Jamaal is a 19-year-old up-and-coming emcee out of Leimart Park, California. His music thrives off of relatable material that pertains to love, partying, and other aspects of teenage life. His goal is to inspire his demographic and bring innovation to the Hip hop culture. Many believe the genre needs a breath of fresh air and Jamaal certainly emphasizes that meaning.
“I feel as if my music is different in the sense that my music is relatable” Jamaal says. “That’s why I feel as if my brand of music brings something new to the culture.”
His recently released mixtape entitled The Cool Table definitely grasps the feeling of nostalgic teenage memory.
With his project creating a buzz around California, it was necessary to find out what he’s about, and who he’s become. Jamaal exemplifies the pure talent that makes one realize he’s not your every day run of the mill emcee. His versatility is extremely notable, making it hard to be comparable to other emcees. His talent is recognizable enough to earn the first TruHype interview.
PaulMeara.com caught up with Jamaal to talk about his blossoming career, balancing school with emceeing, message and more.
On your band information page, it says that you want to add something new to the culture. In what way do you feel your music is innovative?
Jamaal: I feel as if my music is different in the sense that my music is relatable for my demographic. I’m 19 years old we deal with a lot of things; whether it’s serious, love, or a party album I want to show my versatility which is what I do on “The Cool Table”. That’s why I feel that my music brings something new to the culture.
Both of your parents were probation officers; what was their reaction towards your reaction to make hip hop a main priority?
Jamaal: When I started in 2010, my mother had no idea. We started getting a buzz in L.A. and I felt like she needed to know. Both of my parents were very supportive. They were excited to see how I’ll progress in the hip hop genre.
Was there ONE moment that sparked your love for hip hop and made you realize this is what you want to do?
Jamaal: I’ve been an avid music consumer since I can remember. I grew up on it. I can recall when Drake dropped “So Far Gone”, he alone sparked my interest.
You attend the University of California, how do you balance out school work and hip hop?
Jamaal: It’s tough; you have to take advantage of your free time. I put time into myself after class and write some bars. During winter break and spring break I record, so I find a balance.
What do you personally think is more important, a dream or an education?
Jamaal: Dreams are priceless, if you have one it can be very powerful and uplifting. When you witness someone accomplish their dream, it motivates others around you. Education is extremely stereotypical. You need to do what you love to do and make the best of it.
What message are you trying to portray to your demographic, and where did the inspiration from your messages come from?
Jamaal: The message that I try to portray is that us as young adults go through good and bad. I want that seen in my music and I want people to acknowledge that. I get inspiration from Drake because his music is pretty relatable; he sheds light on his own life, which is what I want to do.
What do you think of the west coast hip hop scene at the moment?
Jamaal: It’s booming; we’re the only portion of the country that has stars, or stars in the making, from Dom Kennedy, Casey Veggies, Nipsey Hussle, YG, hopefully I can throw myself in there, and I think it’s a great time to be from the west coast.
If you had the opportunity to collaborate with one west coast MC, one southern MC, and one east coast MC, who would you choose?
Jamaal: A west coast artist I would love to collaborate with is Dom Kennedy, a southern artist I would love to collaborate with is J. Cole, and an east coast artist I would love to work is A$AP Rocky.
- Kamron Bahani
