Str8HipHip

Str8HipHop.Com gets familiar with New Jack: J Starks

Interview By Curtis Bowens (SHH Staff Writer)

SHH:How's everything going, J?

J Starks: Mayne...everything is good. My first mix tape is out on the streets and I'm getting some great responses. People are really feeling my music.

SHH:Well since you brought it up. Your first mix tape is called "Hip-Hop Is MySpace Vol.1." Why did you give it that title?

J Starks: Look at MySpace! It's what's hot right now, but now everybody and they momma think they can sing, rap, or DJ. I've been doing music since I was 9 years old, working from the ground up...not knowing anything about the music industry. I'm not saying longevity is the key, but people think you can get a deal by uploading a couple tracks on MySpace or by the number of friends they have. Come on! People are living in dreams, and fail to realize that you're not going to make it anywhere if you don't get off the computer and start making noise in your city. I have club hits...I have conscious lyrics...and I'm making noise in a city that I'm not even from. I have music people can feel and relate to...so I feel "Hip Hop is my space."

SHH:What's the deal? Are you from Chicago or Waco? Where are you now?

J Starks: I'm from Waco, Texas...but we call it "THA CO." I love my city, but I got a lot of respect for Chi-town. And since I moved to the Chi...I've grown so much as an artist and everybody out here shows me so much love! It's my second home.

SHH: Being that there is so many unknown artists in the industry. Who is J Starks? And what are you bringing to the game?

J Starks: I mean come on... (Laughs) who come out with a song called "Ice Cream, Soda Water" and it's HOT? (Laughs) I don't mean to boast, but I took the concept from a Southern Double Dutch song and related it to my own personal relationships. Those are real girls in that song that I've had crushes on or have dated in my past. Which answers the question about, "Who is J Starks?"Well...I'm a give it to you real no matter what. I feel like that's the problem with Hip Hop and most of music today because artists are being molded into something that they aren't. I'M NOT A GANGSTA! I'M NOT A PUNK! But as an artist, we use music to explain a lifestyle, things we've been through, seen, or have done. Don't just listen to one track and think you know who J Starks is.

SHH:I've listened to several of your tracks. What is the phrase "FEEL THAT" all about?

J Starks: FEEL THAT! (Laughs) I say that on my tracks, because I want people to feel my music. If you listen to my lyrics...you'll find out that I do not just rhyme words together, but I'm delivering a message.
SHH: Why do you have your personal cell phone number on your MySpace page? Are you biting off of Mike Jones?

J Starks: 254-733-3839. HA! Nah, I'm not biting off Mike Jones. I don't know what his reasons were for putting his number out to the public, but mine are to show the people that I'm only a phone call away. You want to talk business? We can talk business. You want to just show me some love? Cool. There's been plenty of instances where I've called people back and told them how much I appreciate there support.

SHH:Are you signed? Because it seems like you're pretty tight with H24 Records owner, Joey "Hitman" Mitchell.

J Starks: Nah. I'm not signed. But Hitman is my partner and one of the first producers I've worked with that didn't try to turn me into something that I'm not. Anywhere I go, he goes and vice versa. A lot of artists don't understand the concept between loyalty and trust. You can't make it in the business without having a strong team or foundation holding you down. That's like a quarterback trying to run the offense with out an offensive line – You'd get get sacked every time! Me, Hitman and producer HalfMan HalfAmazing – We are what make up H24 Records, and ya'll can expect future projects coming out of the H24 camp.

SHH:So what is it that we can expect next from you?

J Starks: Everything. From shows to guest appearances... I'll be there. "Hip-Hop Is MySpace Vol. 2" is coming soon, but just keep ya'll ears to the street because ya'll definitely going to hear more from J Starks...

SHH:Okay, here is your chance to give the world some plugs. How can people get in contact with you, and where can we get that mix tape?

J Starks: They can email me at jae.starks@gmail.com, go to my website www.j-starks.net where I have my mailing address, my cell phone number 254-733-3839, or www.myspace.com/jstarksmusic. You can get your copy of the mix tape for FREE by visiting my MySpace page and clicking the "Buy Now" button – FEEL THAT!