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interview J-Rich Interview (August 2009) | Interview By: Jonathan Hay

   With a drug addicted mother and brother doing jail time for allegedly murdering the killer of Bay Area legend Mac Dre, J-Rich is no stranger to pain and the struggle. In the 80’s while, Rich’s mother fell victim to the ongoing crack epidemic, J-Rich was a young teen hustling in order to survive.

Coming through in expensive cars at the age of 13, J-Rich earned his stage name from his friends, due to the lavish lifestyle he was already living. Drop top cars hid the pain of a young child who had a mother who couldn’t kick her crack addiction.

Now a successful CEO, artist and all-around businessman, J-Rich is using the independent hustle lessons, his native Bay Area taught him. Dubcnn sits down with J-Rich for this exclusive interview as he is currently working on his “Independently Major” album, with three singles and music videos afloat - - including a video from West Coast’s very own director, McKinley Presents.

Special thanks to the IPA (International Publicity Agency) for arranging this exclusive interview…

As ever, be sure to leave your feedback in our forums or email them to haywire@dubcnn.com.

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Interview was done in August 2009

Questions Asked By: Jonathan Hay
 
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Dubcnn Exclusive – J-Rich
By: Jonathan Hay
www.myspace.com/jonathanhay
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Dubcnn: Being from the Bay, what did you learn from the independent craze that goes on out there?

You can’t sit around and wait for nothing. If you have a hot product, you have to put it out and figure out the best way to get your product to the streets. That’s what the bay taught us since I was born. I’m 28 and Too $hort been around for 20 years. His first album, he was straight driving through Frisco and Oakland selling tapes out the trunk. I’m like ten years old and I’m like “that’s what’s up?” my big brother was buying tapes from Too $hort directly. This was around 1988. We learned to never sit on your product. Find a resource to get it to the public.


Dubcnn: That’s very interesting… So how would your brother buy tapes from Too $hort directly?

My brother and everybody else who was around it in the late 80's, an early 90's pioneers like, Too $hort, JT the Bigga Figga, and E-40 - - where literally selling albums out the trunk of there cars, like ghetto superstars - - making themselves famous, not waiting for a label. That’s the blueprint to the indie hustle that came from the Bay… And then Master P came in the mid 90's and that’s how independent rap was born in my eyes.


Dubcnn: You moved to New York in 2006 on your own. Was that a difficult move or decision to make?

It was an easy decision, but definitely a difficult move because I didn’t know anybody out there. I went out there on the strength of God and on a determined grind. I’m glad I went out there. The grace of God fell in place because he got us a small but a good deal. We were out there networking with all the right people. We ended up in good positions and got a lot of connects from going out there. That’s what it is.


Dubcnn: Speaking of God, did you grow up with a Church based childhood – if so, please share…

Yea, [from] my Grandma who raised me most of my youth years, because my Mom was strung out. We used to pray every morning, before every meal and every night and she would try to drag me in to church (laughs). And when she passed away, I just keep the routine and the faith going. God is good. (RIP Granny)


Dubcnn: Do you have a relationship with your Mother now, and if you don’t mind – is your Mom still strung out?

She’s on still on drugs but yes, we do have a tight relationship now. I pay most if not all of her bills but if there is a will there is a way, I’ll get her straight one day before it’s too late.


Dubcnn: : I ask this very respectfully J-Rich… what is the drug your Mom has struggled the worst with - - and has been to many rehabs, etc?

In the 80s, crack hit hard and there was a crazy epidemic going on. She got caught up with it. We have tried rehab but I guess we just have to keep pushing.


Dubcnn: Switching gears, you’ve been in some major publications such as XXL and Ozone Magazine. Tell us about those situations and how they came about.

When I moved to Miami, a lot of doors opened for me. I was able to meet a lot of good people and publicists. Julia Beverly became a good friend and associate of mine. I met a few people who are strong powerhouses throughout the magazines. I became good associates with all of these people. Guys like Che Johnson and the IPA [International Publicity Agency] as well. I met a lot of good people. God put many good people in my life once he saw me take a step towards the music; God took two steps towards me. I met a lot of good people.


Dubcnn: Tell us about the situation with Young Money Records.

That is my comrades. I would have never met them if I didn’t come to Miami. I came to Miami and met Young Money. I hooked up with some guys from Poe Boy [Entertainment] and that taught me another essence of the game. That showed me how major labels move. I was able to network with them and keep in good contacts with them. They’ve been teaching me a lot of rules about major label status.


Dubcnn: This is the same Young Money Records that was founded by Lil Wayne correct?

Yeah, shouts out to the boy, he one hardworking guy… Shouts out to Mack Maine, Streets, Millz, Gudda, Twist and Drake - - they all good peoples, young money main that shit so timeless. (Drake voice)


Dubcnn: Have you had the opportunity to meet Drake yet?

Yeah.


Dubcnn: What do you think it is about Drake that has made him blow up so much in the last year or so?

He was and still is around the right people and is a hard working artist, great management company with him; shouts out to Gee Roberson plus he can actually spit.


Dubcnn: Tell us about Stay Focused Records.

my label. Myself and my brother Jason Corleone, who is incarcerated right now for allegedly murdering the guy who murdered Mac Dre. We started that label back in 2004.


Dubcnn: Wow! If you can, please explain that situation with your incarcerated brother and the murderer of Mac Dre?

It’s very deep and very political - - just put “Jason Mathis” in Google and do your own research and take it how you want too. The “free Jas Corleone” appeal is coming soon!


Dubcnn: were you and your brother close to Mac Dre?

The entire Bay Area is like a family; we’re all we got! R.I.P. Mac Dre.


Dubcnn: How challenging is it for the company, to actually run a label with your business partner/brother who is in prison?

I talk to him daily and we write each other a lot. The visit situation is ugly because he’s in Super Max Level 6 - - but shit, he’s the one with double life with no parole and he calls me in good spirits everyday, so I feel nothing should be hard for me out here.


Dubcnn: That is very inspiring. Do you think it is possible that your brother could actually be a free man soon and win an appeal?

With God on our side, we can move mountains. He was falsely accused and the DA used some bullshit evidence on him, but we will get our time in front of the supreme courts and will handle that.


Dubcnn: Is www.mrgetrich.com the best spot for our readers to check out your music?

Check out my music, my biography, and my pictures and to keep everybody updated on everything. Everybody go to my MySpace at www.myspace.com/mrgetrich - - and make you sure you check for that “Independently Major.”



 


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