MIL: Music Is Life Magazine is here with Up and Coming Rapper Jinx. How did you get the name Jinx ?
Jinx: My government name is Jason, like the horror movie character. My birthday falls on the 13th. The combination of the two gives off a superstitious vibe. So I kinda ran with that as a personal nickname. Then, when I decided to pursue a music career, I used it as a theme. "Bad luck to those that oppose me"
MIL: How would you describe your rap style ?
Jinx: Diverse. My music is a manifestation of the many influences throughout my life. I'm also a firm believer in balance. I'm the gap between mainstream music, and "backpack" hiphop. I can hit you with a socially & politically conscious verse one minute, and come back with something that'll make you dance.
MIL: When did you first discover music ?
Jinx: My love for music goes deeper than hip-hop. I was in the orchestra and band in middle and high school. After high school, I think I just needed a platform to express myself during that typical "finding yourself" age. So at 18 is when I took my love for music, and my love for hip-hop culture, and started writing and producing.
MIL: What was life like growing up In Miami?
Jinx: I loved Miami. Everyone knows Miami is a diverse city, and is full of culture. At my old house, I had a Cuban family to the left, a Haitian family behind us, and white family across the street. That just describes the melting pot that is Miami. I'm fortunate to have spent my formative years there. I still have family there, so I try to visit as much as possible. Not to mention, I have to satisfy my, curry goat, ackee, and hard dough bread cravings!
MIL: You also are native of Tampa, How is the Music scene there ?
Jinx : The tampa music scene has so much potential. Being that Tampa is a top consumer market, it only makes sense that we have some of the best musicians. Unlike other areas, we're not limited to one style. The most popular sound is jook music, which is more of a party vibe. However, you can find plenty of other styles. Regardless of the style, Tampa can definitely produce universal hit records. I mean, we've already had people come through the industry, who made they're start here. It's only a matter of time before people not only recognize Tampa as a consumer market, but also appreciate it's artistic side.
MIL: Who is the main audience you would say that you rap for??
Jinx : We all know that kids and women are supposed to be the target market, but I have mass appeal. I make music that you, your mother, your father, your little cousin, and your boss can enjoy!
MIL: What concepts or message are you trying to get across in your music?
Jinx: Music is supposed to be a reflection of life. So i touch on real life issues. I talk about things that people can relate to. I'm not knocking anyone else's music, but not everyone can relate to being a criminal and blowing money on extravagant things. If so, companies would go broke, because everyone would be in jail, or too rich to work, right? I'm being comical about it, but to be real, everyone can relate to the concept of chasing your dreams and pursuing happiness.
That's what I rap about.MIL: You also are a Producer , What do you enjoy more Producing or Rapping?
Jinx: I enjoy both equally. However I love to perform, and it's hard to get people to appreciate you as a producer while performing. So I try to compensate by constantly saying "I made that beat" throughout my set!
MIL: What artists were you listening to before you got in the game and are there any artists out there that have or still continue to inspire you?
Jinx: I grew up on all types of music. The first cd I ever bought was The Pharcyde's "Labcabincalifornia". So as far as hiphop, I was heavily inspired by artist like them, and A Tribe Called Quest. My favorite group of all time is Outkast. They represent the diversity I see in my personal life. When I moved to suburban Tampa, I was introduced to alot of alternative music. So I got my fair share of Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I can't deny also being influenced by the likes of Trick Daddy and Luke. Alot of people are surprised by that, but I'm a Florida boy at heart.
As far as today, I think if I had to name five hip-hop artists that I absolutely had to check for regularly, it would be Kanye, The Roots, Lupe Fiasco, Jay-Z and Talib Kweli. It's tough though, when you have such a diverse taste.
MIL: What artists would you like to work with in the future?
Jinx: Good music is key. I'm down to work with whoever has the chemistry to make magic. I think big though. I grew up in the hip-hop culture, but I would die a happy man to just sit in the studio with someone of lengendary caliber. I'm talking Stevie Wonder, Prince, etc. Now that would be a dream!
MIL: Apart from Music , Do you have any additional aspirations?
Jinx: I am very into the progression of people, African Americans in particular. If I had the right resources, and game plan, I'd want to be in some sort of leadership role. I haven't fully thought about exactly what. Definitely nothing political. I feel like people in political positions have too many barriers to really get things moving in the right direction. I'm going to give the typical rapper response and say that acting seems pretty cool too.
MIL: What’s your ultimate goal in this industry? How do you plan to get there?
Jinx: My ultimate goal is to give the listener an option. My argument has never been whats being played on the radio, but rather, whats not being played. With artist like Drake, the cross pollination of "underground hiphop" and mainstream music is upon us, but we have a ways to go. I think we have enough room for both Rick Ross and Slaughter House, feel me? The best thing I can do to reach that goal is keep producing great music. When you give the people options, they will ultimately make the best choice.
MIL: Who do you think is your competition?
Jinx: My 9 to 5! It's in the way! I fight with it 40 hours a day. It's the only thing that holds me back. No seriously, I see no one as real competition. I don't say that in a cocky manner, but rather that I need to focus solely on my progression. It's good to look to your side to stay up with the times, but at the end of the day, you have to do you.
MIL: Where do you see your music career 5 to 10 years from now?
Jinx: Reading a Music is Life article to see who is the next big artist, while I'm on a yacht shinning my Grammy, and sipping champagne with Russel Simmons. No seriously, I'd hope to at least say that I've touch the lives of many people in a positive way by then. If not, at least touch the one kid who will.
MIL: What projects are you currently working on?
Jinx: I just finished my project "The Pursuit of...". It's available for download at www.freeyourrhyme.com. Between that, and producing most of Dynasty's Dream Pusher mixtape, I am trying to re-up on beats. I have several local, and industry heads requesting music. So it's back to the beat machine for the next few months.
MIL: What is your label situation at the moment?
Jinx : I am an independent artist. I have a few people I do business with, but I am under no official contract. But trust me, once I'm drafted, I'm making it a big deal. LeBron style!
MIL: What are your musical goals for 2010?
Jinx: I want to get everyone familiar with the name Jinx. It's all about branding. I feel I have a product thats not only inspirational, but is as good a quality as anything you normally would listen to. Its just a matter of putting it out there now.
MIL: Where would you like to see your self a year from now ?
Jinx: Having some sort of financial gain from music. It's cool doing shows here and there, but I need to be able to start paying this mortgage with this music man!
MIL: How can the fans stay updated on you?
Jinx: This the day of social networking, so its damn near impossible not to stay connected. The Twitter name is jinx813. You can catch me on youtube.com/freeyourrhyme. The website is www.freeyourrhyme.com. Everything is consolidated there.
MIL: Music Is Life Magazine would like to Thank you for doing the interview with us today. Good Luck with everything and continued success to you and your team . Do you have any last words for your fans?
Jinx: Thanks to everyone who has supported the movement so far. Yall are the reason why I do this.The next move is on you! I am nothing without the fans. So go support so I can put in my two weeks at work.
