"Phone Time: Badnews meets J-Kwon"

First and foremost, I want to give a big fat shout out to my homegirl Nicole for hooking me up with this interview. You’re a couple years St. Louis rapper J-Kwon went under the radar, but your Boy News Found him and he is about to drop his Second studio album Man in the Mirror. I got a chance to chop it up with him for a little bit and we went into everything from St. Louis to Bentleys and even Mooning. So check this joint out and see what he’s been up to

Badnews: You started out in hip hop at a real young age, what got you into it?

J-Kwon: I been rapping ever since I was 12, so I did get in young but I felt this was mandatory. Growing up and when I was in my mom’s house she would make me do a performance in front of company so I had to do this. Growing up in St. Louis, it was either this or the block so I chose this and started on it.

Badnews: Ok. Now before you even got a deal, you were doing your thing but… you actually mooned L.A. Reid (Laughs) how did that go down?

J-Kwon: Yeah man. It’s actually a funny ordeal… I was in the boardroom and L.A. and Jermaine were there and I started popping off like my diamonds are big and blue like poppa Smurf and then I pointed at JD and everyone started laughing and applauding. But I was in the middle of my set, and then I just mooned him and the crowd went wild so basically JD seen how the crowed reacted and then they signed me later.

Badnews: (Laughs) I wish I was there for real. Now you’ve been through a lot in your life on the road to hip hop, like for instance you had you jaw broken during a MC battle. Did that discourage you from wanting to do this?

J-Kwon: Honestly I don’t even remember that you know I’m turning 22 tomorrow so I'm on another part in my life so I’m going to leave that in the past.

Badnews: Ok. Now by the time you turned 18, you had the #2 and #4 song in the country a few years back. At that time did you feel you reached the peak that you wanted to and you could fall back or did you say it was time to work harder?

J-Kwon: It was crazy for real. At the time, I felt that it was suppose to happen to me like 10 years later. I was everywhere: on Jay Leno, 106… just touching everything making money and learning. It’s a good thing when you’re learning and making money at the same time. But I was just finding out who was really there for me and who was going to stay in my circle. But Hood Hop was like a mixtape, so now I’m on to bigger and better things and show people the real me—not that I haven’t, but I mean show them more of the real me.

Badnews: That’s what’s up, that’s something to look forward to. Now looking back and reflecting, what would you change at that point if given the chance?

J-Kwon: Mmm. I was going to say something but I won’t even answer that. I’m going to just say it was great experience.

Badnews: (Laughs) Ok I feel that. Now like you said earlier, you’re from St. Louis. How do you feel about the whole hip hop scene in St. Louis now in 2008? Do you feel it’s still pop?

J-Kwon: I feel great about it. We were never pop. I know what ya’ll hear, but we were never pop. I never made pop music. We sell records and we have an image. Don’t come to St. Louis saying that that’s no good (Laughs), but the scene is good here, I’m the man in this town so you know the hip hop scene is great.

Badnews: (Laughs) ok so its still looking strong. Now you dropped a song awhile ago with comedian Andy Milanokis titled Like Dis. How did that come about?

J-Kwon: Yeah, that was around the time I was shipped to Jive and I wasn’t happy about that…well anyway, I was just sitting back watching his show when I use to smoke weed. But anyway I said I wanted to rap with him and we just got together and did the track

Badnews: Yeah, that’s a crazy song. You think he could compete with the rappers that are out now?

J-Kwon: Man I think he’s better than most of the rappers that are out right now. He can rap!

Badnews: (Laughs). Now you got a new album out that’s going to drop this year…

J-Kwon: Yes, it’s called Man in the Mirror and we’re working on it.

Badnews: What is the title about? Is the point sort of like Michael Jackson’s version?

J-Kwon: Yeah sort of. Man in the Mirror is just basically me looking back at my young years and reflecting on the past. This isn’t a rebirth this more of the beginning of what I can give you. And all I can give you is me.

Badnews: It sounds like its going to be crazy. Now your birthday is tomorrow (march 26) so happy birthday. But what will J-Kwon be doing on his birthday?

J-Kwon: I’ll be with my mom we might go to Chesterfield and pick up that Bentley coupe… but I don’t know, I just want to do something new. I'll be 22 so I want to something new

Badnews: I wish I could pick up a coupe period on my 22nd (Laughs) well thank you for your time you’re a real cool dude for real… funny guy

J-Kwon: Thanks for the interview, and also you can reach me on my myspace page www.myspace.com/hoodhopmusic86.

Badnews: That’s what’s up. Well thanks again and happy birthday.

J-Kwon: Thanks, talk to you soon.

Source: BadNews - Writer for HipHopRuckus

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