JR Interview

Known for his exotic style and hit singles, JR is one of the Coolest rappers in SA. In this Youth Village interview we speak to JR about some of his craziest experiences and his overall journey as a musician. Check out our interview with JR below.

Youth Village: Describe yourself in 3 words?

JR: Different, outspoken, and talented

 

Youth Village: What is one thing you can’t forget about your childhood?

JR: My grandmother’s house and my love for RnB

 

Youth Village: Which artist or song made you love music?

JR: The Jacksons – ABC

 

Youth Village: What makes JR different from every other rapper out there?

JR: We all fight to stand out, but I think I don’t fear being weird and out there.  Addressing issues that other people are afraid to.

Youth Village: Are you more of a pen-to-paper kind of artist or you freestyle to the beat?

JR: It depends on the mood that I’m in. but I prefer to write in studio.

 

Youth Village: Did you anticipate the success that came with your album “The Main Event”?

JR:  Not at all, no one ever anticipates success… I get surprised with every album

 

Youth Village: Was there a concept behind the album Colourfull? If yes what was it?

JR:  Kinda, I wanted to do what ever I felt like doing at that time. But essentially make music to try and unite SA through sound

 

Youth Village: Did your collaboration with Jack Parow open you up to the Afrikaans market?

JR:  Undoubtably, it gave me some exposure to that market.

Youth Village: How was the experience like sharing a stage with the likes of Keri Hilson, John legend and T-Pain?

JR:  I wouldn’t call it sharing a stage hahaha, u get on before them, sound is low, no lighting etc.  its like any other performance really.

 

Youth Village: What is the name of your sneakers? And what makes your range stand out?

JR:  ColourFULL. They were meant to give people who wanted a high end product at a cheaper price.

 

Youth Village: If the range is still out, where can people get it?

JR:  It was seasonal, maybe I will put out a summer range for 2013

 

Youth Village: Please share some of your successful stories to date:

JR:  Jeesh there’s too many of them to mention, God has been good to me.

Youth Village: Have you ever forgotten your lyrics whilst performing? If yes how did you recover from that?

JR:  Hahaha! Ye a couple of times… I just watch the crowd, they usually help me out

 Youth Village: If you had to write a movie about your life, it would be called?

JR:  From Nothing to Nothing

 

Youth Village: The song that best describes you is? And why?

JR:  Kanye West – The Goodlife

 

Youth Village: What is your favourite food?

JR:  Sushi, french and italian cuisine

 

Youth Village: What made you to get involved with the HIV/ AIDS Awareness Campaign (Scrutinize)?

JR:  I was working with Student Village and I had a chance to engage with young people on a personal level, I felt I could do some good

 

Youth Village: Do you think youth gets it when it comes to the understanding of HIV/ AIDS?

JR:  Yep they do.

 

Youth Village: Who is that one person in life that you would like to give thanks to?

JR:  I have too many people who contribute for me to mention just one

 

Youth Village: Your words of encouragement to up-coming artists?

JR:  Keep focused, and never lose hope