Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I am from Dagenham born and raised. Music has been with me from young, I took it seriously because my people said I was talented with music. From there I knew I had to pursue it properly.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: I listen to Digdat, Future, Skrapz
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘J1UP ’?
A: I wouldn’t say I have a musical influence you know, but from young I have been listening to Digdat. I say I don’t have influences because the rappers I listen to more time I don’t sound like them. The name J1UP came from the phrase (listen up is Jmizz 1UP, I use it in the intro on my songs. My boy thought of having it as J1UP instead of Jmizz which I thought made sense because that separated my name from my stage name.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Run It Up’. Is there a story behind it?
A: The story behind ‘Run it Up’ is simple. During the time I was writing that song I was getting troubled by the police, going through some things with my family and the road. So at that point in time it was like I put down a recap of my life and how it’s going in my lyrics.
Q: What was the creative process like when you were working on “Run It Up”?
A: When making this song the lyrics were put down on a different beat before I switched it to the one it was released on. Usually it’s the opposite. I find a beat and write on top of it, but because this one was straight from my mind I was just saying things how it is, it made the song flow. So, I found the beat after I wrote my lyrics and took it to the studio, laid it down and it came out well. I was pleased.
Q: Can you share any interesting anecdotes or stories from the recording studio while making this song?
A: This is the first real rap song I recorded in the studio. When it was played out loud the reaction from the mandem was different to my other songs because it was relatable and everyone took it straight in.
Q: What sets “Run It Up” apart from your previous work and how did you come up with the lyrics for the song? Is there a specific story or experience that inspired them??
A: My other songs were drill songs. This one is different because it’s real rap and I haven’t done something like that before. The lyrics were just from my experience at the time. I was going through stress from the police, family, money, I just felt time was not on my side.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do you usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: Usually I would find a beat and go from there. I write in my notes and I can write fast especially in a studio environment. More time I put something in the air to get that creative process going. That puts me in that writing and creating a song mode. If there’s a hook I put that down first and double it, then do my verse , stab it and the adlibs come last.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: I would say on certain occasions things with the police. I cannot expand on that too much but all I can say is they are on to me.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I would say my most successful release would be “Late” which is on 70K+ views on YouTube.
