"Imma Holla Jesus" The new single release by Jadee.
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C.A.I: Like artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Nas and Common, you’re a true lyricist and your message focuses on universal truths pertaining to purity, humility, love and integrity. Yet you highlight how essential it is not to become desensitized by what is going on in society and how to keep these virtues in perspective when faced with day-to-day challenges. Ideally what would you like your audiences to gain from listening to your CD or attending your concerts?
I'm just trying to be a good steward over the talents and resources God has given me. I'm not really trying to pre-determine what people will receive from it. God's word is alive and different passages of scripture speak to all of our lives during different seasons. I'm just a human like everyone else and anything great that happens in my life is only possible because of Christ. My hope is to reflect God's love in my music, to have compassion for the audience and point them towards their creator because he loves them and wants to redeem them.
C.A.I: How important do your feel transparency in your ministry is necessary to your audiences? In asking this question I am mainly thinking of that track “Skepticold” where you speak about the reality of a Christian artists being able to deliver their ministry yet at the end of the day feed their families.
That's always been the way I write. When I first started writing songs, I didn't have an audience at all. So I didn't hold anything back. By the time I had an audience it was to late to change my style - so I've just stayed transparent, specifically - "emotionally transparent" in my writing. Because we are all experiencing the same emotions as humans, so I want to take those emotions and filter them through the perspective of a believer in Christ.
One of the things I find so intriguing about your music is how your lyrics challenge me on a personal level and provokes thoughts about life experiences. Like the track “Don’t Cry for Me”/”Broken Heart”. What inspired you to write that track?
Some songs just come together. S1 sent me that beat and wanted me to write a verse about someone who passed away. My father passed away in July of 2007 so it was a topic I had first-hand experience with. I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings about that experience in my life. God gave me a peace that surpasses understanding during that rough time and I wanted to share "victory" with the listener. The chorus also touches on the fact that the death of the flesh isn't the end of our life. Don't cry for me because I'm still alive.
The word of God says that your gift will make room for you. A lot of C.A.I audiences are industry folks, artists, Managers, Record Labels etc. As an artist on an independent label you have done quite well and seen quite a bit of success, in what practical way could you advise upcoming artist’s who are struggling to get their music heard, get record deals and balance their call to ministry with their daily struggle to survive?
The process of getting to where I'm at now was a long road. To be honest, I still struggle financially. My wife is a stay at home mom and I do music full time. I have short seasons where I get "ahead" financially, but in most cases I'm a little behind, haha - and everything I get is typically invested right back into furthering this. One form of advice I could give is - "be willing". The bible says "if your faithful over the little things then God will make you ruler over much." Don't think of yourself as "to good" for the opportunities that come your way. Stay humble and be faithful in the small things. My moto is "be faithful over the territory God has placed you in, and that faithfulness will usher you into new territory." I can't tell you what each territory will look like. I went from doing shows for 30 people at small churches to do shows for 350 people on international stages to do shows for thousands of people with James Brown and then back to doing small shows again. I just try to be faithful over each season, learn from it and give my best in every scenario. I try to remember that it's not about me.
You are just a few days away from kicking off your “Cloud Nineteen Tour” what can audiences who attend any of your concerts expect to experience?
We will be giving free CDs to everyone in attendance at the shows. Just trying to sow seeds into peoples lives. Me and S1 will be dressed up in some airforce flight suits, haha. Having fun, sharing our passion and giving a lot of energy. I'm really excited to start touring. I love just getting out on the road and meeting new people.
Where can audiences pick up your latest album – “Cloud Nineteen”?
With this album we don't have any traditional distribution. This is mainly because we have been raising money to give away free copies and bless people. For those who want to support us directly and buy a copy then that is awesome and a blessing to us. You can currently get it at www.sphereofhiphopstore.com, www.360vinyl.com, www.dasouth.com (bus-shop) and other spots online.
