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Get To Know: J.I The Prince Of N.Y

New York Rapper, J.I The Prince Of N.Y has been championed by the likes of Drake and Cardi B, so of course we had to chat to him for our Get To Know this week!

At only 19 years old, Brooklyn rapper J.I The Prince Of N.Y already has millions of streams and followers to his name. Inspired by the legends in rap - Eminem and Tupac - J.I started out in the industry at a very early age. At just 14 years old, he starred on 'The Rap Game' and although not winning the show, he has continued to graft his way in the industry and has now released two mixtapes along with multiple singles – all with millions of streams.

The melodic rapper has multiple influences in his sound including hip-hop, reggae, dancehall and Latin music. A strong versatile artist, J.I also released his first bilingual track this year with Latin artist Mike Towers; rapping in Spanish to celebrate his Puerto Rican heritage. Rapping about teenage life in NY, J.I is making music he describes as ‘Painful, Intense & Reality’ and has received high praise from some of the giants in the rap scene including Cardi B and Drake, who even sang along to J.I’s track ‘Used To’ on Instagram Live.

If Drake approves then we certainly do! Check out J.I The Prince of N.Y now!!

Get To Know - J.I the Prince of N.Y

Credit: Louis Browne

Get To Know - J.I the Prince of N.Y

1) For those who don’t know about you and your music, tell us a little bit about who you are and where you’re from…

I’m an all around genuinely amazing person to be around. I’m from Brooklyn, New York (Crown Heights to be specific). I’m Puerto Rican and Caribbean.

2) Describe your sound in three words…

Painful, Intense andReality.

3) Who inspired you to start a career in music?

Struggling is what led me towards a career in music. Music allowed me to express my surroundings, while growing up in an urban community.

4) Who are your biggest musical influences?

Eminem, Tupac,Big Pun.

5) Tell us about the writing and recording process for your new single/album…

The recording process was simple. I tried to really lock in with my core soundwhile tryingtoelevatemy sound. I didn’t want to sound repetitive on this project.

6) What can we expect from your live shows?

Nothing but energy is what can be expected at my shows. I try to give my fans nothing but a good show when I get on stage.When everything opens I’ll be able to give everyone a bigger and better show.

7) What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

The biggest highlight for me would have to be going platinum. Especially with the way I dropped 'Need Me'.

8) Have you met anyone and been totally starstruck?

At the moment not yet, maybe when I met Cardi B because the way I met her was so random and unexpected.

9) What’s on your playlists that people wouldn’t expect?

I listen to all types of music people would be surprised about. I’m a musician so I feel like it’s necessary to listen to everything. I love reggae and dancehall a lot.

10) When can we see you live?

At the next Rolling Loud show in Miami perhaps depending if I have a show before that.

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