Exposed Vocals Interviews Mikey Jay

There’s Jay-Z, Diddy, Fat Joe, and then there’s Mikey Jay. For those that have been sleeping under a rock for the past 15+ years let’s acquaint and or reacquaint you with the hardest working, most generous yet slept on artist in the industry. Mikey Jay is not your average celebrity or public figure. Mikey Jay is a Native American-Trinidadian and African American mainstream recording artist, music producer, actor, clothing line owner, film producer, film financier, civil rights activist, fathers rights activist, said  philanthropist and community activist from the Southeast Bronx section of New York City. He is the true definition of a mogul. Although he was born in Harlem and raised in the South Bronx, Mikey Jay overcame many trials and tribulations. Soon after he was born on Christmas Day, at 9:30am, Mikey’s blood count shot up to a level that should have taken his life. Not too soon after that, his white blood cells began to feed on his red blood cells, He even endured a spinal tap. Through all of this, he has risen to become one of the most sought after artist, entertainers, producers and actors In the entertainment industry. Mikey Jay gives much of his knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the music business credit to previous management and current mentors such as Mickey Bentson, Bert Padell, LadyMoore Saab, Terra Renee, Dr. Ishmael Bentancort, and other notables in the industry. His charismatic swagger, handsomely good looks and hilarious sense of humor has propelled Mikey Jay to the forefront of the music, film and television world. When other mainstream prominent artist or moguls are mentioned, Mikey Jays name is in the same conversation he is the true definition of a mogul, humanitarian, entrepreneur, artist, and all around entertainer. Mikey Jay is Hip-Hop’s best kept secret in the game. Certified, solidified and accredited.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?  

I was born in Harlem but I grew up in the Southeast section of the Bronx in New York better known to the Hip-Hop community as “The Boogie Down Bronx” while my mom worked I lived in Alphabet City / The Lower East Side with my grandmother who later moved to Harlem where she cared for me til my mom would pick me up. There wasn’t one particular defining moment as to when I decided I wanted to be an artist but one time for sure is when I seen My cousin Diamond D’s Best Kept Secret Video. There were more but that’s one for sure.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Actually I’ve been called Mikey all of my life. Diamond D, Fat Joe and even my mom (S.i.P) still called me Mikey. Jay is for my last name which is Jones. There really wasn’t any inspiration behind it. It was just more of the logical thing to do. It’s a name that’s been with me my entire life so I just said Mikey Jay it is dropped the whole  EmJay name entirely.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

The record labels and the online streaming services found a way to fuck over the artists all over again. One million plus streams and the money damn sure not adding up. There’s something damn sure wrong with that picture. I believe that streaming of an artist music should be counted as a sale because the consumer is still getting the product. It’s not fair to us as artists whom give our blood sweat and tears to make the music and to not be  compensated only because their streaming is ridiculous. Pay us per stream straight up. Have I given away my own music for free? Yes I have. Why? Because that’s what I wanted to do for my fans. They’ve supported my career and that was my way of saying thank you. But even before my career took off I gave out my music for free. Why? For the buzz. Strictly for the buzz.

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?

I always tell up & coming artistry keep their circle tight and small. Have faith and to always pray. Never take to no for an answer. Use that no as positive. To motivate you. Never give up and there’s no age limit or restriction on a music career. Market, promote yourself everyday and everynight. Remember that they’re a brand and should always think corporate. Book and headline their own gigs. Put their own shows together. And just pray pray pray.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Hell yeah I’ve made mistakes. I’ve forgotten lyrics or mixed up lyrics. I’ve went over my set time. I’ve bombed on my own DJ. I mean I have made all kinds of mistakes. But at least I can sit back and laugh it them. I handle them by not repeating the same mistake.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about? 

Yes I do tour. I tour at least twice a year. What didn’t happen on tour. Lol. Flat tires. Other artists teams running through hotels like wild kids. Females trying to go with you dudes hating in the crowd I mean all kinds of stuff. One story in particular I do remember is just recently my tour route was cursed. First there was the death of a venue owners son. Then the New Orleans situation and then the Dallas situation. It was like death all the way through. The Devil was at work. Then I lost mom a week later.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?  

My writing inspiration comes from everything that I’ve witnessed or observed within my circumference. Or may even get inspired from other artists and their music. I even get more inspired from these whack artists that are out now. I’m inspired to keep putting out better music than them. My process is me basically in my car Vibing out to a track and going off.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Yes I do have a band. I utilize every single platform available to me. I leave no stone unturned

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Depends on what is considered embarrassing but I would probably say Disco. I love the disco era.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?  

I would go city to city speaking against black on black crime and police on black crime and feeding and clothing as many people as I can. I would also buy up a lot of these dollar homes and renovate them for  affordable housing.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?  

nah nothing really. Still trying deal with this god forsaken Pro Tools 12. It’s the worst.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

I’m strictly grassroots when it comes to promoting my music and my brand. I put my name on damn ear everything from T shirts to hats even pillow cases and sheets. Everything works best for me but me being hands on and involved in the process of everything will always be best for me.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why? 

Carnegie Hall. I want to perform at Carnegie Hall. It’ll be myself and friends such as my bro Yut Chia a super dope violinist and I’ll have DMX, Diamond D, Dana Dane, Michael Jackson, Big Pun, Nas, Fat Joe, Epmd, Das Efx, Redman, Method Man, linkin Park, Nirvana, Public Enemy, Digital Underground, E40, NWA, Bone Thugs & Harmony, Run DMC, 50 Cent, Eminem and MC Lyte for starters. Just these artists above are all pure hip hop. Special. There are many more but they’re a start.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

I’ll be Releasing three new albums (Last Of A Dying Breed, Beats Rhymes & Hooks, Dreams & Nightmares. I’ll also be heading back on tour between the states and Canada and also filming my tv pilot (The Mikey Jay Experience), I’ll also be releasing my clothing lines (The STEVEN PAUL Collection). In November I’ll be giving my first Thanksgiving Dinner Drive and after that My Yearly Christmas Toy Drive Tour. I have a lot going on just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?  

Honestly I do not know because I am still making music. lol. But if I wasn’t making music I’d probably be advocating  for those whom have or are facing some injustice somewhere.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?  

Wow. I really don’t remember. Lmaoooo.  I really can’t remember.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?  

I’ve learned to intertwine it all together and just manage my time. Make it work.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?  

Look for movies, music, production, public speaking and more. Nothing’s off limits. Look for me to be involved in any and everything.