Im So Into You ft Sleepy Brown
http://media.raptalk.net/audio/I'm_So_Into_You_(Feat._Sleepy_Brown).mp3
Q: Raptalk is right here with Jayo Felony; let everybody know how you’re doing right now.
What’s crackin’ y’all, it’s ya boy Jayo Felony, one shot kill putting it down for the west coast.
Q: A few months ago you released an exclusive statement on raptalk regarding the music industry. Some felt like you’re heated at the industry; is that true?
I ain’t heated, I ain’t trippin’; I let bygones be bygones. Karma is a bitch, what comes around goes around. I’m ‘bout to back on they head, with my new music coming out, “Don’t Get Meat Balled” my new album, come back on they head. It’s going to be fun, take matters into my hands. I’m not hating on the past, just moving forward to the future.
Q: Let’s get into that new music right now. I believe that you recently had two records debut on the radio, is that correct?
Yeah, I played a track I have with Sleepy Brown who works with Outkast. It’s a record for the females and it’s off the hook. I was on the radio last week and I played that record.
Q: And what’s that record called?
It’s called “I’m so into you.” [Editors Note: Click HERE to download!]
Then I got another record with my boy Jelly Roll and it’s called “Dancin”. Jelly Roll is featured on there with me, he produced the track; Where about to heat the streets up with that. It’s an up-tempo club and radio record.
Q: Is one of those the lead single?
We’re probably going to drop “Dancin” first. I got another record with me and Snoop (Dogg) called “How Do You Want It.” I got some fire and I’m finna’ hit ‘em in the head.
Q: So it’s safe to say yourself and Snoop are cool?
We’ve been cool. We squashed our differences a few years ago. We’re about to work together and bring this west coast back where we need it to be.
Q: So which of those three records are we going to hear first?
We’re going to drop “Dancin” first but one thing about is we’re going to come with a couple of different records at one time. It will be a single dropping and it’s going to be heavy but we’re going to have a lot of different records on the radio all at once; it’s going to be crazy.
Q: Is “Dancin” the “Blocc Party” record you have with Jelly Roll that you told us about or are those two different songs?
“Blocc Party” is a whole ‘nother record that is also produced by Jelly Roll as well.
Q: That’s why I asked.
That’s another record with Jelly (Roll) called “Blocc Party” and it will probably be on the radio as well. That’s just me going hard in the paint with this rap shit, showing everybody that all I’ve done is get better with time. I feel like I’m at my best right now.
I want to thank my fans for waiting for me and being patient while I worked this business out. We got a new label started, a new company called Loco Entertainment. We got a strong team that’s pushing it; I’m looking forward to the future.
Q: So your label deal has now been finalized?
We’re actually meeting up next week to finish the deal for the distribution. It’s all going down, it’s gravy. I don’t want to let the rabbit out the hat, but it’s going down next week when we finalize it. It’s looking really pretty for me right now.
Q: Ok, so Loco Entertainment is like your label and you’re signing a major distribution deal for it next week?
Exactly! It’ll be finalized next week and we’re ‘finna drop this music, that’s why I’m on the radio now warming everything up, getting the bubble going because we’re about to drop a lot of different songs on the radio in the next couple of weeks.
Q: It sounds like everything is ready…
It’s been a while, I know you’ve been getting at me, trying to stay in touch with me so we can make it happen but it’s finally going down. I appreciate you staying in touch with me so we can push this line. When everybody else starts popping at my label, I’m going to give you the exclusives.
Q: Thank you for that and I appreciate you answering and returning my phone calls.
Real talk, it’s a blessing. I’m having fun with it. I’m just thankful to be having a second opportunity, not a lot of people get that. It’s like the first time I came out when I was on Def Jam, at the time I was the most requested artist in the country. I’m not saying any names; I ain’t trying to back in it, but a lot of rappers in high positions seen that, they tried to sign me to their label and when I didn’t want to sign, they tried to make it seem like I was a bad guy. Everybody knows the truth. I’m back to have fun. It’s going down.
Q: I don’t want to get into that because it’s the past, but for everyone reading this interview, I can tell them that I’ve had a lot of contact with you over the last few months and there’s no truth to it if anyone said you’re a bad guy.
You already know man.
When it comes to my new label, we’re looking for up and coming talent, we’re trying to focus on that as well. I don’t want to rap for the rest of my life. I just want to put out 4-5 consecutive albums that I never got a chance to do and show the world that I’m one of the best artists to ever do it – that’s what I’m doing now with my label. As well, I want to bring out some young up and coming talent and bring some other people to the lime light on the west coast to show ‘em that we got talent as good as anyone else and this is what it is; there needs to be more outlets for our music.
Q: If there’s any up and coming talent reading this, how can they get Loco Entertainment to hear there work?
You can email me at [email protected]his e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can get at me on that is me on there hollering at all my fans. You know it’s me when you get on the one with me poppin’ my collar, that’s really my page. www.myspace.com/jayofelony
Q: The ball is rolling right now, when do you think “Don’t’ Get Meatballed” is going to be dropped?
It might come out later on this year around November or December if everything rolls smooth. We’re about to start dropping the singles now and I’m just thankful I already have a name myself so there are already a lot of fans waiting for it. We’re trying to drop in the fall before the year is out.
Q: You mentioned 3-4 records hitting the radio soon. Are we going to see a music video for any of those records?
A short film will be packaged with the album; it will include a lot of the videos that you can’t see on BET, where will be cussing and I can be myself and do videos where you need to go pick up the album to get this CD with all these videos on it.
On the commercial side of it, we’re going to have a video for the “Dancin” record and the one with myself and Sleepy Brown.
Q: You’ve mentioned having Sleepy Brown, Jelly Roll & Snoop Dogg on the album; who else appears?
We’re still finishing up. I still want to make about six more records. We got some more big collaborations that are coming, I’m ‘bout to venture off into some other stuff. I don’t want to actually say it until we put it down, but I got some surprises up my sleeves. It’s going to be fun, everybody just stay tuned. I’m just happy and excited about my project.
One thing about is that I got my album “Don’t Get Meatballed” coming out, and then I got a group project coming out and another solo album dropping after that. There will be a lot of material coming out to feed my fans like I never got the chance to.
Q: Tell us about this group.
It’s called “The Business.” That’s the name of the group. I have a couple of different artists from different regions; a couple artists from the west coast, I got one from Atlanta and a couple of artists from Philly. We all connected to make this one push. It’s going to a lot of fun. It sounds tight when you got these different artists coming together from the west coast and down south and the east coming together to make a push. It sounds off the hook with these west coast beats with all these different voices on it from different regions and it’s going to be tight. It’s something different.
Q: How many members are in the group?
There are a whole lot of us, no certain number. We’re just going to keep coming with different shit; it’s a lot of us connected together. It’s just going to be off the hook. Some artists are already known that are going to roll with us. They’re already established artists.
Q: We’re looking forward to that.
It’s going to be off the hook. I’m just having fun. I want to say much love to everybody that’s been supporting me in these times that I’ve been away. I’m just coming back now to put my foot down the way it’s supposed to be done.
Q: That group project will drop sometime after “Don’t Get Meatballed” which will be your fifth solo. Tell us about the overall sound of this specific album and what sets it aside from your other four solos.
I feel like with this album, I got a lot of different produces that have fire. When you listen to the records, there are a whole lot of different styles on the record. Whichever producer did the track for me, I rap according to the track so it changes up my style. There’s a whole lot of different stuff on there. There’s a lot of stuff for the females. I got the hardcore stuff for my hardcore fans. It’s just having fun with the music. I just feel like its way different than a lot of stuff that’s out there because you hear some artist’s music and you get tired of listening to it after the first few tracks, that’s because it’s the same feel on every fuckin’ song. I’m coming with a whole different aspect to it and just dropping different styles. However the beat sounds, that’s how I’m rapping on it. There are a whole lot of different styles. It’s crazy, it’s off the hook. I know people are going to love it. Plus we’re going to have that short film in on it with the all videos that contain stuff you can’t see on TV.
Q: How many videos are on the project?
It’s going to be at least eight or nine of them; it’s going to be tight.
Q: That’s a lot!
For real! We got a lot of work to do, but its fun now because I got the right team behind me that I never had before. I have good people behind me that are watching my back and making sure ain’t anybody getting over. I’m just getting ready to push my line and do my job.
Q: Including “Don’t Get Meatballed” Which of your five solo albums is your favorite and why?
I would say this new album “Don’t Get Meatballed” is my favorite because one thing about is, I keep up with the times. Me and my friend were talking today, a lot of rappers that came out around the time that I did still sound the same fuckin’ way they did five-ten years ago. They don’t keep up with the times with what’s going on and that’s why there still not considered dope artists. They fell off and stayed in that same box. You have to know how to keep up with the times and keep your music tight as an MC. That’s what I did; regardless of me being away, I always studied my craft and always stayed writing and learning different styles and coming up with different ideas because I know it’s going to be a time where I come back in the scene and I crush it; that’s what it is. This album right here is my favorite but I still love my first album, it’s a classic with the “Take a Ride” and “Sherm Sticc.” One thing about my first album, I didn’t have any features on there, I plan on doing another album like that, as well as I’m going to do another “Crip Hop” album, volume two. That’s going to be off the meat rack. There are a lot of tricks up my sleeve.
Q: Your mentioning all these new projects, do you ever plan on reissuing any of your albums in the future?
We’re going to digitally re-master and put out some of the old albums like “Take a Ride.” Basically all of them, we’re going to have them for sale. A lot of people ask me how they can get certain albums of mine that they don’t know how to get, so we’re going to be selling them on my website and everything; All the classics and everything.
Q: When can the fans look forward to that taking off?
That will be available within’ the next few weeks. We’re actually getting everything together right now. We’re re-doing my page on myspace and we’re going to have it open so everyone can get those albums, which want to get them.
Q: I believe you’ve already mentioned a few of the strategies you have, but give us some more on what strategies you have planned out to promote and move units with this upcoming album since the industry is seeing a decline in sales?
Basically, one thing about me and my team, we’re about to venture off into this film thing and that’s where my heart really is. It’s going to be a visual aspect to this music. Not just putting out music, we’re putting it out with a visual aspect to it so the fans can actually pop in the cd and look at what’s going on and see what I really mean with my music when you see the actions and film behind it. It’s going to be something different other than just putting out a record. We’re putting added value to our projects with this film shit.
Q: If we can just switch gears really quick, what was the story on that album “Still Trued Up?”
“Still Trued Up” was a mixtape; Just songs and freestyles I put together. I hooked up with my boy J. Silver.
Q: A lot of fans were confused when it came out.
It’s just basically a mixtape. That really wasn’t an album that I’m releasing. “Don’t Get Meatballed” is my full-length album with all the fire on it. I got a lot of different producers on there; my boy Jelly Roll, DJ Silk, E-Rock who actually did the title track, “Don’t Get Meatballed.” My homie Rhythm D, who actually did a lot of work with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Eazy-E; I got my boy Josef Leimberg who did the Sleepy Brown record with Silk; he also did a record I got called “I’m a Hog” and “Don’t Get Out Of Line.” All the producers I got are top notch so this is my real full-length album I got coming out with all my heart and soul into it; this is not a mixtape, this is my album “Don’t Get Meatballed” and this is the business. That means a lot of these guys out here are quick to pick up a gun, “Don’t Get Meatballed” is saying that. A lot of guys are still scared and are cowards; they rather pick up a gun instead of fighting. A lot of these guys out are scared to take it from the shoulders; scared to take an ass whopping. A coward can kill a motherfucker’ with a gun, it’s a whole lot of cowards with guns killing niggas everyday who ain’t got the heart of a puppy. It doesn’t take a lot to kill somebody. Basically what I meant by “Don’t Get Meatballed” is don’t be scared to take it from the shoulders, a lot of good people would still be around if people weren’t so quick to pick up a pistol. So that’s what the title is about.
Q: I’m feeling that explanation of the title.
Exactly!
Q: A lot of people were confused with the title, so thanks for that.
If they don’t understand “Don’t Get Meatballed” don’t get knocked the fuck out.
Q: (Laughs): I like that.
Word, yeah.
Q: Do you plan on hooking up with Celly Cel and Spice 1 to make another Criminalz album?
Them my folks, I got nothing but love for Celly Cel and Spice (1). One thing about it, that was never meant to be a group, I was just working with them on a project where I supplied my services and did a lot of songs with them. It was never a group thing.
I’m about to put a super-group together. Watch me, I got some fire with some off the wall MC’s that I’m about to put together collaborations together with artists that are legends in the game, we’re going to do this thing.
I look forward to working Spice (1) and (Celly) Cel again, them my folks, and we’re family. We’re definitely going to keep pushing and making things happen.
Q: This super-group you speak of, is that “The Business” group you told us about earlier?
Exactly; I don’t want to say names, but there’s going to be some legends that are down with it too that the world know already when we collaborate.
I don’t want to say names because the last group I put together, niggas tried to break us up. I don’t know, I had that Riflemen shit crackin’ with me, Mobb Deep, Kurupt and 40 Glocc and I don’t know how that never took place. I feel like it’ll still happen when Prodigy gets out of jail; me and Kurupt are still tight. I want to put that project together because I think that group and everything, as soon as we hooked up, niggas got scared of that because they knew a lot of rappers would have lost their job; we’re going to put that back together eventually and still make that happen.
Q: Definitely. Young Nube was prominently featured on your last solo album “Crip Hop”, what’s he been up to these days?
Nube is out there chillin’; he got his rap skills tight. I look forward to working with him again. He’s a good dude and the females love him. I’m definitely going to put him down with the team and hook up so we can put out some new material in the future because he’s off the hook with the rapping now. He has grown up a little bit, but he’s still little, he’s still a little dude. He is real sharp at what he do.
Q: So we can definitely look forward to you two working again?
Real talk, that’s my folks for life; that’s the little homie right there. He was about eight or nine when we used to have him in the clubs and he used to come out C-Walking, doing his thing – that’s my dog for life.
Q: That’s what’s up.
And I got my boy Baby Down putting his craft down, he’s rolling with me; my homie Crook that did “Hotter Than Fish Grease” and he’s on this lovely record with me – Crook use to do all my shows with me, so it’s a lot of cool stuff going down. I’m just connected with all my folks that I used to work with in the past and just moving towards the future, getting this money and having fun with this rap music what it’s suppose to be.
Q: Baby Down, you had a dope appearance on his street album “Let a Thug Hit It.”
That’s my boy. Baby Down used to do the same thing, I have been knowing him since he was 13-14, we hooked up on the “Trued Up” video and he was C-Walking up in that. We’ve been tight ever since. He has fire. He’s doing his thing. Look out for him too. I’m just out here having fun, living life. I feel like the world will be mine in a minute. Much love to all the fans that stayed down with me, at the time where I was doing my thing trying to figure out and go in the right direction before I signed with anybody. Although I had deals and options on the table, doing things with G-Unit, and other things with different people, I felt that wasn’t my calling – things didn’t work out that way, I started my own company and pushed my own line where I own everything I do – my masters and everything. Now when I drop my projects over the next 5-10 years, I know it’s all mine. I’m just blessed to be back in it and doing it the right way. I feel like signing with another rapper wasn’t meant to happen for me because I know that I’m too big of an artist to sign with someone else who won’t ever make me as they are. I had to take matters in my own hands. I’m now about to put out dope MC’s and give them the light that they deserve and handle it the way business is supposed to be handled.
Q: That’s a beautiful thing right there.
Real talk!
Q: Some fans wanted me to ask you about Ice Cube and WC. You’ve made some great music with them, any chance of you re-connecting with them?
Yeah, that’s family. I want to be apart of that new Westside Connection, but I’m not going to say anything. I feel like if it’s bound to happen, whatever. There legends in the game and I definitely want to work with those guys again. It would be a blessing because I bring my all to the table and WC is my dog as is Ice Cube. There some legends, I look forward to making good music with them in the future and just having fun, getting this money. It’s definitely going down. (Ice) Cube actually did a show out here in San Diego a few months ago and he let Diego (San Diego) know that I put it down and put Diego on the map. It’s all love with us, we’re definitely going to do more work in the future which I’m looking forward to.
It’s crazy; I hooked up with my boy, my OG Scarface last night. He called me after his concert. My friend was out there for his birthday party. My friend birthday was yesterday and he was in Denver and Scarface had a show out there. He hooked up with him and Scarface called me and we re-connected. We’re going to be doing a lot of stuff in the future. I’m just having fun, connecting with the G’s and pushing my line.
Q: Does that mean the fans can maybe expect to see Scarface on “Don’t Get Meatballed?”
It’s possible. We’re supposed to hook up before he goes overseas in October. It’s possible; I’m just spreading my wings and just connecting with everybody that I’ve worked with in the past. Much love to my dog, Rest in Peace to my OG Jam Master Jay for looking out for a young dude like me and discovering me at a young age while I was on the run from Y.A., and seeing something in me. He also discovered 50 Cent and Onyx; he had an ear for that music. I just want to say Rest in Peace to Jam Master Jay, much love. I’m just about to push my line and make everybody proud.
Q: Another questioned I wanted to ask you in terms of previous relationship is Knoc-turn’al. You popped up on his group mixtape with MathMadix. Have you had any contact with Knoc?
I haven’t talked to Knoc in a while but I look forward to hooking up with him again because he’s a good dude and he makes good music. We’re definitely going to do some more work too; Knoc-turn’al is off the hook. I definitely want to work with him again, whatever it takes. Hit me on myspace or something OG, let’s get it crackin!
Q: We need to get you two back together.
Hopefully that connection can be back made again. It’s all love, I hope they hit me up.
I want to say much love to my dog Slim (Tha Mobster) over there at Aftermath with (Dr) Dre and them, that’s my folk. He (Slim Tha Mobster) is on my new album too. We just been putting it down for a while and he got a break to get over there, he doing his thing. Congratulations on that new “Detox” album and I’m just out here pushing having fun; getting ready to count my blessing and still happy that through it all, I stand tall; I’m back for there heads.
Q: You know you can’t say the word “Detox” in an interview and not have me ask you about it (laughs).
I really haven’t had contact with (Dr) Dre, my boy DJ Silk is over there working with him though; He the dude that did “Hotter than Fish Grease” he working with them right now. I know it’s going to be off the hook – I’m just happy for my dog, I’m not trippin. – I do me, we’re going to work together in the future or whatever. I’m just pushing my line and do what I do.
One thing about is with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, I came in the game through a whole different angle – I was signed with Def Jam and did my thing a whole different way. I look forward to working with guys like that, it would be a blessing. I’m just going to do my job so when the opportunity does knock, I be out here crackin’ already so I’m not here holding my hands out. I got to step up to the plate as an artist and do me. That’s what it is.
Q: I’m sure our readers will feel that.
On the real!
Q: Thanks for your time Jayo. End this interview by telling all the fans why they should go cop “Don’t Get Meatballed” when it drops.
It’s official, it’s my latest music. I haven’t dropped an album since “Crip Hop” and they know I was going off the meat rack on that. I put “Crip Out” on my own as well. I just look at it like it’s my new stuff, my new up to date music. It’s all my heart and soul and I know the fans are waiting for it – I love y’all for having my back, “Don’t Get Meatballed” don’t get knocked the fuck out (laughs). One shot Kill, y’all know the business.
http://media.raptalk.net/audio/I'm_So_Into_You_(Feat._Sleepy_Brown).mp3
Q: Raptalk is right here with Jayo Felony; let everybody know how you’re doing right now.
What’s crackin’ y’all, it’s ya boy Jayo Felony, one shot kill putting it down for the west coast.
Q: A few months ago you released an exclusive statement on raptalk regarding the music industry. Some felt like you’re heated at the industry; is that true?
I ain’t heated, I ain’t trippin’; I let bygones be bygones. Karma is a bitch, what comes around goes around. I’m ‘bout to back on they head, with my new music coming out, “Don’t Get Meat Balled” my new album, come back on they head. It’s going to be fun, take matters into my hands. I’m not hating on the past, just moving forward to the future.
Q: Let’s get into that new music right now. I believe that you recently had two records debut on the radio, is that correct?
Yeah, I played a track I have with Sleepy Brown who works with Outkast. It’s a record for the females and it’s off the hook. I was on the radio last week and I played that record.
Q: And what’s that record called?
It’s called “I’m so into you.” [Editors Note: Click HERE to download!]
Then I got another record with my boy Jelly Roll and it’s called “Dancin”. Jelly Roll is featured on there with me, he produced the track; Where about to heat the streets up with that. It’s an up-tempo club and radio record.
Q: Is one of those the lead single?
We’re probably going to drop “Dancin” first. I got another record with me and Snoop (Dogg) called “How Do You Want It.” I got some fire and I’m finna’ hit ‘em in the head.
Q: So it’s safe to say yourself and Snoop are cool?
We’ve been cool. We squashed our differences a few years ago. We’re about to work together and bring this west coast back where we need it to be.
Q: So which of those three records are we going to hear first?
We’re going to drop “Dancin” first but one thing about is we’re going to come with a couple of different records at one time. It will be a single dropping and it’s going to be heavy but we’re going to have a lot of different records on the radio all at once; it’s going to be crazy.
Q: Is “Dancin” the “Blocc Party” record you have with Jelly Roll that you told us about or are those two different songs?
“Blocc Party” is a whole ‘nother record that is also produced by Jelly Roll as well.
Q: That’s why I asked.
That’s another record with Jelly (Roll) called “Blocc Party” and it will probably be on the radio as well. That’s just me going hard in the paint with this rap shit, showing everybody that all I’ve done is get better with time. I feel like I’m at my best right now.
I want to thank my fans for waiting for me and being patient while I worked this business out. We got a new label started, a new company called Loco Entertainment. We got a strong team that’s pushing it; I’m looking forward to the future.
Q: So your label deal has now been finalized?
We’re actually meeting up next week to finish the deal for the distribution. It’s all going down, it’s gravy. I don’t want to let the rabbit out the hat, but it’s going down next week when we finalize it. It’s looking really pretty for me right now.
Q: Ok, so Loco Entertainment is like your label and you’re signing a major distribution deal for it next week?
Exactly! It’ll be finalized next week and we’re ‘finna drop this music, that’s why I’m on the radio now warming everything up, getting the bubble going because we’re about to drop a lot of different songs on the radio in the next couple of weeks.
Q: It sounds like everything is ready…
It’s been a while, I know you’ve been getting at me, trying to stay in touch with me so we can make it happen but it’s finally going down. I appreciate you staying in touch with me so we can push this line. When everybody else starts popping at my label, I’m going to give you the exclusives.
Q: Thank you for that and I appreciate you answering and returning my phone calls.
Real talk, it’s a blessing. I’m having fun with it. I’m just thankful to be having a second opportunity, not a lot of people get that. It’s like the first time I came out when I was on Def Jam, at the time I was the most requested artist in the country. I’m not saying any names; I ain’t trying to back in it, but a lot of rappers in high positions seen that, they tried to sign me to their label and when I didn’t want to sign, they tried to make it seem like I was a bad guy. Everybody knows the truth. I’m back to have fun. It’s going down.
Q: I don’t want to get into that because it’s the past, but for everyone reading this interview, I can tell them that I’ve had a lot of contact with you over the last few months and there’s no truth to it if anyone said you’re a bad guy.
You already know man.
When it comes to my new label, we’re looking for up and coming talent, we’re trying to focus on that as well. I don’t want to rap for the rest of my life. I just want to put out 4-5 consecutive albums that I never got a chance to do and show the world that I’m one of the best artists to ever do it – that’s what I’m doing now with my label. As well, I want to bring out some young up and coming talent and bring some other people to the lime light on the west coast to show ‘em that we got talent as good as anyone else and this is what it is; there needs to be more outlets for our music.
Q: If there’s any up and coming talent reading this, how can they get Loco Entertainment to hear there work?
You can email me at [email protected]his e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can get at me on that is me on there hollering at all my fans. You know it’s me when you get on the one with me poppin’ my collar, that’s really my page. www.myspace.com/jayofelony
Q: The ball is rolling right now, when do you think “Don’t’ Get Meatballed” is going to be dropped?
It might come out later on this year around November or December if everything rolls smooth. We’re about to start dropping the singles now and I’m just thankful I already have a name myself so there are already a lot of fans waiting for it. We’re trying to drop in the fall before the year is out.
Q: You mentioned 3-4 records hitting the radio soon. Are we going to see a music video for any of those records?
A short film will be packaged with the album; it will include a lot of the videos that you can’t see on BET, where will be cussing and I can be myself and do videos where you need to go pick up the album to get this CD with all these videos on it.
On the commercial side of it, we’re going to have a video for the “Dancin” record and the one with myself and Sleepy Brown.
Q: You’ve mentioned having Sleepy Brown, Jelly Roll & Snoop Dogg on the album; who else appears?
We’re still finishing up. I still want to make about six more records. We got some more big collaborations that are coming, I’m ‘bout to venture off into some other stuff. I don’t want to actually say it until we put it down, but I got some surprises up my sleeves. It’s going to be fun, everybody just stay tuned. I’m just happy and excited about my project.
One thing about is that I got my album “Don’t Get Meatballed” coming out, and then I got a group project coming out and another solo album dropping after that. There will be a lot of material coming out to feed my fans like I never got the chance to.
Q: Tell us about this group.
It’s called “The Business.” That’s the name of the group. I have a couple of different artists from different regions; a couple artists from the west coast, I got one from Atlanta and a couple of artists from Philly. We all connected to make this one push. It’s going to a lot of fun. It sounds tight when you got these different artists coming together from the west coast and down south and the east coming together to make a push. It sounds off the hook with these west coast beats with all these different voices on it from different regions and it’s going to be tight. It’s something different.
Q: How many members are in the group?
There are a whole lot of us, no certain number. We’re just going to keep coming with different shit; it’s a lot of us connected together. It’s just going to be off the hook. Some artists are already known that are going to roll with us. They’re already established artists.
Q: We’re looking forward to that.
It’s going to be off the hook. I’m just having fun. I want to say much love to everybody that’s been supporting me in these times that I’ve been away. I’m just coming back now to put my foot down the way it’s supposed to be done.
Q: That group project will drop sometime after “Don’t Get Meatballed” which will be your fifth solo. Tell us about the overall sound of this specific album and what sets it aside from your other four solos.
I feel like with this album, I got a lot of different produces that have fire. When you listen to the records, there are a whole lot of different styles on the record. Whichever producer did the track for me, I rap according to the track so it changes up my style. There’s a whole lot of different stuff on there. There’s a lot of stuff for the females. I got the hardcore stuff for my hardcore fans. It’s just having fun with the music. I just feel like its way different than a lot of stuff that’s out there because you hear some artist’s music and you get tired of listening to it after the first few tracks, that’s because it’s the same feel on every fuckin’ song. I’m coming with a whole different aspect to it and just dropping different styles. However the beat sounds, that’s how I’m rapping on it. There are a whole lot of different styles. It’s crazy, it’s off the hook. I know people are going to love it. Plus we’re going to have that short film in on it with the all videos that contain stuff you can’t see on TV.
Q: How many videos are on the project?
It’s going to be at least eight or nine of them; it’s going to be tight.
Q: That’s a lot!
For real! We got a lot of work to do, but its fun now because I got the right team behind me that I never had before. I have good people behind me that are watching my back and making sure ain’t anybody getting over. I’m just getting ready to push my line and do my job.
Q: Including “Don’t Get Meatballed” Which of your five solo albums is your favorite and why?
I would say this new album “Don’t Get Meatballed” is my favorite because one thing about is, I keep up with the times. Me and my friend were talking today, a lot of rappers that came out around the time that I did still sound the same fuckin’ way they did five-ten years ago. They don’t keep up with the times with what’s going on and that’s why there still not considered dope artists. They fell off and stayed in that same box. You have to know how to keep up with the times and keep your music tight as an MC. That’s what I did; regardless of me being away, I always studied my craft and always stayed writing and learning different styles and coming up with different ideas because I know it’s going to be a time where I come back in the scene and I crush it; that’s what it is. This album right here is my favorite but I still love my first album, it’s a classic with the “Take a Ride” and “Sherm Sticc.” One thing about my first album, I didn’t have any features on there, I plan on doing another album like that, as well as I’m going to do another “Crip Hop” album, volume two. That’s going to be off the meat rack. There are a lot of tricks up my sleeve.
Q: Your mentioning all these new projects, do you ever plan on reissuing any of your albums in the future?
We’re going to digitally re-master and put out some of the old albums like “Take a Ride.” Basically all of them, we’re going to have them for sale. A lot of people ask me how they can get certain albums of mine that they don’t know how to get, so we’re going to be selling them on my website and everything; All the classics and everything.
Q: When can the fans look forward to that taking off?
That will be available within’ the next few weeks. We’re actually getting everything together right now. We’re re-doing my page on myspace and we’re going to have it open so everyone can get those albums, which want to get them.
Q: I believe you’ve already mentioned a few of the strategies you have, but give us some more on what strategies you have planned out to promote and move units with this upcoming album since the industry is seeing a decline in sales?
Basically, one thing about me and my team, we’re about to venture off into this film thing and that’s where my heart really is. It’s going to be a visual aspect to this music. Not just putting out music, we’re putting it out with a visual aspect to it so the fans can actually pop in the cd and look at what’s going on and see what I really mean with my music when you see the actions and film behind it. It’s going to be something different other than just putting out a record. We’re putting added value to our projects with this film shit.
Q: If we can just switch gears really quick, what was the story on that album “Still Trued Up?”
“Still Trued Up” was a mixtape; Just songs and freestyles I put together. I hooked up with my boy J. Silver.
Q: A lot of fans were confused when it came out.
It’s just basically a mixtape. That really wasn’t an album that I’m releasing. “Don’t Get Meatballed” is my full-length album with all the fire on it. I got a lot of different producers on there; my boy Jelly Roll, DJ Silk, E-Rock who actually did the title track, “Don’t Get Meatballed.” My homie Rhythm D, who actually did a lot of work with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Eazy-E; I got my boy Josef Leimberg who did the Sleepy Brown record with Silk; he also did a record I got called “I’m a Hog” and “Don’t Get Out Of Line.” All the producers I got are top notch so this is my real full-length album I got coming out with all my heart and soul into it; this is not a mixtape, this is my album “Don’t Get Meatballed” and this is the business. That means a lot of these guys out here are quick to pick up a gun, “Don’t Get Meatballed” is saying that. A lot of guys are still scared and are cowards; they rather pick up a gun instead of fighting. A lot of these guys out are scared to take it from the shoulders; scared to take an ass whopping. A coward can kill a motherfucker’ with a gun, it’s a whole lot of cowards with guns killing niggas everyday who ain’t got the heart of a puppy. It doesn’t take a lot to kill somebody. Basically what I meant by “Don’t Get Meatballed” is don’t be scared to take it from the shoulders, a lot of good people would still be around if people weren’t so quick to pick up a pistol. So that’s what the title is about.
Q: I’m feeling that explanation of the title.
Exactly!
Q: A lot of people were confused with the title, so thanks for that.
If they don’t understand “Don’t Get Meatballed” don’t get knocked the fuck out.
Q: (Laughs): I like that.
Word, yeah.
Q: Do you plan on hooking up with Celly Cel and Spice 1 to make another Criminalz album?
Them my folks, I got nothing but love for Celly Cel and Spice (1). One thing about it, that was never meant to be a group, I was just working with them on a project where I supplied my services and did a lot of songs with them. It was never a group thing.
I’m about to put a super-group together. Watch me, I got some fire with some off the wall MC’s that I’m about to put together collaborations together with artists that are legends in the game, we’re going to do this thing.
I look forward to working Spice (1) and (Celly) Cel again, them my folks, and we’re family. We’re definitely going to keep pushing and making things happen.
Q: This super-group you speak of, is that “The Business” group you told us about earlier?
Exactly; I don’t want to say names, but there’s going to be some legends that are down with it too that the world know already when we collaborate.
I don’t want to say names because the last group I put together, niggas tried to break us up. I don’t know, I had that Riflemen shit crackin’ with me, Mobb Deep, Kurupt and 40 Glocc and I don’t know how that never took place. I feel like it’ll still happen when Prodigy gets out of jail; me and Kurupt are still tight. I want to put that project together because I think that group and everything, as soon as we hooked up, niggas got scared of that because they knew a lot of rappers would have lost their job; we’re going to put that back together eventually and still make that happen.
Q: Definitely. Young Nube was prominently featured on your last solo album “Crip Hop”, what’s he been up to these days?
Nube is out there chillin’; he got his rap skills tight. I look forward to working with him again. He’s a good dude and the females love him. I’m definitely going to put him down with the team and hook up so we can put out some new material in the future because he’s off the hook with the rapping now. He has grown up a little bit, but he’s still little, he’s still a little dude. He is real sharp at what he do.
Q: So we can definitely look forward to you two working again?
Real talk, that’s my folks for life; that’s the little homie right there. He was about eight or nine when we used to have him in the clubs and he used to come out C-Walking, doing his thing – that’s my dog for life.
Q: That’s what’s up.
And I got my boy Baby Down putting his craft down, he’s rolling with me; my homie Crook that did “Hotter Than Fish Grease” and he’s on this lovely record with me – Crook use to do all my shows with me, so it’s a lot of cool stuff going down. I’m just connected with all my folks that I used to work with in the past and just moving towards the future, getting this money and having fun with this rap music what it’s suppose to be.
Q: Baby Down, you had a dope appearance on his street album “Let a Thug Hit It.”
That’s my boy. Baby Down used to do the same thing, I have been knowing him since he was 13-14, we hooked up on the “Trued Up” video and he was C-Walking up in that. We’ve been tight ever since. He has fire. He’s doing his thing. Look out for him too. I’m just out here having fun, living life. I feel like the world will be mine in a minute. Much love to all the fans that stayed down with me, at the time where I was doing my thing trying to figure out and go in the right direction before I signed with anybody. Although I had deals and options on the table, doing things with G-Unit, and other things with different people, I felt that wasn’t my calling – things didn’t work out that way, I started my own company and pushed my own line where I own everything I do – my masters and everything. Now when I drop my projects over the next 5-10 years, I know it’s all mine. I’m just blessed to be back in it and doing it the right way. I feel like signing with another rapper wasn’t meant to happen for me because I know that I’m too big of an artist to sign with someone else who won’t ever make me as they are. I had to take matters in my own hands. I’m now about to put out dope MC’s and give them the light that they deserve and handle it the way business is supposed to be handled.
Q: That’s a beautiful thing right there.
Real talk!
Q: Some fans wanted me to ask you about Ice Cube and WC. You’ve made some great music with them, any chance of you re-connecting with them?
Yeah, that’s family. I want to be apart of that new Westside Connection, but I’m not going to say anything. I feel like if it’s bound to happen, whatever. There legends in the game and I definitely want to work with those guys again. It would be a blessing because I bring my all to the table and WC is my dog as is Ice Cube. There some legends, I look forward to making good music with them in the future and just having fun, getting this money. It’s definitely going down. (Ice) Cube actually did a show out here in San Diego a few months ago and he let Diego (San Diego) know that I put it down and put Diego on the map. It’s all love with us, we’re definitely going to do more work in the future which I’m looking forward to.
It’s crazy; I hooked up with my boy, my OG Scarface last night. He called me after his concert. My friend was out there for his birthday party. My friend birthday was yesterday and he was in Denver and Scarface had a show out there. He hooked up with him and Scarface called me and we re-connected. We’re going to be doing a lot of stuff in the future. I’m just having fun, connecting with the G’s and pushing my line.
Q: Does that mean the fans can maybe expect to see Scarface on “Don’t Get Meatballed?”
It’s possible. We’re supposed to hook up before he goes overseas in October. It’s possible; I’m just spreading my wings and just connecting with everybody that I’ve worked with in the past. Much love to my dog, Rest in Peace to my OG Jam Master Jay for looking out for a young dude like me and discovering me at a young age while I was on the run from Y.A., and seeing something in me. He also discovered 50 Cent and Onyx; he had an ear for that music. I just want to say Rest in Peace to Jam Master Jay, much love. I’m just about to push my line and make everybody proud.
Q: Another questioned I wanted to ask you in terms of previous relationship is Knoc-turn’al. You popped up on his group mixtape with MathMadix. Have you had any contact with Knoc?
I haven’t talked to Knoc in a while but I look forward to hooking up with him again because he’s a good dude and he makes good music. We’re definitely going to do some more work too; Knoc-turn’al is off the hook. I definitely want to work with him again, whatever it takes. Hit me on myspace or something OG, let’s get it crackin!
Q: We need to get you two back together.
Hopefully that connection can be back made again. It’s all love, I hope they hit me up.
I want to say much love to my dog Slim (Tha Mobster) over there at Aftermath with (Dr) Dre and them, that’s my folk. He (Slim Tha Mobster) is on my new album too. We just been putting it down for a while and he got a break to get over there, he doing his thing. Congratulations on that new “Detox” album and I’m just out here pushing having fun; getting ready to count my blessing and still happy that through it all, I stand tall; I’m back for there heads.
Q: You know you can’t say the word “Detox” in an interview and not have me ask you about it (laughs).
I really haven’t had contact with (Dr) Dre, my boy DJ Silk is over there working with him though; He the dude that did “Hotter than Fish Grease” he working with them right now. I know it’s going to be off the hook – I’m just happy for my dog, I’m not trippin. – I do me, we’re going to work together in the future or whatever. I’m just pushing my line and do what I do.
One thing about is with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, I came in the game through a whole different angle – I was signed with Def Jam and did my thing a whole different way. I look forward to working with guys like that, it would be a blessing. I’m just going to do my job so when the opportunity does knock, I be out here crackin’ already so I’m not here holding my hands out. I got to step up to the plate as an artist and do me. That’s what it is.
Q: I’m sure our readers will feel that.
On the real!
Q: Thanks for your time Jayo. End this interview by telling all the fans why they should go cop “Don’t Get Meatballed” when it drops.
It’s official, it’s my latest music. I haven’t dropped an album since “Crip Hop” and they know I was going off the meat rack on that. I put “Crip Out” on my own as well. I just look at it like it’s my new stuff, my new up to date music. It’s all my heart and soul and I know the fans are waiting for it – I love y’all for having my back, “Don’t Get Meatballed” don’t get knocked the fuck out (laughs). One shot Kill, y’all know the business.
