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J The S Breaks Down "The Last Days," Not Forcing A Buzz On The Fans
By: hiphopdx.comPosted On: 03/01/2012 12:20 P
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Exclusive: The 2009 DXnext artist explains how recent times inspired his dark new project featuring Styles P, Emilio Rojas and The Kickdrums.
Earlier this month, Boston, Massachusetts DXnext alum J The S (a/k/a Jake The Snake) released The Last Days as a free project. With a couple strong tapes under his belt already, this latest effort, premiered at DJBooth.net, showcases the fusion of his growth as an artist and his experiences thus far. The album is a display of JtheS’ songwriting and musical skills; his appreciation and knowledge of various musical styles and genres are apparent as well.
Jake recently spoke to HipHopDX about the creative decision-making in The Last Days and how his list of dues paid is leading to some promised land.
HipHopDX: What was the basis or inspiration forThe Last Days?
J The S: The Last Days features appearances by Styles P, Pill, Emilio Rojas and it has production from Jay Carter, The Kickdrums, M-Phazes and myself. As for the subject matter, the titled eludes to a serious subject matter. But my whole aim with this album was to make music that’s fun to listen to - something you enjoy listening to and not feel as though you’re being preached at. It’s all positive stuff, you know? I didn’t want to put out the same old stuff that a lot of cats do. And I’ve just been looking at the times lately and seeing how things are going in this society. It made me feel like things are on the decline. Things are getting crazy out here. So I took that whole “we’re in the last days” idea and made something positive and musical out of it with this project.
DX: I See that our recent DXnext artist M-Phazes is one of the producers you worked with on this project. How do you go about choosing your production team for certain tracks in order to fit the sound you want?
J The S: For this album, I planned out which songs would have certain sounds along with the concepts of each. I wanted to find beats that would be tailored to each song. When I heard that M-Phazes’ beat, in particular, it was a real epic beat and it was fitting to have that featured as the last song on the album. Just to have like a triumphant closing you know? As for choosing production, as long as it’s dope, I’ll mess with it. That’s the rule I go by. I just have to have a concept in mind.
DX: Complementing the production on the album, what type of lyrical content did you want showcased on this project and why?
J The S: I’ve never been the punchline rapper. I’m not all about hitting you with crazy punchlines and stuff like that; although, I still put them in there. What I wanted to do was talk about certain topics, certain issues and certain themes on songs. They’re not all serious; some are stories, some are about girls and love. I wanted them to be more about the songs and just about the punchlines. I just want to make music that you can feel. The biggest thing for me is feeling my music. I’m trying to put my charisma and energy and passion in it. So when my fans hear it, they connect with all that shit rather than just certain bars or lines. I switch my flow up a lot and that’s showcased as well.
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