Indy Spotlight: J The Assassin

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Explain who you are for those who don’t know
I’m a music producer that goes by the name of J the Assassin who loves to experiment with different sounds from other genres in order to find mine. I enjoy taking time thoroughly viewing trends and analyzing why they’re so popular. Not only do I venture out when it comes to music but I also hone in on artists’ tastes to successfully establish a rapport with them. This makes it so much easier that way so that the chemistry between an artist and me can be strong enough to where we can unleash massive amounts of good music. I’m a person who loves making people feel comfortable in general, let alone for business purposes; therefore getting them to drop their guard is a virtue.

Where are you from?
I’m from Sicklerville, NJ about 20 minutes from Camden and Philadelphia.

What’s it like growing up where you’re from?
Growing up for me was pretty easygoing. I grew up in the burbs so it wasn’t like I struggled. Most of my high school was filled with Camden and Philly natives that enjoyed not having to worry about not being able to come home. So on the all and all, I consider the environment I grew up in to be secure, quiet and clean.

How did you get into music?
I got into music late to be honest back in 2012 when I was still in high school as a junior. I took Music Appreciation II during my junior year and Electronic Music I my senior year and I’ve learned a lot about music theory, software and song structure. I purchased a 61 key Casio keyboard my junior year plus FL Studio 11 followed by a 13″ Macbook Pro laptop with an Akai MPD18. From that point on, I agreed to dedicate my life to music and absorb every bit of info relating to my craft.

What is it that you do?
I make Hip Hop/Trap beats for artists that support my take on music. I work as an HVAC Technician Apprentice and do various jobs on the side while I’m still trying to make producing my career.

What are your goals?
My goals are pretty simple and straight forward (since they’re long overdue). I want to create a brand and learn how to market it. I want to dig deep into the logistics of the music industry and really know the do’s and don’ts of it too. My goal is to make artists confident and comfortable with the beats I’m providing them so that they can deliver with no hesitation. As soon as I accomplish that, I’ll be able to have decent revenue and say that I can reach my ultimate goal of making a cereer out of this with the demographic I’ve built.

What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on beats for various artists here and there until they decide to make a solid project out of them. I’m looking forward to making another EP while I’m preparing for bigger things.

How do you feel about the current state of HipHop?
I feel that the current state of Hip Hop is more balanced than it ever was. Due to the fact that people can now grab conscious rap as well as the nonconscious rap evenly because of how technology is today. Music is too accessible nowadays and I feel as though the industry is more open to the new wave of music along with the heavy streaming. Although it is good that people are able to access music at a higher rate, it’s also a double edged sword because now we’re dealing with oversaturation from producers and artists because of the high demand for new material. Not to mention, everyone wants to be a rapper or producer now that has even the slighest bit of equipment; which is another reason for the issue being. Therefore, if more and more artists and producers took the time to learn how to conduct themselves and their business, there wouldn’t be an abundance of issues regarding beat crediting and legal disputes as well. Overall, I can see doors opening up more for even producers in the industry so we all can shine.

Anything you would like to say?
As of now, I have nothing further to add at the moment.

Follow @JTA_Pr0ductions 

Rapper Self Explan finds Lil Uzi Vert stealing one his melodies?

Rapper Self Explan finds Lil Uzi Vert stealing one his melodies? Self’s producer Good Juug made the beat for him months before the Uzi song “Sauce it Up” dropped. The song “Wav” is off his EP “By Myself” which dropped this summer. Listen to the song and tell us what you think,did Uzi take Self’s melody? 

Links: “Wav” https://soundcloud.com/selfexplanpg/wav-prod-by-goodjuug

Uzi song link: https://youtu.be/LGLYqw_uz9c

@KillThemWColour – Diamonds Ft. David Spekter

Toronto DJ/Producer Kill Them With Colour follows up his previous number-one EP and singles with more great new music today, with the release of “Diamonds”. Featuring David Spekter. Breaking onto the scene in 2014, KTWC continues a two-year run with a new unique sound blended over the smooth vocals of David Spekter.

Kill Them With Colour’s sound is splattered with synths; brush stroked with samples; canvassed with Classical, Hip-hop, Trinidad Dance Hall, House and primed with progressions and processions.

“Diamond” has already accumulated 84-million streams on streaming services.

Hear “Diamonds” right now, courtesy of Soundcloud.

@RunwayRichy – China Cafeteria 2.5 [Hosted by DC Young Fly]

Atlanta rapper Runway Richy is excited to release his highly-anticipated follow-up mixtape China Cafeteria 2.5 hosted by MTV’s DC Young Fly. Runway Richy has recruited all-star features for this special project, including Gucci Mane, Trae Tha Truth, London Jae, Scotty ATL and producers Beat Monster Marc, Evil G and executive produced by FKi.

“China Cafeteria is a landmark in my hometown of Decatur, GA. People of all walks of life come through there and everyone has a different story.” Runway Richy explains, “I’ve seen single moms feeding their 4 kids with $20, local hustlers coming to get a quick $3.45 plate so they can get back to the trap and just the average working man getting an affordable meal. This project is about our stories. I named this project 2.5 because I went through a lot of stuff since the original EP… nearly dying in the car accident, learning to walk again, performing on crutches and every other obstacle in between. It’s been a crazy time, going to hell and coming back, so I felt just calling it Part 2 wasn’t enough. 2.5 has that extra little push! Lol.”

‘China Cafeteria 2.5’ is hosted by Wild’n Out alum comedian and ATL native, DC Young Fly. Checkout the complete mixtape below, courtesy of Soundcloud.

@YoungGiantz1 – “Western Expedition”

South Central MCs Young Giantz release the music video to their lead single “Western Expedition.” While the colorful visual bounces back to West Coast gangsta hip hop with custom lowriders, it also pays a respectful tribute to MC Special One of the Conscious Daughters and their 1994 hit “Something To Ride To (Fonky Expedition).”

Young Giantz on “Western Expedition”:

“We’ve always been fans of “Fonky Expedition” by Conscious Daughters. Rest in peace to MC Special One. When Jelly Roll played us this beat, we knew exactly what it was and it instantly made you want to throw up WESTSIDE! So that’s exactly what we did lyrically. We named the song “Western Expedition” to tribute the classic!”

With West Coast G Funk as their foundation, the brothers crafted their 13-track EP 2000 Ninetiez with help from producer Dae One (Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg) and G-Funk veterans DJ Battlecat and Jelly Roll. This project also brings the brothers to Priority Records 25 years after their father, Playa Hamm released Paid the Cost with Eazy E’s Ruthless/Priority Records.

Watch below.