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J-MILL from Maryland, USA.
Where are you from and what’s the Hip-Hop scene/industry like there?
I’m from the US, DMV by way of Maryland. Our Hip Hop scene is pretty much like any other place in America. Everybody trying to make it to the next level. It’s a movement forming out here where I’m from. Somethin big is brewing.
How long have you been rapping and what or who influenced you to pick up the microphone and start writing?
I’ve been rapping for 17+ yrs. I think it was the culture that intrigued me in the beginning. My pops is from The Boogie Down so I remember going on trips with him to see my grandparents and having the opportunity to see Hip Hop in its beginning stages and then when Pac and Biggie popped on the scene I knew what I wanted to do.
What have you released so far and what has the response been like?
I’ve been on a few Ron G mixtapes and I got a featured song on ROCKSTAR GAMES Inc, new installment of Midnight Club Los Angeles (http://www.rockstargames.com) and I just released a EP “Certified Hustle” Starring J-Mill on Itunes, Emusic, and Rhapsody etc. The response on everything has been crazy. I get calls and emails everyday from people showin me luv. I put my direct contact info on everything I put out. Its gotten to the point where I had to get a personal assistant to help me out. Shots out to Carry Jones. She handles my Book The Official How To Rap Manual at How2rap.com.
What would say is the most popular track that you have released to date?
Like Dat by far, that’s the track on Midnight Club LA. Produced by my homie MAZ in Egypt.
What producers do you work with?
I worked with Edie Edjee for Scope & Beam productions, MAZ for MAZ productions, and Multi-Platinum Producer Hardley Davidson with credits from artist like Chamillionaire and Pretty Ricky. Also shots out to Cash Flow and my dude Text Sosa who have some killer beats.
What artists have you collaborated with and what’s the most memorable collaboration that you have recorded?
Its to many to name but I have tracks with Grafh from Blackhand Ent and Streetz with Street Value Ent. The most memorable collaboration that I have recorded is with GMC’s artist Bolo at Midie East Studios…a bunch of artist came thru and spit on the track for Bolo. Big up GMC and Midi East. It was Bananas.
What’s your label situation? Who you signed to and do they have distribution?
Actually I’m reppin Streetz Certified Records all day. That’s my label so I guess you can say I signed myself. Lol We don’t have distribution at the moment. Everything thus far has been in house. I’ve moved 2k units thus far not including sales from downloads.
With so many rappers in the game how are you planning to make noise and get noticed?
Yea it’s a lot of rappers in the game, a lot of nice ones and also a lot of wack ones. As far as for the wack ones I’m just gona do me, but for the nice ones I’m comin with content, experience and consistency over good music.
Have you featured or hosted any mixtapes?
No, a few offers but they wasn’t tryna spend any money. This is a business. At the end of the day you love it but that’s what it is. Scared money don’t make money. I don’t mind lookin out if its beneficial tho.
Are you working on new material?
Yea Im planning on releasing another EP and then the LP. My album is just about done.
What’s been the most memorable gig and why?
I would say the most memorable gig would be opening up for Trina in DC. Just because the crowd that was there was crazy. A sea of heads. Lol .
Any major plans for the rest of the year? Anything big in the pipeline?
I’m hoping to make the DMV awards 09. I just want to be nominated. When I first started the EP it was to make it to the DMV awards but I missed the whole show in 08. The EP wasn’t completed until afterwards. So make sure you vote for me at www.dmvemas.com starting Nov 15. Other than that I’m just planning to keep hitting radio and crushin the studio.
What radio stations in your area are supporting your music?
Mostly its been online…but I’ve been hitting the radiostations in my area heavy. Still no support yet but Its coming. This I know because the people and Djs are showin me big love.
‘Big name’ collaborations seem to be the way for ‘underground artists’ to get more exposure. Do you plan to do this?
Yea I have Grafh and Streetz and there are a few other cats I’m gettin at.
Do you have a My Space page or a website?
Yea you can hit me on www.myspace.com/therealjmill or www.How2rap.com
Describe your style in 5 words.
The Next Big Thing Booyeee
Do you a direct link for people wanting to buy your music on-line?
www.How2rap.com
Would you ever sign to a major label?
Yea long as the terms were right. I’m well overdue and I need my worth. If not I’ll just keep getting it myself.
Do you have a manager or booking agent?
Yea, myself. I’m taking applications tho but I been doing everything myself thusfar. I’m sort of a control freak…when its my own career.
Why should people buy your music?
Buy my music because your getting a real Certified MC. A rappers rapper.
Any shout-outs or anything you wanna add?
Shot out to my whole SCR Crew. Young Don, Big Ro, Paso, and Skrilla….And all my folks in the DMV…thts DC Maryland and VA. Oh Yea and Big up to Tricksta and Rago Mag for the luv. Really tho.
Interview by Tricksta
www.myspace.com/trickstawolftown
www.myspace.com/ragomagazine
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