Over the weekend HCM linked up with Seattle rap artist Junior for an interview. The artist gave us an exclusive look into his past and how he was attracted to the rap culture at an early age, evolving into the artist he is today. He also gave us a brief look at some of his upcoming projects as well as his involvement with an upcoming short film. To find out more about the artist known as Junior, check out his interview to bring you up to speed.
HCM. How did you come by your stage name?
Junior. It’s just a part of my real name and everyone knows me by it. My whole family calls me Junebug or nunu. And I’m second to the throne from my dad he influences me to stay strong and be who I am.
HCM. When did you discover your love for music and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Junior. Around the 3rd grade
Herminios Cardenas Junior AKA. Junior. Is an upcoming rapper from Seattle, but the story begins in San Francisco California where Junior was born and grew up in Richmond, California.
Since Junior was a kid he loved rap. He could remember his big brother playing 2pac “Do for love” around the time Junior was in the 3rd grade. Junior could not understand the words but he felt or what PAC said but the beat moved Junior in a way he couldn’t explain.
From that day Junior loved rap. As the years went by he grew and so did hip-hop within him as well. Junior started writing when he was in 10th grade but knew he wasn’t developed at writing and did not want to tell anyone until he felt happy with his development. Love and hunger started taking over. Junior turned 21 when he had his first show in Seattle at Studio 7. Jump to today and Junior is a 26-year-old rapper ready to take over the world with his music.
HCM. To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
Junior. 2pac and Nipsey is a huge influence.
HCM. On your current/upcoming album… How did you come up with the concept for this project?
Junior. “King Me” I just been wanting to be a King my whole life, someone to be looked up to, people to respect. A king is a real man, he leads his people in the right way and thinks about everyone and himself and he rules all and adds value to one’s name.
HCM. What are some of your greatest challenges as an artist, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Junior. Making sure to focus on me, not to please everyone because in life you make anyone happy unless you’re happy.
HCM. What impression would you like listeners to be left with after hearing your music?
Junior. Knowing anyone can do it. From when I joined Emerald City Creative Entertainment I was really starting, developing finding who Junior is and now I have grown into a name and style of music people can really get behind.
HCM. What are your plans for the near future?
Junior. Working on the next album, “Mob Ties”, an influence on today’s world, lifestyles, and imaginations. This album will be a story, there won’t just be a music video for each song, the whole album will be a short film. The whole story will take place in Mexico the project starts to date this year with a recording album then full production filming in Mexico in March/April sometime.
HCM. Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
Junior. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my father, he still lives and works in Mexico, that’s another reason to do and base my next album on Mexican traditions and life, he’s always straight up with me and telling me how it is, LOVE YOU, PADRE!
Like to thank Emerald City Creative Entertainment my label helping me get into the doors that are leading me to a path of success.
Like to thank my cameraman Mikey (@mikeywiththemovies)for turning my thoughts into a movie and believing in me to create masterpieces and also putting up with me because sometimes I ask a lot but it all works out.
Like to thank my manager Sean Sibert (@sibertsean) for not only believing in me but for being my friend and separating business from friendship. Sean also gets me out of my comfort zone to try new things and hell, look where we at now!!
And most of all, I want to thank all the homies, my future wife, my mama, and all the fans!!
For all booking and additional information contact manager Sean Sibert at sean@emeraldcitycreativeent.com
Connect with Junior on social media:
Instagram: @junior_king253
https://www.facebook.com/Juniorofficialmusic/
https://www.emeraldcitycreativeent.com/junior
https://open.spotify.com/artist/77sFUXsni5lU5C4B0XFmMI?si=IJwHmVNHTGuRk604grNJ-A
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