King James Gospel recently interviewed Junior, a music artist who might be the next Kendrick Lamar. If that’s the case, we can only hope that Junior gets a music review from LeBron James too.
While the Cleveland Cavaliers have a few more days off before the start of the Eastern Conference Finals, it seems like fine time to bring a gift to LeBron James, Kendrick Lamar, fans of both, one, or neither and people who are simply fans of sports, music or advancing society.
Fans of advancing the culture.
Why?
Because of the message in his music. As one of the more down-to-earth yet inspiring rappers in the game, he brings an uplifting element to his songs that, woven through well-crafted metaphors, is reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar’s. That in itself is interesting, not because people are debating on if Kendrick Lamar is the greatest rapper in history or at least this generation, like LeBron James before he took Kobe’s throne as the best in the game.
I’ve listened to Junior’s music for years and I’m excited about his newest project, “For The People”, which should be released on iTunes on July 4th. I recently had the opportunity to interview Junior and ask him about the album and about his music.
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[start of interview]
Q: Tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in a small town with a great community, Mart, TX. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I started my journey of writing in the form of poetry. However, I’ve always had a strong love for music that I eventually tapped into once I got older. Which was pretty odd considering where I grew up at. In this small country town, the biggest thing we had was football. I was good at football but I felt like I was better at writing music, so that’s what I stuck with.
Q: What is the unifying theme of the album? What brings it all together?
The unifying theme of the album is simply just that, unity. I want to try to bring the world together by shedding light on the negative aspects that are present within our country. There are so many issues that we as Americans fail to address because we are scared of how people will view us or what someone will say about us. I’m sacrificing the way I am seen by people just to express what is truly on my heart and what really needs to be heard, and I think that is what brings it all together.
Q: Do you think it relates or compares to Kendrick Lamar’s album DAMN.?
I think that it relates to some parts of Kendrick Lamar’s new album, but only to certain lines like “I’m an Israelite, don’t call me black no more, that word just a color, it ain’t facts no more..” There are a few other things to that I feel like is easy for me to relate to in a sense, like “ain’t nobody praying for me.” However, it’s very different from his album in comparison. It’s more focused on the United States’ culture as a whole.
Q: What did you think of the album?
I thoroughly enjoyed the album. It was great from start to finish. Kendrick is a creative genius when it comes to everything he does with his music. It’s hard to pick a favorite off of the album. I truly enjoyed “DNA”, “Yah” and “Element” in particular. The way he constructs his words within the songs and his overall structure of the project is incredible. Definitely something you aim for as an artist.
Q: Who are your musical influences?
My musical influences come from the people I am around. If we are speaking specifically on artists, then my influences are Nas, Kanye, Tupac, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Wale, Frank Ocean and The Weeknd. I enjoy a few others and have often gained some inspirations from them as well, but these are the main artists I tend to draw my musical inspiration. The way they have mastered their craft is amazing to me.
Q: Tell us about God Bless America. Why are your daughter’s featured on it?
God Bless America is a special song. It’s a song that points out key flaws in America, but then……well I have to keep the rest a secret. I think everyone will love it, though. My daughters are on the song because they are my biggest fans. Every time we go somewhere, they want to listen to my unfinished album and sing in the car with me. It’s an amazing feeling. One day my youngest baby asked me if her and her sister could be on a song of mine one day. Originally, the song was supposed to feature a Children’s Choir, but I decided that my children deserve that more than anything. I even paid them to do it. It was a great experience getting them in the studio.
Q: Do you think black celebrity figures like Chance The Rapper, Kendrick and LeBron James are setting a tone “for the culture” with how outspoken they are?
I definitely do think that they are setting a tone “for the culture” because of how outspoken they are. Chance is setting a tone because he is making independent artists like myself see that you do not need a major label in order to be successful in this business. Kendrick is showing how fearless he is, and it’s really a thing of beauty to not fear anybody in a world where everyone judges you. LeBron is just showing what it means to be great through adversity. He’s showing you that no matter how many times you fail, that doesn’t define you. I truly think he’s the greatest player to ever play the game, and that’s saying a lot for someone who isn’t even a LeBron fan.
Q: Have you seen LeBron giving music reviews on his Snapchat? He’s been previewing Drake and Kendrick tracks while shouting out Rick Ross as well.
I have heard of it, but I haven’t personally seen it myself. I think that’s cool that he does that. It would be more cool if he was one day reviewing my music. I think this is definitely an album that he should review. It’s something for everybody.
Q: Given that LeBron has said that he appreciates Kendrick’s talent and lyricism because he speaks about things that he can relate to as an inner-city African-American youth that made it out, what do you think that he would say about To The People, For The People?
I think he would pretty much say the same thing about my album. It speaks a lot about problems that we face from having to depend on government assistance to the government bringing drugs into the black communities and much more. I bring a variety of styles to portray my lyricism while at times keeping it simple. I think the features and the production of the album actually makes it more so than I did. That’s something I’m proud about. The titles only give you a slight idea of the content that’s actually inside and I think LeBron would actually love the content of every song on the album.
Q: What do you want people to know about you and your work?
I want people to know that I put my heart into everything I do. I put everything I had into this album. Constant writing, late nights, studio sessions, emotions, money and a list of other things. I sacrificed with this album. I put all of my fears and doubts away and it was the best decision I ever made. I strive to be the best at everything I do and this is definitely something I want to be. Everything was carefully planned out and I hope people enjoy it and look forward to it as much as I enjoyed the process of making it.
[end of interview]
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He’s an amazing artist and I hope that fans of good music will give him a listen. It would also be cool if LeBron James did a music review for Junior’s “For The People”. At least if James doesn’t, you should.