Emerging from New Orleans is J Lyric. His story is one of perseverance and a positive mindset. Growing up in New Orleans, he’s been the victim of violence by losing a brother and cousin. As a result, he has evolved into a lyricist, business-minded artist, and fresh new talent. The Heat Magazine caught up with J and now we unveil an in-depth interview.
The Heat Magazine: J Lyric, tell us about your new release.
J Lyric: Right now I’m pushing my new single “Watch U Leave”. It’s doing pretty well throughout the South right now, I’m gonna shoot the video in Atlanta in a few weeks. Then I’m gonna follow up with this record I just did with Tokyo Vanity called “FaceTime” prod by Cas Major. Later this year, I’m releasing my mixtape “Loyalty Over Love”
The Heat Magazine: What’s the name of your label and who is your manager?
J Lyric: Upper Echelon is the name of the company. My manager is from New Orleans, his name is Busy. His IG and Twitter is @uptbusy.
The Heat Magazine: We notice that you’ve been in a few NOLA Hip Hop Award cyphers. What’s different about your new release in comparison to your earlier work?
J Lyric: My manager has really been pushing me and motivating me to make the best music I can possibly make every time I step in the booth. I’m working like I have a chip on my shoulder and the music is amazing.
The Heat Magazine: You tend to travel to Atlanta, Vegas, and other major cities. What’s going on with you and your outlook on your project?
J Lyric: Yea, I travel to Atlanta once a month to record and politic with the Djs and other artists. My manager also lives in Atlanta. My new mixtape is called “Loyalty Over Love”. It should be out in Aug/Sept. It’s gonna be the best music out in 2016. I’m not being cocky, but my approach to writing every song on this tape is like none other. I can’t possibly see another artist approach this like their life is on the line. That’s my approach!
The Heat Magazine: You seem to be a conscious brother. Who inspires you artistically?
J Lyric: Life inspires me. Just living and growing as a person. I’m inspired everyday by something new. I’m constantly inspired by my daughter and my inner circle.
The Heat Magazine: Growing up in New Orleans as an artist can be intriguing. Explain your perception of hip hop in the Big Easy.
J Lyric: I think it’s great and in some ways it’s getting better. Hurricane Katrina hurt the music scene in ways. New Orleanians were displaced all over Texas and Georgia, so we took our styles out there and others caught on to it. That’s why I love listening to New Orleans 90’s hip hop. We had a certain feel and sound. I look to bring that back along with my originality.
The Heat Magazine: We notice you’re affiliated with the Nation of Islam. Are you a student of the Muslim faith?
J Lyric: I’m not a Muslim, but I have a ton a respect for them and what they’re about. A lot of so called “black leaders” talk about the community, but you can see the NOI is in the streets trying to make a difference.
The Heat Magazine: Imagine being a New Orleans tour guide, what’s your favorite dish in the NOLA?
J Lyric: It’s not Gumbo lol. I’m really not big on gumbo like 99 percent of New Orleanians are. I like the Sean Payton spud at Salads Galore located in New Orleans East. It’s a baked potato with salmon and shrimp inside of it.
The Heat Magazine: What advice do you offer upcoming artists?
J Lyric: God first, hard work and a good team. No matter how much you hear an artist say they’re self made, there’s no such thing. In order to get on a certain level you need a team.
The Heat Magazine: Tell us about your upcoming album, video, and performance schedule.
J Lyric: Loyalty Over Love coming soon – the best mixtape of 2016. It’s such a shame I’m giving it away for free lol. All my upcoming appearances, shows, etc. are on my site. JLyricMusic.com
The Heat Magazine: New Orleans is experiencing political friction in education with charter schools versus public school funding, gentrification, and restructuring of marijuana laws versus the prison industry and its objective in Louisiana. Tell us your concerns about these issues.
J Lyric: I have a daughter so obviously I’m concerned about the school systems and what’s going on. I’m a black male so I’m concerned about the fact that Louisiana locks up more African Americans than any other state. I don’t think that’s an accident.
The Heat Magazine: What is the primary thing you want your supporters to know about J. Lyric as an artist, as a human being, and as a father?
J Lyric: J Lyric as an artist, I’m just trying to provide an alternative for you if you’re tired of every song and every rapper sounding the same and looking the same. I don’t mean mug all the time. I like to smile, eat, and vibe with good people. I’m that cool dad who picks his daughter up from school with the top off his car just because.
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Follow J Lyric on Twitter and Instagram at: @JASONLYRIC. My Facebook fan page is: Facebook.com/JLyricMusic
Press contact for J’s interview is Arlene Culpepper of MIKODreamz PR. Email is MIKODreamzVentures@gmail.com
