Today, we sat down with our artist J-Killa for an interview. Here is what he had to say:
1. How has your hometown shaped who you are as a musician today?
I have been through a lot and also seen a lot growing up in different states. But by me going through a lot give me more to talk about or people can relate to my situation. But my hometown made me who I am today the struggle the grind and hard love. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t go threw that or have that part of my life because it made me who I am J-killa.
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
My brother Kevin Preston aka Da Don. My brother, he’s the one pushed music on me. The first time I met my brother he was already doing music so he pushed it on to me n I really appreciate my brother for doing that. If I wasn’t doing music I don’t know where I would I be right now. But my brother motivates me to do better in my music he a huge part of my music also.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
A house, because I want something that I own, that I decided how I want the house and the man cave. I can paint any colors I want to and decide how many rooms I would want too.
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
Keep pushing. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it. Trust me, you can do it. Just believe in yourself and always put God first whatever you doing put God first. He will show you the right path. I had people tell me I can’t rap or I suck, the song sucks but that negativity motivated me to show people I can really rap I can do this. Now they want a feature from me and they actually listening to my music now . So moral of the story is don’t give up keep pushing.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
To be honest, I just smoke and get into the studio. No pen or paper. Express myself how I want to. People will never understand that I’m not a writing type of person I just smoke and tell my story or Express myself. Everyone call it freestyling but I don’t I can’t freestyle my life story because I actually been threw the situations. Just don’t do the pen n paper My brain is my pen and my words is my paper.
6. How does your family and close friends feel about your music career? Have they always been supportive or have there been issues in the past?
Friends wise had problems in the past nobody believed in my music didn’t want to work with me or have me part of they music group. But only one person been rocking with me from day one was my brother Kevin Preston he always been a big supporter of my music. My mom definitely supports my music she even comes out to my shows when I do decide to perform or have a show. But I’m getting a lot of support from people I don’t even know or some family members listen to my music that I know of. But I have a great support system just wish people can come out to my shows more but I’m grateful for my support system definitely is.
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
Young Dolph because I really rock with Young Dolph music. Love his grind and plus he’s self made. Something I want in life but I got to grind for it just like him. So he motivates me also because i know if he can do it I know I can also.
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
That’s a hard one right there so many people and great artists. Hmmmmmm I’mma say 2pac because he was a down to earth guy. He speaks about the struggle and what’s really going on in the world. Would want to learn something from a wise person and that’s 2pac.
9. In your time with LiquidSound Records, what is the number one thing you have enjoyed the most? Also, what is your advice to those artists who would be interested in joining the roster in the future?
My favorite things has to be the communication, even if I have been slacking on my end. I like how y’all stay looking for the next thing to do. If you looking to join, my big thing I can say is stay on top of yourself. It’s easy to get off track.
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
In the next ten years, I see myself with hit after hit, touring world wide (I never want to just be in the US), a clothing line and few business. Every move I take is a stepping stone to an even bigger move.