The Cali artist has just dropped his best project yet
When listening to “Woe”, J. Hurt’s second single off of his latest project Between Heaven and Benjamins, the Cali bred emcee flows effortlessly over a thumping bass with the confidence of a seasoned artist in the game. Those who don’t pay close enough attention though, may miss the serious content and lyrical dexterity displayed in the track from start to finish. In a sense, that dynamic is what makes J. Hurt so promising. He’s managed to show his ability to make quality songs, while not sacrificing the depth of his content in the process. At the rate he’s going, he has the potential to join the short list of rappers who have managed to combine the best of both worlds and breakthrough in the industry. Before any of that though, we made sure we sat down and talked to him first. Enjoy!
1. How did the name “Between heaven and Benjamins come about?The name “Between Heaven and Benjamins” represents the moral battles that we face trying to survive in a world consumed by vanity. We’re all stuck in a balancing act of morality and survival, on so many levels. No matter what religion or god you subscribe to there is one thing we all are consumed by, the necessity of money.
2. What kinda vibe are you bringing into the rap game? I aim to make music that is sonically appealing but also evokes emotion and thought. I’d say the type of energy and consciousness a 2pac, a Kanye, or a J.Cole brought to the rap game, that’s what I’m bringing in my own way.
3. What’s the most rewarding thing about what you do?Though I’m obviously not the biggest most popular artist out, I have had some of those who do listen to my material say that my music has saved them or got them through some extremely low points in life. When someone really understands and connects with my lyrics on that level it’s a great feeling.
4. How do you feel about the state of the rap game?I like the diversity but I don’t like the monopoly of it. So many great artists out there who don’t get to reach that mainstream platform because they aren’t connected with the people who control those platforms. As much as the internet age has opened the door for the independent artist to rise in there own, I feel as though music that reaches a certain level of notoriety is still predominately controlled by the industry. When you really research the come-up of certain folks who came up “independent,” there was almost always a cosign, backing of a powerful individual, or something of that nature.
5. What are your long term dreams & goals going forward? Going forward i’d like to have my music to be on display on the largest scale possible. I really want to impact the culture and society as a whole, and music is my outlet. My short term goals very much impact my long term goals because I’d like to use my success to empower the success of others within my community and eventually globally. But obviously first I need success, so I guess I have to take it one step at a time.
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