March 29, 2024
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JoneZen

JoneZen - "Do It Myself (feat. Dubbs) Prod. by Atomic Beats" JoneZen - "Peep Game" JoneZen - "Bombs Away (Feat. D' Meetri)"

What’s Up everyone, it’s Johnny O and I’m back once again with another exclusive interview here on the Underground Spotlight. This time around we have Detroit born, but now LA based rapper JoneZen. I actually will have a review of his upcoming album Beautiful Disaster in the very near future. When I say near, I mean a few days. So, be on the lookout for that as well! I’ll be sure to update this spotlight with links when it goes up.

Anyway JoneZen has done some amazing things already in his career and life, including recording an album in rehab and even performing in a movie. Regardless, it’s the music that matters. So, check out this exclusive Faygoluvers interview and give the tracks a listen. Well, let’s get this thing started…

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Johnny O: First off could you introduce yourself for those who made not have heard of JoneZen before?

JoneZen: Detroit bred. Been on the west coast for 10 years. LA Music Awards winner for Hip Hop Artist of the Year. Used to play with a group called Outta Control. I’ve toured and recorded with guys like Swollen Members, Living Legends, and Hieroglyphics. Ruined my career in an alcohol addiction that almost took my life. Went to rehab with a studio, recorded my Live From Rehab Mixtape and been on the come up every sense I put it out. All that sort of cumulated in winning the LA Music Awards and I’m still moving. Real independent, hard working, artist out here representing for that #thepartyaintover movement. That’s pretty much me in a nutshell.

JO: Although most artists hate the question, I have to ask how you would describe your to potential fans?

JZ: Real artist. No cookie cutter BS. I talk about my life, my experiences and relate to my fans on their level. This isn’t flashy cars and women hip-hop. This is a movement. An underdog story. A comeback. The party ain’t over! In terms of who I sound like I’d go with MGK meets Eminem with a little J Cole thrown in the mix.

JO: Before really get into things, I know that you’re from Detroit, but currently based in LA, how different would you say the two are?

JZ: They are different worlds my man. But at the same time each has its share of the same stuff. Lots of hungry people trying to cut through to the next level. Hollywood just has more lights, camera, action, and people selling you the dream.

JO: I know you had a stint in rehab, could you tell us about that?

JZ: Rehab was a trip and honestly a life changing experience that I don’t regret one bit. I wouldn’t be doing this interview without it. Long story short I was almost dead from alcohol abuse, my group had just split up, I was physically and emotionally dead, and ultimately faced with a choice-rehab or homeless. I chose rehab and was fortunate to find a place that would let me bring my studio. I struggled in there at first. I hated people telling me what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and all of that. I felt like my whole identity was being taken away from me and like my life would never be fun again. There is so much unknown, so much up in the air. You have no idea which direction your life is going to take, especially when you start to accept the changes that are taking place. All in all, it made me a better person, sharpened my grind, and allowed me to really push my music and career forward.

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JO: Of course, during this you also managed to record your Mixtape Live from Rehab, how was it recording this way?

JZ: I wrote every chance I got, downloaded every beat I could find, and would record on the weekends. I’d usually get through 2 songs a day. The studio was just set up in my room; you have to deal with roommates, staff members, and the schedule they keep you on. But I just worked around it. I went into that place determined to step my game up. My mentality was one of “ok you’re going to take me out of the world for a little bit, I don’t have to worry about making money or showing up to work, I’m just going to learn everything I can about this game, read, write, study other artists, and you just watch I’m going to come out of here a beast”. And I did that. People still don’t believe that album was ACTUALLY recorded in rehab-and it was.

JO: I actually heard that you also performed in an upcoming Jamie Kennedy movie.  How did this come about? And what was that experience like?

JZ: I do lead vocals in another group called Straight Jackitt and a lot of our material gets picked up by a company called Asylum and placed into lots of movies. Some guys we know through them were doing this Jamie Kennedy film and they wanted to use the track. Turns out the movie was about Jamie being a rocker guy and trying to get back together with his old band. They decided to make us that band so we got to be on set, play the song live, and Jamie played the guitar with us. It was sick. New experience. It’s crazy to see everything that goes into making a movie. Jamie actually wore one of my hats for the shooting and I never got it back. Jamie Kennedy you owe me a hat!! Haha.

JO: You were actually signed to a distribution deal with Famous Records/Fontana/Universal, how has this been for JoneZen?

JZ: It was a good learning experience. The record did OK but it wasn’t pushed. I got to work with the label, see what they were saying, how the process worked, and heard a whole lot of BS. When the time came to drop the album I sent them Live From Rehab and they loved it. I said that’s great man but what are we going to do different this time? First time around they didn’t book one show, no manager, no nothing all of which I was told before signing would happen. I wasn’t asking for money just to get some exposure. They talked a big game about how things would be different and ultimately I just decided it wasn’t the right place to be so I left and dropped Live From Rehab as a free download which I think was the right thing to do. Nothing against labels. I’m not saying I wouldn’t sign again. I’m just saying that wasn’t the right deal and Famous wasn’t the right place for me to be.

JO: Your first single, “Buried By Six” deals with overcoming addiction, which is obviously deeply personal. Is music with a message important to you?

JZ: Absolutely. But that’s not all you’ll get from me. And the music certainly isn’t preachy. Music for me has always been about expression, getting things off my chest, it’s therapeutic even dating back to 4th grade when I wrote my first lyrics. And that’s how I think you really connect with the fans. And that’s the best thing for me. There’s a line on the title track of the new album Beautiful Disaster that says “through these words that’s when you and I we become us”. That’s what music is really about to me. But at the same time you’ll get some stuff that isn’t filled with any message at all. Just some spit bars type shit. You have to be able to do that too and not take yourself too fucking seriously all the time. I’m not trying to be Bono.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UOiy3hacew[/youtube]

JO: How was the reception for the single?

JZ: According to the label it did well. And it got decent press. People still hit me up on social media saying they were bumping it. In my personal opinion I’ve done way stronger records than “Buried By Six.” Even at the time it came out I had some better stuff but the label wanted that track because FATHER MC produced it. But all in all the song did well, and it certainly hit home for a lot of people, which is a bigger accomplishment than any amount of money. I mean really I’ve had fans hit me up saying that record kept them from doing a lot of stupid shit. That’s unbelievable to me.

JO: You’ve obviously had the chance to perform or even work with some talented artists, but who would you love to work with?

JZ: Hip Hop wise-and I know it sounds super typical but I want to work with Eminem. I would hold my own. And if you can hold your own on a track with Em then nobody can fuck with you. Singer/songwriter wise I’d love to get down on something with Alicia Keys. But really the biggest for me would be to redo some of the covers that were on Live From Rehab with the original artists. For example I did a remake of “Fathers Eyes” by Eric Clapton as well as “If I Die Young” by the Band Perry. Being able to really cut new versions of those records with the actual groups and artists that wrote them would be unreal.

JO: Anything currently in the works for JoneZen that you could let us in on?

JZ: The new album Beautiful Disaster pre sales on June 23rd. You can find that anywhere music is sold. I’m also organizing a charity campaign and using the album to raise money for a non-profit called Music Makes Music. They tour high schools and deliver the message that kids need to get involved with the arts. The stats are incredible. Racism, drug use, violence, all decreases when people get involved with music. This is my way of getting back. You can find out all the details on YouTube.com/jonezenmusic or jonezenmusic.com. The album is 2 years in the making. There are a couple tracks that I held onto from rehab that are on the project. And I’m currently touring now in southern California. Will have more dates booked soon. To get all the details about the album, charity stuff, and tour dates, just hit my website. It’s all there. www.jonezenmusic.com

JO: Currently who are you listening to?

JZ: I’m rocking with Hopsin, Classified, Swollen Members, Pusha T, Tech, J Cole, and a little Kendrick.

JO: Who would you say have been your inspirations?

JZ: When I was a kid it was all about heavy rock. I was way into Metallica, Sepultura and then I got introduced to House Of Pain. That track “Jump Around” turned me into a hip-hop head, man. I used to blast that all day. But I have a lot of influences from Eric Clapton to Eminem. I listen to tons of music so it’s a really wide range. But what INSPIRES me to do what I’m doing is a love for music that I don’t know how to turn off. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. Another big inspiration is the messages from fans saying that I inspire them. That keeps me going.

JO: For those wanting to check out more from JoneZen or even snag a copy of the Mixtape, where should they go?

JZ: My official website has links to everything but here’s the full nine…. make sure to hit that YouTube up because there’s lots of new videos. Also, Live From Rehab is still on Datpiff as a free download. You can access that link from the home page of my website as well.

Jonezenmusic.com

Facebook.com/jonezenmusic

Twitter.com/jonezenmusic

Youtube.com/jonezenmusic

Soundcloud.com/jonezen

Instagram is just @jonezenmusic

Get at me! #thepartyaintover

JO: I always like to end with a few shouts to those who have always supported us, so how about a few before we go?

JZ: Lets start with my dude James and Dunn Deal PR. Big ups my dude! Every single venue that’s ever booked me, every blogger, radio station, dj, press outlet, that has taken interest in my music and what I’m doing, the rehab center I went to that helped me change my life. My old band members-we’re still family I love yall. All the video guys, photographers, and producers that I work with. All the haters-hi! Family, friends, you all know who you are. And last but certainly not least-the fans and supporters. The like-minded people out there who connect with my music and what I’m about. They make all this possible. There isn’t a movement without the people that move with it. I’m grateful for every single one of em. I hope they all know were just getting started!

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Well, that will put another edition of the Underground Spotlight firmly in the books. I want to thank JoneZen and his whole crew for everything. Remember to be on the lookout for my review of his forthcoming album Beautiful Disaster. If you like what you see and hear make sure to pick it up, pre sales begin June 23rd!

As always, a big THANK YOU to everyone out here in Faygoluvers land for taking the time out to read another Underground Spotlight. There are plenty more to come, in fact they’re piling up. So to all of you artists out there, if you would like to be featured right here on the Faygoluvers’ Underground Spotlight just hit me up at [email protected]. Make sure to include a short bio, why you want to/should be featured, a pic or two and a couple tracks. Of course don’t forget to include UGS or something similar in the subject line. So, until next time…

Peace,

Johnny O.

WEBSITES:

Official JoneZen Website

JoneZen@Facebook

JoneZen@YouTube

JoneZen@Twitter

JoneZen@Soundcloud

 

 

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