THHGURU Exclusive Interview: AJP The MC

THHGURU Exclusive Interview: AJP The MC

Alex Henein
TheHipHopGuru

With the 12th Instalment of #thhguruinterviews, we had the chance to ask AJP The MC a few questions! 

AJP The MC

"Kind, Smart, Driven, Supportive, anddddd Dashing"

 

Name: AJP The MC

Age: 20

Where are you from and where are you currently living?

Born and raised in New Jersey

What's your process?

When it comes to making music I usually always start with the beat. Whether it's me producing it or a beat from another producer, for me the instrumental always comes first. Once the music is finished, or semi-finished, I begin writing lyrics. Sometimes I have a subject that I want to talk about before I begin writing, other times I'll write about whatever comes to mind as I listen to the music. After the lyrics are finished it's on to recording. I usually record a few different versions of every song to see how the track would sound with different flows. When I get a take I like its on to mixing and mastering. 

Who influenced your style? How do you separate yourself from other artists?

Growing up I was introduced to a lot of different music. I try to still listen to as many genres as possible. When it comes to my music, I like to experiment, using instruments that you normally wouldn't hear together. Such as surf guitars mixed with a hip-hop beat or trance leads with a Rhodes piano. I like to mix styles and try new things. So I can't say I've been influenced more by one style than another. I just try to do new things and push the envelope as far as I can. 

Do you prefer a particular art form - emceeing or producing?

Definitely emceeing. Producing is a close second and I have dabbling a bit in DJing over the years but I love to MC. Whether it's over beats or at a party, I just love to be on the mic. 

Top three music influencers?

Hmmm. It's hard to pick three, but I'd probably have to say Pete Rock, Pharrell Williams, and my Uncle Clem. 

Can you describe yourself in five words?

I texted my girlfriend and asked her how she'd describe me in five words, this was her response. 

"Kind, Smart, Driven, Supportive, anddddd Dashing"  I agree with three out of those five. Lol 

What encouraged you to start making music? At what point in your life did you decide that music was your passion? 

Like I said I grew up listening to all different types of music but I was always drawn to hip-hop / rap. Before I started to make music I was BIGGG into skateboarding. At that time the skate culture didn't really embrace hip-hop the way it does today. There were a few skaters, (Terry Kennedy, Stevie Williams, Chad Muska) who would use hip-hop tracks in their videos and I think seeing that is what first got me into writing raps. Somewhere around 6th grade is when I actually started to record, and I've been at it ever since. When I was younger I involved in a lot of different sports ; baseball, football, and karate just to name a few. I never really felt as passionate about any sport as I do with music so for me, after I heard my first song I never wanted to do anything other than make music. 

Dream collab?

Bruno Mars

How do you feel about the Internet in the music business?

It's a gift and a curse. It's a great way for people all over the world to discover and get connected with new artists that they would never have access to without the internet. As an artist it's a curse because you are constantly competing with hundreds if not thousands of other artists to get your music heard and get found by potential new fans.

You have the chance to be anybody for a day. Who would you be and what would you do?

The president. Not any president in particular but I can't imagine how stressful of a job that must be. I'd love to experience a day in the life of the president. 

Something that fans wouldn’t know about you?

I've probably shot about 20-30 music videos that I never released for some reason or another. 

If you had to listen to one album & one mixtape for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Album : 50 Cent - Get Rich or Die Tryin' 

Mixtape : Waka Flocka Flame - Salute Me or Shoot Me 3

Outside of music what hobby do you turn to in order to rejuvenate your creativity? What is a typical day/week like for you?

I recently got into painting. I mostly do abstracts. It's really relaxing and the best part of doing abstracts is that even if it doesn't come out like I planned it still looks dope. A typical day is usually spent either hanging out, listening to music, eating Chipotle or in the studio working on music, eating Chipotle. 

What should we expect next?

Since I got off tour a few weeks ago I've been in the studio nonstop. I have lots of new music coming soon. I plan on releasing an EP in the next couples weeks and I hope to have a new album out by early 2017. 

Can you send us a selfie?

Took this at some hotel in Massachusetts while I was on tour. 

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