Music Review – J Mingo – Streets is Watching

Streets is Watching draws you into some sort of other dimension when it sets off, somewhere back through the halls of time. It’s a fairly simple production style but it’s quite clear that the sounds and effects that have been used appear to have been carefully selected, so each little bit serves a pretty big purpose. The lyrics are very real and raw and the vocal gives off a classic hip-hop vibe, which is really nice to hear. There is no over use of effects or musical amplification, the words, and the minimal and thoughtful effects, are what gives the track it’s volume and it’s power. The music sets the scene pretty perfectly for the particular themes rapped about within the verses and the hook. It’s easy to listen to, it creates a reflective space within which you can listen and think, or just leave it running and relax and enjoy the backdrop to whatever it is you’re doing. The artist doesn’t insist upon himself, vocally, not trying too hard or pushing too much; he lets the words do the work, which they do perfectly, and that’s a great quality.

I actually felt like the track cut short a little too soon. I was into it from the start, and the first verse pulled me in further, then the chorus, or hook, played out and the music kind of cut away. It did, however, cut away in a manner that suggests it was meant to be this way – that it was cut short, like street life sometimes is, maybe subconsciously re-emphasising the topic of the lyrics, or maybe it’s just a creative coincidence. It’s a strong track, either way, and it bears listening to more than once or twice to really get involved and enjoy the music and the words. I’d look out for more from J Mingo, definitely.

By Rebecca Cullen

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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

1. Mingo: I am a 23-year old who grew up in Manhattan New York, to specify, Harlem but also lived in the Bronx as well. So depending on where you are and whom you ask, the answer may vary. From a very young age I always knew rap lyrics and would dance and rap them for my family and friends. Rap/Music is a big staple where I’m from so the influence was already there before I was born. As a young kid I was more than fascinated with entertainers. This opened my eyes to see and possibly do things that weren’t in my surrounding environment. When I started it was more of a hobby I would do with my friends. At the age of 11 I started writing my own lyrics and songs. I started to take it more seriously as time went on and as I stared to become a young man. I developed goals in life so from that point on I decided that music was how I was going to achieve them.

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

1. Mingo: My name, J. Mingo is actually the name I was born with, James Mingo. I have the same name as my father but not a junior because our middle names are different. It’s funny because all my life everyone I have known always called me “Budda.” That is my nickname and I used to emphasize that a person call me Budda, even in school. It wasn’t until junior year of high school when I moved to Edgewater, New Jersey where I attended Leonia High School that everyone called me “Mingo”. It stuck, and it was my actual name, so I said why not make it my artist name.

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

1. Mingo: I Love it. As a up and coming artist it’s a great opportunity for my music to get in touch with vast amounts of people on the internet through social media, streaming and blog sites. I do give my music away for free so that everyone who has Internet access has the opportunity to hear it. I do understand that this is a business also, but at the stage I’m at with my music and career, it would be more in my interest that my music be heard for free.

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?

1. Mingo: Always stay positive and keep positive energy around you. Promoting on social media, streaming, blog sites, and pretty much everything that has to do with entertainment should be a daily priority. Use the traditional ways as well as the creative interactive path to get your music heard.

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

1. Mingo: My inspiration comes from my life, things I see and do everyday. I like to be more honest and relatable because we all come from different walks of life. With that being said some of us do share the same likes, dislikes, feeling towards something, or just a taste for music. The songwriting process for me is however I’m feeling at the moment or the vibe I got when the beat came on. I try not to force it and tend not to feed into what’s going on. I don’t like musical trends or a certain sound everyone else is following. It has to come from my thoughts and emotions if I want people to feel it like I do.

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

1. Mingo: I am currently working on my website. With that being said Exposed Vocals, Soundcloud, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram are the platforms I use to share my music, I will add the links to each below.

https://www.twitter.com/JMingoylg/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZP5Lw6f6wpjTrcB5kS-rw

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011651881202

https://www.instagram.com/j.mingoylg/

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

1. Mingo: I would use the money to fund my music career. It wouldn’t be a year off for me I still have things to accomplish. I would be more inclined to getting my music out my self rather than signing with a major label. I believe smart decisions with the money can get me where I want to be.

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

1. Mingo: Social media. Social media to me is a way to promote your self as a person. Also what ever you are trying to get out there. There are plenty of people and sites that are looking for that new sound or just new music, so I just give them what they want.

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

2016. Mingo: Yes, definitely. My first mix tape titled “Young World”. I’m very excited and happy that my music will finally be out there for the world to hear. I can’t say when exactly it will be done but I’m hoping for summer of 2016.

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

1. Mingo: I honestly would like to say doing something positive, but thank God for rap.

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

1. Mingo: I’m just getting the hang of it now because my music career is so new. From what I experienced, time is the biggest problem and solution that remains a factor in my life.

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

1. Mingo: I want fans to get more familiar with my music as well as me on a personal level. I am excited for what 2016 has to offer. Expanding my projects, finishing my mixtape and getting myself out on the scene more as an Artist. My goal is to be heard. Overall fans can look forward to hearing more of me and what I’m all about.