As a Muscle 4 Hire Ent co-founder J Blass has been responsible for guiding the career of some promising MCs that have blessed the NYC Hip Hop scene in recent years. As an artist himself, he has never lost sight of the lessons that life has taught him, the consequences he has faced for his decisions, and the therapy that the music has been. Focusing on the release of 3 pending projects, the BX born and raised rapper / entrepeneur is in the midst of a heavy promo campaign. We recently caught up with him on the trail to get an inside scoop on what the fans can expect musically. Check it out:
Jason Bourne: I understand you played sports during your younger years. Talk to us about the development of the competitive spirit that football helped you with ?
J Blass: Yeah man I did more than play sports. I was gifted to be honest. Football was my first love ! As far as the nature of competition football helped me understand that losing is not an option. That hard work pays off, and the goal is to be the best, and to do so you have to outwork the competition. Football strengthened me, physically and spiritually. The best way I can describe it is a way of life.
Jason Bourne: You were on deck to get a scholarship to Penn State? What happened with that J
Blass: To put it plain, I ended up catching two cases and going up north. I was the outcast after that. With all the politics in sports, they don’t like dealing with you or investing money in you when you start to have legal issues. I guess I understand now. back then, not so much. I was caught. Whats that saying- product of your environment; I guess.
Jason Bourne: What lesson did you learn from that turmoil?
J Blass: I learned the reality of what they say about how things can change in a NY Minute. I was down spiritually for a while, but I understand the consequence, and I learned to never take things for granted.
Jason Bourne; When did you transition to pursuing music?
J Blass: I've always loved the music, and had dreams of rapping. Coming up in the hood who didn't ? We would always imitate our favorite stars. Not to mention I've always been very creative, and well spoken. So the transition was easy really. While football was the focus, I really didnt haev the timet to go full blast, but once the reality set in, I knew I could transfer my energy. A little while after I came home, I began to put together some of the thoughts I had while away, and jot them down on papaer. That was the beginning.
Jason Bourne: What’s some of the reaction you were getting from those around you?
J Blass: I've been blessed to have some solid people in my life who are supportive at all times. They told me straight up that I could make it!
Jason Bourne: What's the first song you recorded?
J Blass: Damn you taking me back. The first song I recorded was called, The Evil That Men Do.
Jason Bourne: Rumor has it that you are wasting no time with your releases, and have talked about working on 3 projects at once, what’s the science behind that?
J Blass: Its not a rumor my brother. I feel like in todays game you have to come with your best. There's no time to waste. Thats a motto I have always had. Working on all three projects is challenging, but I give myself time and space to work on something raw. Something very organic. Something me and the team can be proud.
Jason Bourne: AS a native of the BX talk to us about the impact the culture of Hip Hop had on you growing up?
J Blass: What can I not say about the impact. It was everything, and still is. It was around, all the time. People in my family were into music, so it just was there in a sense. It was always a motivation. Growing up in the South Bronx, then moving uptown I was introduced even more. Let's not forget that the Bronx is the home of Hip Hop. We were apart of building the culture.
Jason Bourne: You've made appearances on some very credible radio stations while promoting you brand, how important do you think internet radio has been to NY Hip Hop
J Blass: Internet radio is very important ! As an artist, it gives you the outlet to reach a greater audience and assist with the marketing aspect. Music travels through social media, and internet radio. Thats where the game is at, and as an artists its a must that you take advantage of that.
Jason Bourne: What are some venues you have performed at?
Remedies, Two Shas, Producers Theater, to name a few. As a team we have been very active over the years. Shout out to Muscle 4 Hire Ent. Its about more than music. We are very tangible and put the footwork in.
Jason Bourne: You are Co-Founder of Muscle 4 Hire Ent, tell us about the label as a whole and its goal as far as music is concerned?
J Blass: its funny cause we have so many goals but it all surrounds establishing our brand of music and providing quality. We are lovers of Hip Hop. We plan to bring a movement that is genuine. We are a collective of MCs first and foremost, and we respect our craft and the culture. We are a breath of fresh air to the Industry!
Jason Bourne: Can we get release dates for these projects? Any features?
Looking at May for releasing all three lord willing, The Resistance, Death of an Immortal and Hard & Bee Vol.1 In terms of features we have been in the studio with some dope MCs but I'll bring that info back to you next time Laughs)
Jason Bourne: Where can the people connect with you via Social Media?
J Blass Watch Me On The Gram!! @Blassvader