Mississippi MC J-Blade started writing rhymes when he was just nine years old, with some of his earliest influences being Bone Thugs N Harmony, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, and Scarface. He was recording music with friends by the time he was in high school, forming a group called Mizphit Mafia. From there, the group started a label they named Southern Plantation and began releasing projects and touring throughout the South. Now as a solo artist with three solid releases under his belt J-BLADE is ready to embark on the next level of his career and is prepping a new album for summer 2016.
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
J-BLADE: I heard about Exposed Vocals on Twitter and I thought that it was a great platform for independent artists.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
J-BLADE: I was born in Chicago and I grew up in Canton,Ms. Growing up my parents,uncles, and my older cousins were always playing music but I decided to be an artist when I seen Bone Thugs In Harmony cause they looked like the dudes I saw everyday so I felt like I could do it.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
J-BLADE: J comes from the block I’m from James ST. And BLADE is just who I am lyrically sharp and on point.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
J-BLADE: Every project i do I put it up on iTunes and I also put it up on the mixtape sites I want everyone to be able to access the music and if you feel it’s dope shop with me. I have no problem with online sharing at all.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
J-BLADE: Stick to what got you to this point and perfect your craft .
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
J-BLADE: Always. But the show must go on mistakes become a part of the show.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
J-BLADE: On the road it’s vibing writing listening to different music and coming up with concepts. I love food so whenever I can I try to cook a little bit.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
J-BLADE: I usually get the instrumentals first and I just build around the music most of my songs write themselves.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
J-BLADE: I’m working on the site right now but the main platforms I’m using now is YouTube, Soundcloud,Twitter, and Instagram.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
J-BLADE: The last U2 album is on every iPhone if you haven’t deleted it so that would be it.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
J-BLADE: I would go hard in the studio make a few albums launch a clothing line and record label go on tour shoot a bunch of videos. Pay my Mom house off and buy a few cars.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
J-BLADE: I’m working out of 16 bars studio right now in Jackson, Ms . I love it no complaints.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
J-BLADE: I try to go with what feels organic and not try to force feed people the music. I think the right record will grow on its own.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
J-BLADE: I would love to perform with JAY Z in Brooklyn cause New York is the birthplace of hiphop and if you can rock a New York crowd you can rock anywhere.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
J-BLADE: Living For The City 3 coming this Summer. And we just gonna build from there.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
J-BLADE: I probably would be into design or something like that.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
J-BLADE: The first album I bought was Bone Thugs creeping on a come up the melodies was ill and I thought it was different.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
J-BLADE: Just take one day at a time. Do the work first everything else is secondary.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
J-BLADE: More content from myself and more music. Next level presentation just trying to do it bigger and better than ever before.
