By K.B. Tindal
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Right now, Mike Jay is one of the rising voices in R&B and hip hop. He recently released his “For a Week” single featuring Too $hort and YG. Headed into 2014, Mike Jay looks to have a breakout year because there is already a lot of attention already being given to him.
Virgin Records wasted no time in getting Mike Jay, as they signed him to a deal under their label. Since then, Mike Jay has gotten in the studio and dropped a pretty strong single. With the New Year coming, Mike Jay has a lot of heat coming, including a new mixtape.
Before the holiday season got in full swing, Hip Hop Vibe had the opportunity to link up with Mike Jay. Having the pleasure of speaking to Mike Jay directly, he spoke to us about the “For a Week” single and his background in the game. Mike Jay also talked about the comparisons to another rising R&B singer, August Alsina.
Read the entire interview below:
Can you give us some history about you and where you are from? I’m 22 yrs old, I’m originally from Detroit. I bounced back and forth between the “D” and Atlanta growing up. Atlanta is where it all really started for me, musically. I did some singing in Detroit, but mostly in the church. Atlanta is where I got the notion I could make a living for myself being a singer/songwriter. The inspiration I gained in Atlanta led me to LA when I was 16 to pursue my dreams.
When and why did you get into music? I got into music because it’s what I love and live to do, it’s my passion I found that out at a early age. Music has always been a part of my everyday life. My mom and dad both kept music playing around house. Artist from Michael Jackson to R. Kelly, Joe, Tank, Brandy, the list goes on. I would love to sing along, these are the artists I still look up to today. My older brother, Rico, who is also a singer/songwriter and producer was also a huge influence. He would take me around Atlanta with him, writing and demoing records. All I wanted to do was be in a studio singing and god gave me that opportunity early on.
How did your single with YG and Too $hort come about? I started working with JR Rotem mid 2013 and “For a Week” was one of the first few songs we cut. It had this crazy Bay Area slap to it, yet still LA, so I wanted to make it the best of both worlds Too $hort and YG. I let my team know what features I wanted and they made it happen. They both came through and showed love.
Do you also write and produce your own material? Yeah. I do write my material I started as a writer in the game first. When I moved to LA, I started off working with amazing producers and song writers like Damon Thomas and Harvey Mason of the Underdogs and Babyface they were some of the people that helped me along the way to refine my craft.
People have compared you to August Alsina, but I know you’re an individual, so what makes you different from the other rising singers out there? That’s cool to hear because I’m a fan. I been watching his movement, hard work and he has mad talent. I feel what set me apart from some other artists is my overall drive and passion for what I do. I feel some artist take there situations for granite and lack drive and passion in the product that’s being put out to the world.
What was your life like before signing to Virgin Records and what sealed the deal for you? Before signing with Virgin, I was in the studio writing songs for artists everyday. The deal was sealed when I performed for Ron Fair. It was definitely a moment to remember. We ended up having a great convo afterwards and out of all the executives that I met with, he seemed to understand my vision the most.
Who do you draw your most inspiration from? All sorts of things, people, relationships, love, and experiences. I’m most inspired in a studio full of people. There’s something about a audience that pulls the best out of me. But when I’m cutting vocals everyone out, except the girls
Who have you worked with artistically and who do you want to work with in the future? I’ve written songs for awesome artists like Ciara, Chris Brown, TGT, Marcus Canty, and many other dope artists. In the future, I would love to work with Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Rodney Jerkins. I want to work with the best, I plan on being a part of music history someday.
What is your most memorable moment in music history so far? My most memorable moment ever has to be being outside the studio as Harvey Mason cut vocals on Whitney Houston for the Sparkle soundtrack, she came out and talk to us for a few. I think that had to be one of the greatest moments of all time.
What’s next for Mike Jay, do you have any new music or shows coming up? I’m thinking album third quarter, but as of now I’m finishing up my mixtape and looking to book as many shows as possible. I also plan on dropping a first official single top of the year.
Where can the fans reach out and touch you via social networks? All social media is @whoismikejay.
Follow K.B. Tindal on Twitter @KBTindal.
