Interview: “From Albany to Hip-Hop Heights” J Davon Harris’ Journey of Independence and Artistry

Albany, New York does not come to mind when you think of contributions to hip-hop, but J Davon Harris has been making the strides to put himself and his hometown on that pantheon of hip-hop history. In an industry where image outweighs talent, J Davon provides an abundance of both, effortlessly showcasing veteran-like ability to share experiences of successes and failures, love and loss all intertwined in his conversation-like flow. When asked about how integral music has been in his life; ”It just was a part of my life, even with different paths that I chose in life, music was always there and something I made time for.” In a short time, J Davon grew from on-the-spot freestyle videos on college campuses to showcases and regional tours alongside more established artists.

”Don’t be afraid to share your art” never shying away from his own advice, J Davon has navigated the industry building an audience and growing relationships as an opening act for artists like Manolo Rose, Stalley, Cassidy, and Styles P of The Lox. ”I was nobody’s favorite and still made it” priding himself on being truly independent, J Davon operates with a healthy chip on his shoulder and a drive to reach higher levels in hip hop.

Exposed Vocals: Your hometown, Albany, New York, isn’t commonly associated with hip-hop. How has your background influenced your approach to the genre?

The overall influence: Albany is the capital of New York, so it’s a very similar dynamic to NYC in regards to how Hip Hop culture had its impact on the demographic. You take places outside of NYC like Buffalo that are just now getting proper recognition for its influence on the culture. It’s only right that I put on for my city. I was exposed, no pun intended, to hip hop as a lifestyle at an early age, and it shaped who I am and how I create.

Exposed Vocals: In an industry where image often takes precedence, you emphasize both talent and image. How do you balance these aspects to create a compelling presence in your music?

I think the two are just critical in today’s industry. There are so many talented artists, but image and personality for that matter are what make an artist memorable and compelling. With that, my approach in creation is to deliver my charismatic side. My style itself is conversational, and I’m able to convey that in my music so that my listeners get a full scope of who I am and how they relate.

Exposed Vocals: Can you share a bit about your early experiences in the industry, from on-the-spot freestyle videos to regional tours with established artists?

Of course, in the early phases of my career, I wasn’t as knowledgeable about the industry as I am now. I didn’t know the value of creating relationships, the importance of marketing an online presence. As I continued from just doing freestyle videos, being in cyphers, etc., I leveraged that to establishing relationships that turned to friendships that afforded me opportunities like touring and opening for larger, more established acts.

Exposed Vocals: “Don’t be afraid to share your art” is advice you’ve given. How has this mindset shaped your approach to creating and sharing your music?

I just had a moment of self-assurance, like this is my art. I determine if it’s right or wrong or ready or not. With that mindset, I just stepped into a space of creating more freely, being more transparent, and not being bound to formula or structure and not seeking validation. Like, we don’t get pieces like ‘The Persistence of Memory’ from Salvador Dali if he doesn’t share it with the world.

Exposed Vocals: You’ve been an opening act for artists like Manolo Rose, Stalley, Cassidy, and Styles P. How have these experiences impacted your growth as an artist?

I was able to learn by observing their approach. Crowd engagement, stage presence, even down to breath control. Even though I was in those venues as a performing artist, I was also a student so that I could improve my craft.

Exposed Vocals: The track “Bust Down Squares” features Skyzoo. How did this collaboration come about, and what was the creative process like?

I’d always wanted to collaborate with Skyzoo because I respect his craft and his longevity as an independent. We’d be in communication over the years but never found the appropriate timing. Shout out to him for being the type of artist that has no reserve in reaching back and pulling another artist up. As far as the process, Remo Willz produced and simply said “would be dope to get Skyzoo on this”. Fortunately, it worked out, and we got a dope, bar-heavy song out of it.

Exposed Vocals: “Spin Back” is another one of your tracks. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and the accompanying official video?

Spin Back is very metaphorical. On the surface, it has the feel of a cocky, playboy talking his talk about taking another man’s woman, but if you get into the bars, the metaphor is a slick emcee talking about taking over hip hop and not giving it back… also shout out to Kevo Beats for the production on that!

Exposed Vocals: With three work-in-progress projects simultaneously, including collaborations with Remo Willz, Madison Jay, and Ski Beatz, how do you maintain focus and creativity across multiple projects?

As an artist, organization is key, but creating in a little bit of chaos helps also. I keep lists of what songs are dedicated to which project, but the creativity flows because it’s different collaborators and different synergies that come with working with people you have that relationship with.

Exposed Vocals: Can you provide a glimpse into the themes or concepts we can expect from your upcoming projects in 2024?

The only glimpse is that all of these projects are different experiences. I almost want to give the listeners some setting prerequisites when they play them. This is art; the environment has to compliment to take it all in.

Exposed Vocals: As a truly independent artist, what challenges have you faced, and what advice do you have for others navigating the independent music scene?

As an independent artist, I’m self-funded, so the challenge is identifying and accepting certain risks. This is my livelihood that I invest in my art so my advice to others would be to calculate the risk and do what feels right to you.

Links:
Bust Down Squares feat. Skyzoo — https://open.spotify.com/track/1YDCYrGvh3VvIxZQGzAUCE?si=427bc2fee6b34781

Official Video — https://youtu.be/uFm84wbjPy0?si=5bJyZp3CpKDbrQ3C

Spin Back — https://open.spotify.com/track/4zcg4FaIBNwi1vM3X8vH2X?si=fdfab90854314f9b

Official Video — https://youtu.be/x4Hr6fPa9vk?si=QP4Z8vYpMrEd5VbF

Upcoming Releases —

I’m a volume worker, I currently have 3 work in progress projects going at the same time, it honestly allows me to focus better. I have an upcoming project with a frequent collaborator, Madison Jay, a project with my longtime producer Remo Willz entitled ‘Cost of Living’ as well as project in the works that will be exclusively produced by legendary producer Ski Beatz. Expect a very active 2024 from me.