Exposed Vocals Interviews ProdoughJ
Music Genius Songwriter/Producer/Rapper ProdoughJ (pronounced Pro-dough-J) born Nassir Evans has been recognized as one of America’s promising young artist in the world of hip-hop and pop and is inching his way to the forefront as a mainstream pop performer of the 21 century.
ProdoughJ (19 y/o) is a triple threat who is authentically diverse, his original music has universal appeal and is commercially strong enough to compete with today’s biggest music stars and chart topping hits.
He also has unique qualities and a ground breaking style which sets him apart from the crowd.
Check Out My Website
http://therealprodoughj.com/
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
ProdoughJ: I came up straight from the streets of West Philadelphia! As a kid my mother moved very frequently, so really I grew up all over Philly. What made me decide to be an artist? I would have to give all credit to my mother. At the age of 8yrs old I used to help my mom, who was a songwriter, write her poems and songs. It was real fun and interesting to me so I’ve decided to do my own! By the age of 12, I was discovered on Youtube by a Jive Records A&R! They came out to Blumberg Projects in North Philadelphia to see me! And from there on it’s been my passion!
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
ProdoughJ: Well as I said earlier my mom was heavy into music with her songwriting and I was to. So as a result of that we opened a little Record Label in Philly Called La’Qah Elan Inc. We worked with various artists but one specific was named Gemini. He was a Rapper/Singer Songwriter who worked with me on my craft everyday as we recorded songs. The main issue we discussed was what was going to be my stage name? The funny thing is, my real name is Nassir and everybody would always call me Nas like the Rapper! So they would call me Lil Nas and all different crazy Nas names ha! Even though Nas is one of the greatest rappers I didn’t want any confusion between us two. I wanted a name that would set me from the rest! So one day Gemini came to my house and was like “I got your name!!!” He then told me the name that would change my life! “ProdoughJ” He said!! “Meaning Pro At Getting My Dough And The J makes It Official” I loved the name it just stuck with me you know? ProdoughJ it just sounds intriguing!!!!
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
ProdoughJ: I think online music sharing is a great tool for indie and mainstream artist to get they music out there to the masses! It’s a new era where technology is taking over everywhere so it definitely comes in handy! Of course I give away music free! It’s a promotional tool to get fans tuned into upcoming projects soon to release! Also I understand that everybody is not going to have the money to buy my music so it’s always a pleasure to share my creativity regardless of profit or not!
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?
ProdoughJ: Be Yourself And Never Give Up! If music is what you really want to do then you have to put your all into it. If you give it 100% then you surely will receive it back! Also don’t be afraid to chase after opportunities and invest in yourself. YOU GOT TO SPEND MONEY TO MAKE MONEY! Always remember that.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
ProdoughJ: I really write based on a mix of how I’m feeling and experience! One moment I might feel relaxed and that’s where my R&B come into play. One moment I might feel hyped up and that’s where my Rap/Hip-Hip comes in. So there are so many points my music can flow from! Also I listen to a lot of different artist that’s out today you know you have to keep up with the trend but they have a big influence on my writing as well. So the end result of my writing is a big mixture of different artist and me that creates a totally different sound to the ear. You just can’t compare!
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
ProdoughJ: Yes I do!!! You can find my website at www.TheRealProdoughJ.com There you can check out Exclusive music, Check Out Photos And Look for Shows. I use platforms like ReverbNation, Soundcloud, Youtube, Instagram, And Twitter just to name a few! They are great ways to connect with fans and grow your exposure!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
ProdoughJ: You give me half a mill, it would be NO year off ha ha!!
I would invest that money into my music to see a profit and long-term result back. Invest in my own record company to release my sound out to the world!
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
ProdoughJ: I learn more and more each day! I use Soundcloud,My Website/ReverbNation, And Instagram to mainly promote my brand/music! My best advice is to just stay consistent and relevant!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
ProdoughJ: Yes I have an upcoming project coming May 1st!!! Called “Mixed Obsessions The Mixtape” This project is going to be consisted of 14 commercial tracks by yours truly! The tape touches on your inner sins, desires, pleasures, shames and moods all in a way that’s catchy and intriguing!!! Again dropping May 1st 05/1/2016, Make sure you keep a lookout for the Project!!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
ProdoughJ: Honestly I would have played football!! As a kid living in West, I use to play for 69th St Greater Wildcats with my cousin Emmanuel Sloan. He was always a better player it was his passion! As you know mine was music but I still loved football! We had plans to go to the NFL together. He would help me practice with football and surprisingly my music. He was a phenomenal singer!!! As we grew up we were real close. I stuck with my music and he stuck with football. My cousin died this year on January 2nd when he jumped in front of the El train at 40th St. in West Philadelphia. He would have been 20 on January 26th R.I.P. My Cousin!!! He helped me advance with a lot and if I wasn’t doing my music, I would definitely be doing Football for him because its what he loved to do and he could of went far! I do my music for him! It’s where we started off!!
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
ProdoughJ: Just try to prioritize my day as I go but I always make sure music is instructed into my day with anything I’m doing!
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
ProdoughJ: “Mixed Obsessions The Mixtape” Again dropping May 1st 05/1/2016, Make sure you keep a lookout for the Project!! It’s Going To be Fire!!!!!
#TeamProdoughJ