: Are your familiar with Africa?

My close friend Ali is from Nigeria but that is as familiar as I get. I can’t wait to get there and partake in some of the culture and see all the cool things Africa has to offer.

Ameyaw Debrah: Are you familiar with any music or artists from Africa?

I’m currently researching Prophets of the City and I heard there’s an all female hip hop group called Godessa maybe I got the wrong name but I think the ideas awesome and I’m going to find out as much as possible. I love music and I love to read.

Ameyaw Debrah: Would you like to work with any African artists in the future?

I think that’s an awesome idea and I hope I can get in a studio session with a few, and attend some shows as well.

Ameyaw Debrah: What do you hope to achieve with your career in the next 5 years?

I hope to be involved in successful tours worldwide; have my own label and that would allow me to search for as many great artists who need their breakthroughs.

JB’S CHOICE

Top 5 songs at the moment

Show Goes On – Lupe Fiasco

Mezmorized – Wiz Khalifa

Crazy – Big Sean

And Tons of Kanye West Songs

Top 5 all time favourite songs

I Did It My Way – Jay-Z

Changes – 2 Pac

That Aint Me- Lil Wayne

Hi- Definition- Lupe Fiasco

Sky’s The limit- BIG

Top 5 all time favourite rappers?

Kanye West

Lupe Fiasco

Jay-Z

Biggie Smalls

Big L

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Why Ghanaian-American Jeffrey Ampratwum is the menswear expert to watch in fashion!

Published

2 years ago

May 19, 2022

Ameyaw Debrah

At the start of the Victoria era, early 19th century – the English began to tone down the royal style dressing of the French army, namely those adorned in prestigious regalia and heavy embroidery. It was a sign of English nationalism and sparked a new wave of appearance in men. A few decades later, the suit was born and heavily influenced those in Italy and America. The British and the Americans have a rich revolutionary history, of course, and coincidentally the British colonized the African country – Gold Coast – until 1957 when they declared their independence and changed their name to Ghana.

As part of an independent Ghana, a host of individuals began to exercise new freedoms and venture out of the country into new territories. Many Ghanaians set their eyes on American travel and a wave of trail blazers left the country and settled in the infamous New York City. For most, it was an opportunity to plant new seeds in the hopes that their children would be afforded even more opportunities for a prosperous life.

One of these children of the diaspora is Bronx-born Jeffrey Ampratwum. The only child to Kate Bampoe and Eugene Asante-Ampratwum Mpere, who met in the Bronx after immigrating from Ghana. The dynamics of having African parents and being raised in a heavily eclectic environment gave rise to Jeffrey’s style and prose. More importantly, we can honestly say that there are only a handful of Ghanaian-Americans living in the states that can exhibit a special presentation that reflects both their African heritage married with the esthetic of their nationality. We recently caught up with Jeffrey to discuss how his early influences provided him with a framework to now become such a strong force in the menswear industry in fashion.

AD: Jeffrey, Ɛte sɛn?

Jeff: Haha, Eye.

AD: I had to test your Twi really quick! You know most Ghanaians who are born in the states don’t have a clue about the language unless it’s spoken fiercely in the home.

Jeff: You are 100% correct with that. Ha. But for me, I was lucky in that my mother took me to Ghana before I even knew how to use words. So, in actuality, Twi was the first language and vocabulary I learned, and in essence, English is my second language. So, I’m really decent when it comes to using Twi. I’m a cheat code! But keep that quiet. Ha.

AD: How much of the remnants of the Ghanaian culture factored into your approach to your style and presentation?

Jeff: When I was younger and in school, particularly in the Bronx – it wasn’t always your proudest moment to be from Africa or to say your family was African. Part of the silly embarrassment was perhaps from the narratives that were spinning on television. Americans were being indoctrinated with visuals of “feed the children” which only highlighted the extreme poverty in a few Africans countries. The images and broadcasts were all the same, for decades. So called philanthropist and humanitarians took camera crews into ravaged areas and televised starving children for us to see here in the states. I believe that had a profound effect on young boys and girls born from African parents.

However, as for me – I always looked at being dark skinned and being deeply rooted into my African culture as a super power. I liked the idea of being different, even though all the kids in all my classes were also children of immigrants. They just couldn’t grasp the concept of it at that time. So, from there, it was showtime. My Uncle, Joseph Ken Mintah – was the pioneer as the first in the family to travel to the states – he had extreme style. My mother also is very detailed with her sense of jewelry and fragrances. I adsorbed it all.

AD: Did you start dressing in traditional African attire? What do you mean exactly?

Jeff: Not exactly! But, being an only child really allowed for me to sit deep in thought for long periods of time. Being left-handed allowed for me to be extremely dexterous and detailed. And being raised solely by my mother further allowed me to pay attention to the importance of clothing and accessories – as she dressed herself each morning. It was the ultimate cocktail and I was already drunk with creativity. I started customizing all the clothes I had. By no means were we wealthy, so I had to manage just a few outfits for school.

My styling began when I would turn 5 outfits into 15 – so essentially, a 5-day school week became New York Fashion Week for me. I would airbrush my sneakers, turn Old Navy sweaters inside out for a fleece appeal, and cuff my jeans in 4 different ways depending on my footwear. This soon became a bad habit and made me late for school many mornings.

AD: You see, if you are late to school in Ghana back then – you might as well have sat by the road to hide from both your mother and headmaster! What was college like for you then?

Jeff: Right! Ha. It grew legs during my undergrad. Now all the pretty girls were around, I had more freedom to come and go, and more importantly – I had a stage to showcase my style. I joined a student club in the SEEK Program, and soon became the President and started hosting a string of events based around fashion. 4 years and a bachelors degree later, there were 6 fashion shows and 3 beauty pageants under my belt. Huge successes. I started to doubt my real educational reason for attending college, which was to become a dentist. Fashion was dancing on one shoulder and dentistry on the other. But somehow, I figured out how to still involve the two. My best buddy, Kenny – whom I met at the college on the road to become dentists – made it through. So, I live vicariously through him. And now, coincidentally – together we’ve developed a brand – a service of bespoke mens luxury shoes and women’s handbags, and ready to wear womenswear shoes as well. Named, Kenjeffreys. It is serendipitous because all of the products are sourced and handcrafted in Haiti and infused with Ghanaian culture. As Kenny is from Haiti, we properly employ artisans within the community and focus heavily on our social impact.

Following undergrad, I then began at FIT as student, really just trying to test my styling hand – and to learn more about the industry. While there, I came across extremely talented and knowledgeable fashion professionals that have really guided me. Namely, Sadia Seymour and Joseph DeAcetis. Both wildly experienced, patient and embedded with a wealth of information. Respectfully in womenswear and menswear. You cannot beat that, and I am grateful for it.

AD: That is strangely unique and admirable. Talk to us about how all those experiences and inspirations give rise to the Jeffrey or Che we see today and ultimately, where that places you in your field of fashion and menswear.

Jeff: Sure. Great point. I have been indoctrinated by the basic principles of creativity as an adolescent – with respect to clothing. That is extremely hard to shake. Innately, styling was my ultimate form of communication, seeing that I was a shy introvert. So now, I still revert back to those same feelings…. the feeling of home, warmth, memories, great food and innocent fun. My approach now is exactly the same in the sense that when I am dressing, styling or designing for someone – I am taking into account their entire repertoire and holding a mirror in front of them which reflects the items that they love most. It is a skill that perhaps only empaths are only able to exhibit.

Having the ability to read into thoughts and connecting with the motivating spirits that drives people – is a gift. I ran the New York City marathon three times, and the 2nd time I ran it in a tuxedo! It was my ultimate homage and pledging of allegiance to fashion. Ha.

I also believe my extensive traveling experience has aided to the arsenal. Recent trips to Ghana always resets a creative instinct with me, as I look around and arrive back to a place of self-awareness. It feels right. My cousin Harry knows where to be to capture the real essence of the land. And, coincidentally enough, I am often back and forth to the UK as well. Savile row in London, England -as you know – is a menswear connoisseur’s Disney Land. It is the traditional hub for the world’s best tailored-bespoke suits. Naples and Florence are a close second. However, sartorially, the British have etched their names in the fine-art making of the suit. I do though spend most of my time in Brighton, UK. It’s where my love is and also like a second home for me. The culture there is infused with various styles and the community is inviting. The Duchess of Brighton-Hove, Lady Donna and her amazing friends will assure that you have a great time!

AB: Finally, talk to us about your styling approach with respect to specific talent that you work with.

Jeff: Definitely. This is perhaps an area you cannot teach. It is learned with years of experience and even reading the room wrong most times. I tell my fashion students often that they have to continue shooting airballs at the basket. Get out the miss shots, now – and properly learn your subjects. For example, if I am styling a celebrity for the red carpet – several nuances are to be considered before arriving at a dress or a tuxedo. Such as, what stages in life is your talent currently in, how body conscious are they and what are they most nostalgic about. These (and some of my other secrets that I cannot give away) are the pillars to nailing great style, image and presentation.

If I am shooting for a magazine in a studio – it’s party time. If you are not dancing as a model or grooving as a photographer, you are are in the wrong business, per say! Haha. With me, you are very liable to hear everyone from Bob Marley, James Brown, MJ, and Jay-Z to Queen, Lady Gaga, Biggie, Nas and Beyonce all on the same playlist. I say that to say: I enjoy what I do in fashion, and I will always represent the joys of that. I believe that is what makes me an enigma in this industry. Always professional however, but make it subjective and inject areas of your creativity wherever you can. Particularly in menswear – I keep a very intimate and close pulse on traditional, casual and street styles of these sub genres – and study them gravely like the science they are. That all still comes from sitting deep in thought as I did