What inspired you to start rapping, and when did you begin?
I was inspired to start rapping when I realized that music had a healing effect on me. I also enjoyed singing other people’s songs, which motivated me to write my own. That journey began when I was 13 years old, but I only started releasing music in 2020.
Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?
ATI is my biggest influence, along with Nasty C. I admire how they make music.
Can you tell us about your first experience performing live?
My emotions were all over the place—I was anxious and had stage fright. I didn’t know how to interact with the crowd. This performance was at the University of Botswana during one of the pageants. As soon as I got off the stage, I left.
How do you approach writing your lyrics and creating your beats?
I don’t create beats myself; I have a producer who understands what I want and helps with my creative process. Sometimes, I’ll hum a melody or send him a recorded freestyle from my phone, and he’ll create a beat that complements it. When it comes to writing lyrics, I need to be in the right mood or zone. I usually freestyle the first two lines when I hear a beat, which sets the tone for what I’ll write about, although I’m not much of a freestyler. Often, I draw inspiration from whatever experience I’m going through at the time, which influences what I write.
What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your music?
I don’t have a specific core message that I aim to share with the world. I usually try to reflect on my own experiences, those of others, or on a larger scale, what’s happening in the world.
Can you walk us through your typical day in the studio?
I usually book an appointment with my producer in advance. If I bring a beat with me, I also come prepared with written lyrics. However, if I arrive at the studio without a beat, my producer creates one from scratch while I write to it. Then the recording process begins. Sometimes, I’ll record what I have at the time, continue writing, and finish recording at a later session. So, my creative process varies.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far?
Getting bookings and creating awareness around my brand has been my biggest challenge. Although I understand that getting bookings is something every upcoming artist struggles with because they’re unknown, it’s still a significant hurdle. Also, getting my craft exposed to the world and appreciated is not easy.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to create new music?
Listening to music and drawing from my personal experiences keeps me motivated and inspired to create new music.
Are there any non-musical influences that shape your artistry?
My audience and my family are my core supporters; they drive me. I’m fortunate to have a family that’s willing to help me where they can so that I can fulfil my goals.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with and why?
I would love to collaborate with ATI because I admire his persona and his music. His music uplifts and inspires me.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or releases you’re excited about?
Right now, I’m still promoting my current single called *Energy*. I’m on a mission to market it and ensure it reaches the right audience. Until then, I won’t be dropping new music.
How do you choose the producers and artists you work with?
I choose to work with people who are skilled and dedicated to their craft. However, it’s also important that we vibe well with each other.
What’s your view on the current state of the hip-hop/rap industry?
I don’t focus much on the state of the industry; I just concentrate on my craft and appreciate others’. So, I can’t really comment on the current state of the industry.
How do you connect with your fans and build your audience?
Social media has made it easier for me, so I use it to connect and interact with my current and potential fans. I really enjoy socializing with my audience.
What advice would you give to aspiring rappers looking to break into the industry?
I wouldn’t advise anyone to focus on “breaking into” the industry. Instead, I’d encourage them to keep working on their craft and expose it to the world. Eventually, you’ll grow and gain recognition for your work. So, just do your own thing, work hard, and push your craft—doors will eventually open for you.
Where do you see your career in the next five years?
I can’t predict exactly where my career will be in the future, but it will be where it’s supposed to be at that time, and I’ll still be working on my craft. So, only God and the universe know.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the music world?
I want to leave the world with good, relatable music, and for my name, “Jay Dee,” to be synonymous with that. It’s important to me that people connect with and resonate with the content in my music.
Are there any other artistic or entrepreneurial ventures you’re interested in pursuing?
There are a lot of talented people who face many struggles trying to succeed as musicians, and I empathize with them because I relate to their struggles. That’s why I want to establish a record label that will develop, nurture, and promote talent with the aim of helping artists build sustainable music careers.
How do you balance your personal life with your music career?
I do my best to balance my personal life and music career. I have a set process for maintaining that balance, so I just go with the flow of things.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not making music?
When I’m not working on music-related stuff, I spend my time socializing or enjoying family time because I really love being in the presence of my family.
Miranda