Noah Jones Interview (GREAT READ)(Talks about Knoc, Crooked I, new album)

[D-Nice]

http://illuminati2g.webs.com/noahjonesinterview.htm/www.illuminati2g.net

Illuminati 2G kicked it with Noah Jones for a exclusive interview. Noah has been turning alot of ears to his music lately with his latest singles with Knocturnal and Glasses Malone and his announcement of a upcoming track with Crooked I. The true definition of a hustler, Noah takes you on a journey through his everyday life, his upcoming album The Incinerator, the lengths he goes to get his music out to the masses and much more. A real inspiration for all you musicians, MCs and everyday walks of life people can relate and find inspiration in his story. Check it out.

Illuminati 2G is here with Noah Jones how's it going?

Aww everything is good man. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do this man.

Not a problem. Tell me a little bit about how you got your start in hip hop and who are some of your musical influences out there.

I got started when I first heard Big Daddy Kane's Ain't No Half Steppin. That was when I decided I wanted to try my thing in the music field. Pretty influential time for music back in the day. As far as now, my musical influences at the present time are Crooked I, Knocturnal, Glasses Malone, Jay Rock, Bangloose, the whole new west movement. Also the producer Focus, who used to be Aftermath's producer, and Jimmy Kendrix, who produced from basically Ja Rule all the way down to Kelly Price. I say those producers in particular because they gave me a shot as far as sending me tracks and use they beats and put a jump start into some of the stuff that I was doing.

What is a typical day in the life of Noah Jones and trying to get your music out there to the masses?

Umm let me see. A typical day for me is basically I wake up at 3:00 in the morning. I have a regular job also in addition to all the other stuff so I kind of break the rules where people think that they have to not be working in order to do what they got to do musically. I try to do as many different things as I can, wake up at 3am, and do the lil work thing and after that I visit with my kids, then head back to the crib and do some studio and more then likely do a show performance or I network with DJ Simon Sez. As far as the studio man it is a natural thing for me. I write super fast and I 1 take all my songs so it is pretty natural for me. I have been doing it like that for years.

The rappers that you have worked with and mentioned earlier so far is very impressive. Tell me a little bit about how you linked up with Knocturnal and Crooked I.

Aww this is a real interesting story. Before I actually tell you about that, I want to say is when someone is really serious, and they say that they can do something, they make sure that it gets done. There is no dilly dalling, there is no red tape, there is no oh let's wait 3 or 4 weeks. So going from that, I actually met Knocturnal in a grocery store. I had actually seen him previously 3 or 4 times and I was kind of curious because every time I saw dude I was like yo this dude looks like Knocturnal. So I finally got my nerve up and walked up to him and I was like yo anyone ever tell you you look like Knocturnal? He was like I am Knocturnal!

Laughs

I was like nah get out of here. His daughter was there and she said wow Daddy you have alot of fans. So that made me stand out because I really am a fan of his work. I asked him I said hey my name is Noah Jones, I am a independent artist, unsigned and I am a big fan of your music and I recently recorded a song with Glasses Malone and I would love to work with you on a track. So basically he was like yeah go ahead and take my cell number down. So he gave me his direct cell phone number and I thought that was crazy, no management nothing like that, so he gave me his cell phone number. We spoke that day and the following day we spoke after that, and then out of no where I get a call from dude. I met him on a Wednesday and he called me on a Friday. He asked me hey what are you doing? I was like I am at work. So he was like what you got going on after work? I was like nothing why what's good? He was like you trying to hit the studio? I was like hell yeah!

Laughs

So basically 2 weeks later from meeting him at the grocery store, we was in the studio recording a joint for my project. That just goes to show you if you are really hungry and you have a good approach and you are really sincere with what you are trying to do and you don't beat around the bush with it, you can get the job done. He was willing to jump in and do it, no problem, let's knock it out, and we got it done, no excuses involved.

Noah Jones Featuring Knocturnal- The Crack of Dawn

http://www.zshare.net/audio/6258245644d87db1/

And you have also worked with Crooked I correct? Or you are getting ready to work with him?

Yeah, Crooked I and myself knocked out our track on a Monday (interview conducted last month). The way I got a chance to work with Crooked I, the studio that I recorded with Knocturnal at is called Treacherous Studios and the engineer his name is Issac, big up to Issac by the way. Issac was recording a session that I had with Knocturnal and I guess he was impressed because I went it there and wrote the verse and I 1 taked both of my verses on the spot and he was like he mentioned to me that Crooked I also records there. So I told him me being a lyricist that one of the people that I want to work with, I want to work with the whole Slaugtherhouse camp because they are real lyricists and I also want to work with Chino XL. He was like yeah Crooked I records here.

So, he basically put in a call to Crooked I and told him hey there is this dude in here, Noah Jones and he is beasting it and he is pretty good and he wants to work with you. He was like yo give him my email address. So basically at the end of the session he gave me his email address and I hit him up about 3 weeks later and told him a little bit, sent him some of my songs. Like the song that I did with Knocturnal and the song I did with Focus. I also sent him this Fast Rampant song that I did and he said yo I am really feeling your shit, when do you want to record it? Do you want to record it before I go to New York to finish the Slaugtherhouse album or do you want to record it when I get back?

So I was like go ahead and handle ya business, I know there are priorities so go do that first and I will be right here. I ain't going nowhere. So when he came back, he hit me on the horn and was like when you trying to get the track done? I was like hey whenever you want, I am free Mondays and Tuesdays. He was like come through this Monday and we will knock out the track and you can sit in for the Slaugtherhouse listening session and hear the whole album before it comes out. I was just estastic so I went there, knocked out the joint, got a chance to hear the Slaugtherhouse album, which is crazy by the way. Insane, had me re thinking all my shit and had me wanting to re write my whole catalog.

Laughs

So just to be on a track with one of the members of that group is incredible. Because Crooked I gets so much love and he is at a level that I am trying to get to. That is basically how that track came up with Crooked I and I should be dropping that track probably within the next couple of months.

I really do believe that you are the true definition of a hustler. I also work a full time job and I also do the whole website thing so I can completely understand where you are coming from. And you are working on this project with no label backing and just doing it on your own. How hard or easy is the process of putting all this music together with the schedule that you have. How has the whole process been for you?

I would not say that it has been very difficult because I have trained myself for many years to write and write and work, work, work. See alot of people do not understand that I have been around for a long time. And if you dig up some of my music, you will be able to see the growth from the different projects that I put out as far as lyricism, topic, subject matter, all that other stuff. So I have been around for a while, so basically the only thing that I was really lacking was either a record contract or just be branching out with big time people. Because I work so fast, it is pretty easy for me to get it there and do it because I am used to not having a whole not of time to get in there and do what I need to do.

So it is 100% professionalism in everything that I do and I believe in the no excuses model. That is my thing, no excuses. I mean the last show that I did, I was riding to my show, totaled my car on the way to the show. So I called a cab, transferred every over from the wreck into the cab, went to my show, still bleeding and everything, grabbed everything and went on stage and ripped it down. No excuses the show must go on.

Wow

So I am not going to let the fact that I have children or the fact that I work a 9 to 5 in addition to what I am doing stop me from my true goal and that is to be out there and to be relevant as the people that I listen to. I am a hard worker and I am not going to let anything stop that and I believe everyone should have that approach. We are talking about shows that I am doing at 1:00 in the morning and I got to be at work at 5. I am talking about not getting ANY sleep. I bring my uniform with me, and change in the car and go straight to work. Anything is possible, if you really believe in it. As far as linking up with other artists, as long as you humble with these people, and you really are focused and you really trying to give 100% in what you do, if your intentions are true, alot of times they will hear what you got to say. It is all in the approach and the attitude and your music. Because once you get past the networking, your music is going to have to carry you.

Right

So if you have wack music, you are REALLY going to be in trouble. You will be one of these rappers that knows everybody but is not successfull at all. Success is a matter of opinion. In my mind, what I wanted to do and my goal for this project was to go outside of what I normally do and get some big names on my project. So by me saying I want to get Glasses Malone on a joint, I got Glasses Malone on a joint, with no budget and no record contract. So I am a success, because that was my goal. I may not be wealthy, I may not be rich, but for a unsigned artist doing all that kind of stuff is very inspiring to other artists that is trying to do exactly what I am doing. Because they be like look if Noah can go out and get all these names in 2 months, why can't I? I am basically breathing live into all of these older MCs in they late 20's, 30's, unsigned artists out there doing it. Letting them know hey if you really want something and work hard at it, you can acheive it.

Definitely. Just what is your personal thoughts right now on the state of hip hop? Just what is your thoughts on the music that is out right now?

I think hip hop is at a great place. Especially artists like me, because I feel that we are at a time period where people were releasing anything. It was so much music that was not tastefully done, not really well thought out, not really well put together. So now people are just sick and tired of rappers not really just saying anything. The whole replay factor is not there anymore. I come from a era where you have to keep rewinding the music because you want to hear how he flipped a certain line or hear what the artist said and get 2 or 3 different interpretations out of the same line. People get different interpretations out of the same line.

That is where I come from. I am from New York, we breed lyricists over there. At least we used to. I'm not sure as far as how it is going now, because everyone is trying to fit in instead of being themselves but that is where I come from. I believe that now people really want to hear what I got to say because they are tired of all the Dr. Suess and simple simon rap that is out. They are like ok let me hear someone that has got some flows and has wordplay and words that the next rapper does not have so for me I think it is a good look and for artists like me like Crooked I, Joell Ortiz and Joe Budden. It is time for the lyricism to come back around.

Is there any details that you can give about your upcoming album? Or are you still in the building stages of it putting tracks together?

I am not really too sure. I am shooting for October maybe for it to be finished. But then again who knows, because the more music that I do with other people, the more doors that are opening up for me.

Exactly

So for the first time, I am not setting a goal and saying that my album should be done by this time. Usually I can do that, but once I release the Crooked I song, you never know. I may have The Game or someone that might want to work with me or anybody else. So how could I not put them on a project as massive as the one that I am doing? I am going to shoot for October but I am not really too sure. I did about 15 songs before I started doing features so my last mixtape which was The Hood Needs A Hero, I recorded 42 tracks just to pick the best 23. I am very particular about what kind of music that I put out there, and I want to make sure I am comfortable with all that.

To the point I can stand behind every line of every song I put out there. I don't want to put out any wack lines or wack verses so I really give 100% with every song I put out there. All I know is it is definitely different because all my projects you hear just me as a solo rapper. It is 20 tracks of just me and it is cool enough that you can listen to the whole album without skipping through a bunch of tracks and you saying man I am tired of listening to dude. Me having multiple artists, especially big name features like Glasses Malone, it adds a little bit of flair. Especially to hear me keeping up with these cats that yall listen to on a regular basis.

You would think and I would too that Crooked I would just SLAUGHTER me on this track. He is a beast, and I am proud of myself for holding my own with a caliber of people like that. I am really looking forward to being in that realm and work more with artists like that because then I will be able to grow as a MC myself because I am working with artists that I like. Just expect more features, and just hot tracks basically.

Wanted to do a little word association with you, first thing that comes to mind when I bring up a topic or something that is going on. First is Noah Jones.

I would say hard working, determined, never gives up and a very serious thinker. I basically plan everything out that I do. I am like a chess player for real because i just strategize with everything. From marketing, to song selection, to shows, to everything.

Your Top 5 MC's in the game

Can I do Top 6?

Yeah you can do Top 6

I can do Top 6. The whole Slaugtherhouse, Eminem and I will say Juelz Santana. Those are my favorite 6.

Greatest of all time

I know I am going to get alot of flack for this one, but 50 Cent (laughs)

Hmmmm

The reason why I say 50 is because the amount of stuff that he has been able to accomplish in a short amount of time. I am not saying the greatest of all time lyrically or the most loved, but in a sense, you kinda got to respect the man that everybody hates that is still super successfull. Because everybody is going to hate you regardless so for him to be able to flip these negative things and turn them into positive and money making situations, you gotta give it up to dude. Like I said he has accomplished in a couple of years what no rapper has done realistically. Financially anyway so I got to give it up to 50 being the greatest because of all of the elements. He is lacking in some but he is shutting alot of people down in other areas.

That is a interesting answer. I like that answer the way you explained it.

Your favorite bi coastal MC. Meaning by that grew up on the east coast, moved to the west, or vice versa. Like for example 2pac or Kurupt.

Oh Pac hands down. PAC HANDS DOWN. And alot of people shout out Pac all the time yo Pac. I am like you know he is from New York right? He really is a east coast dude. Pac hands down, the most loved out of all the west coast artists of all time, yeah I give it to Pac.

Barrack Obama

Visionary, proof that anything is possible man.

Where you see yourself 5 years from now.

A household name and finanically independent. (laughs) Being able to wake up when I want and being able to do what I want to do and get paid for something that I love and I am good at and make sure that my kids are taken care of. Financially independent and hopefully everyone will know who I am.

Do you have any upcoming shows or tour dates coming up for you that you want to let the people know about?

I would just say pay attention to the myspace. I usually announce what I am doing over there. I am not trying to do any shows until I finish the project and then my shows will be with the major artists. So what I want to do is work with people in my community and bring people like Jay Rock, Glasses Malone and not only they do they songs that everybody knows but allow all my fans of my music to see me rocking on stage and doing the songs that we did together. That just gives these other artists hope like a couple of months ago he was on this level and now he is on a whole other level. It is a good look, that is probably what I will do. Wait until my project is finished before I do that or close to being finished.

What is your myspace or website information for people looking to check out what you got going on and for people looking to check out your music?

You can check me out at www.myspace.com/noahjones and you can also follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/noahjones714

Alright well that is all the questions that I have for you, appreciate the interview. It has been a real honor, I really consider you a inspiration like you said earlier in the interview to alot of MCs out there. You gotta get out there and get your grind and hustle. The music game in my opinion has changed so much.

There is always ways to make money, and it depends on what you are in it for. Never let these people tell you that you can't do what do want to do. Don't let financial situations dictate to you how successfull you are. As long as you are proud with what you are doing..., I mean I can rest easy knowing that I was in the booth with Crooked I, I got video footage, got a dvd coming out with the making of this album. The album is going to be called the Incinerator by the way. To me that is successfull. Don't these people tell you that you are too old to rap, or you shouldn't be doing this and you should give it up.

As long as your music is on the level that it needs to be, and you pleasing these people and you got fans that come to your shows and you showing love to the other artists that are above you or on the same level as you or have or haven't achieved what you have achieved, man you a success dog. Don't let these people tell you otherwise because at the end of the day the same people that is hating on you, is the same people that turn into your biggest fans in the end. Because I am definitely proof of that. I got people on one hand tell me oh we always knew you could do it but a couple of months ago they was like oh if you was tight you could have a deal and they come to all my shows. It is what it is.

Do you have any last words or shoutouts you want to get out there to the people?

I want to shout out all the independent artists, all the signed artists, everybody that is doing what they got to do to survive. I want to shout out the producers that worked with me like Jimmy Kendrix, Focus, those are the big names. I like to work with up and coming producers also because like all these placements that I got with all these big name artists they all local producers that never really had any placements. So basically I am getting them famous names on they tracks so they can run around and build they resume up and get they money up too. I am just down with everybody making a name for themselves doing they thing. So everybody that I have ever worked with, shout out to you Picasso, DJ Simon Sez, my family. I want to shout out you personally for giving me the opportunity for doing this interview. Everybody just keep doing ya thing and be on the lookout for me.

Appreciate the interview

Hey no problem, thank you.

[Lunatic]

Fuckin great interview. I had a chance to chop it up with Noah for about 45 minutes last night, and let me just say dude's attitude is a breath of fresh air. He really is as humble and down to earth, hard-working, determined and motivated as he comes across. I am rooting for this dude.

[Dj_SimonSeZ]

Yeah this was a dope interview..Noah is mad humble which throws a lot of people for a loop. His album is gonna be crazy though, stay tuned!!