Jay-M Interview
Over the weekend HCM connected with rising rap artist Jay-M. The rapper told us briefly about how he was drawn to becoming a rapper, his latest project, as well as some of the challenges he faces as a rapper in today’s industry. Check out his interview to learn more about Jay-M and his plans for the future.
HCM. How did you come by your stage name?
Jay-M. My name is Steve Muir Jr. so my parents called me Jay from an early age, which is short for Junior. The ‘M’ just stands for my last name ‘Muir’. Also, I’m from Jamaica. So it’s like a play on the Jamaican acronym, ‘JA’ but, instead of ‘JM’, it’s spelled ‘Jay-M’.
HCM. When did you discover your love for music and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Jay-M. I discovered music at the age of 6. I would sing songs that I would hear on 106 and Park, and my family thought I was good. A few years later, at age 9, I would freestyle with my older cousin, and we would make a lot of YouTube videos freestyling. I started to pursue music when I attended High School in Elmont, New York. Where I met friends that would rap in a huddle during lunchtime. This made me want to go home and write bars, so I could showcase them for the next lunch cipher. My peers realized I was really good, and so I decided to take it a little more seriously.
HCM. To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
Jay-M. I would say, Nas.
HCM. On your current album… How did you come up with the concept for this project?
Jay-M. My debut album ‘Til Death Do Us Part’ released on August 28th, 2020. I wanted to create something that showed my passion for music. I feel like a lot of new rappers today don’t speak from the heart, and only do music for the wrong reasons. So that’s how the idea for this album sparked. It speaks on topics like my triumphs, downfalls, finding true love, and finding happiness within myself.
HCM. What are some of your greatest challenges as an artist, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Jay-M. My greatest challenge is my inconsistency in putting out content in a timely manner.
My greatest attribute is that when I start working on music, I don’t stop until everything is completed.
HCM. What impression would you like listeners to be left with after hearing your music?
Jay-M. I want to leave my listeners speechless and wanting to hear more.
HCM. What are your plans for the near future?
Jay-M. To be one of the biggest artists in the world.
HCM. Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
Jay-M. I would like to thank my parents for believing in my dreams, and my friends who’ve supported me since day one.
For more info and details about Jay-M, contact him via email at:
Connect with Jay-M on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Check out “Til Death Do Us Part” here:
hoodcriticmagazine.com 