Rapper J-Real targets industry domination

Every now and then, we hear of artists who become overnight sensations through the internet and US rapper, J-Real could well be on his way to achieving such success. With a heavy presence and following on social networking platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, his music is spreading like wildfire.

I received a mention from J-Real out of the blue on Twitter with a link to his new music video on YouTube. I wasn’t on his list of followers and neither was he on mine, nonetheless I clicked the link and to my surprise, enjoyed his music video, titled ‘King of Teens’. It is a video for a medley of songs from his new mixtape, with different imagery and themes for each song. I immediately developed a liking for a particular song, ‘Secret Girls’ featuring vocals from R&B singer, Sammie. We soon became friends and started tweeting to each other more often and soon I requested for him to send me the audio files and it isn’t surprising that I now use ‘Secret Girls’ as my ringtone, and yes I am the only one with that ringtone in Ghana. LOL!

I didn’t want to keep the secret to myself so I decided to conduct the following interview with J-Real. And of course I want to be remembered for this interview when he blows up and becomes the next big thing. I found out about his journey so far, his ambitions and future plans.

Ameyaw Debrah: When did you start rapping?

I am originally from Long Beach, California. And growing up was the usual, it had its ups and downs. I started rapping when I was thirteen, and it started in church.

Ameyaw Debrah: What inspires your rap?

My style varies depending on the production. I’m inspired by life so that’s what I rap about. My life, your life, it’s all the same. My rap influences include Jay Z, 2 Pac, Outkast, Mase, and Diddy.

Ameyaw Debrah: How many mixtapes do you have so far?

I have my own label, Heartless Entertainment and I have been able to put out two mixtapes. The productions have included a variation of different producers from all over the world.

Ameyaw Debrah: Which song gave you your biggest breakthrough?

My record, ‘Fresh-Walk’, got me world exposure. Since then, I’ve grown from everyone not knowing me to everyone interviewing me. I’ve grown from my start to me being here today.

Ameyaw Debrah: Have you worked with any other artists?

Yes I have. I have worked with Lil Twist, Sammie, Travis Porter, and Gorilla Zoe.

Ameyaw Debrah: What inspires your music video ‘King of Teens’?

My music is about my life so it was easy to tie it together. It just flew real naturally. The video was shot by Justin Higgins and the world loves it.

Ameyaw Debrah: Is the video on any mainstream TV channel now?

No not yet.

Ameyaw Debrah: How do you promote your music?

I use heavy Internet, high schools, and the streets.

Ameyaw Debrah: What else do you do aside music?

I also do party promotion, artist promotion, and online marketing. And as a matter of fact, I and my boys are writing a script now for a movie, so I may try acting pretty soon.

Ameyaw Debrah: What have been the highlights of your career so far?

My highlights include opening up for a major artist, traveling across the U.S. however, to create my own path has been the hardest challenge for me.

Ameyaw Debrah: Which of your songs is your favourite?

‘Wavy’ is one of my favourites because it’s not just a record it’s a movement. And I feel my whole career has been a movement. If music is what feeling sounds like, then wavy is that.

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

Yes, I am familiar with Akon. And I would also love to work with an African artist in the future.

Ameyaw Debrah: What are your top 5 songs at t

he moment?

“No Hands” by Waka Flocka ft Roscoe Dash and Wale

“Cooler than me” by Mike Posner

“Whip my hair” by Willow Smith,

“Loving You No More” by Diddy,

“Magic” by B.o.B.

Ameyaw Debrah: What’s your top 5 all time favourite songs?

“Lovely Day” by Kirk Franklin

“Tell Me What You Want” by Mase

“Mo Money Mo Problems” by Biggie

“California Love” by 2Pac

“Cant Nobody Hold Me Down” by Diddy

Ameyaw Debrah: Who are your top 5 all time favou

rite artists?

Mase, Diddy, 2 Pac, Chris Brown, and R Kelly

Ameyaw Debrah: What do you hope to a

chieve with your career in the next 5 years?

Industry domination