Upcoming artist from Atlanta, J Lock has released his latest single “Selfish” featuring R&B legend, RL. J Lock’s unique style blends old-school hip-hop with modern trap beats. He has been making waves in the Atlanta music scene with his raw and authentic lyrics and his ability to connect with his audience through his music.
Tell us a little more about what inspired your latest single “Selfish.”
I wanted to make more relatable songs for women and men. I want to take the R&B route so when they brought RL to my attention. When I first heard the hook, I thought, this is going to be hit. We went to the studio, and the rest was history.
What was your creative process behind making the single and how does that translate into the song?
First RL and I conversed about him being in the industry. It was very insightful hearing his story. I am a writer, so I dislike going in and out. I listened to the beat and then wrote my music. At first, I could not get but it came slowly as time went by; the second verse came easy to me.
What was it like working with RL?
It was nice working with RL, him being one of the greatest coming out of Minneapolis. It was most definitely a learning experience. Just being in his presence was a blessing.
How does your music differ from other artists? Describe your evolution of sound, comparing it to the first song you have ever made.
My first song was trash, I cannot even say some of the lyrics because of how much cussing is in it but everyone loved it. Looking back, I am questioning why I made it, but I deleted it from my SoundCloud. It was a process, though the rapping part came easy. I just had to learn how to make hooks and melodies and hold certain notes when I sing. My melodies depend on the seasons. For summer and spring, I want something that is upbeat and trap, for winter and fall, I slow it down by talking about real subjects like what people are going through and the emotions that are at hand.
Who are your top five favorite artists, and what has their music done for you?
My top five are J. Cole, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Bryson Tiller, and Tory Lanez. What I respect about those artists is that not only can they rap but they can make songs overall, like hooks. My most relatable one is J. Cole, him being from the country like me and making songs about similar situations that I have been through. Drake is the most versatile out of the top five. They are a part of my music. These days I try not to listen to them as much, so I do not sound like them.
What inspired you to become an artist? Has there ever been a moment where you doubted yourself?
At first, it was just an expressive thing; it was just my way of expressing myself. I never thought of you know making music. To me, it was just writing, but people love my writing and I love the feeling of them loving it. I started to take it seriously in my head; nobody could take that away from me nor could they deny it. I have never doubted myself. If I put my mind to it, then nothing else can make me doubt it. There have been times when I was uninspired, but I have never doubted myself.
Being from Mississippi, how have jazz, blues, and gospel impacted your music?
It impacted my music a lot. At first, I did not like blues because my dad overplayed it but now that I am older, and I understand the lyrics more I can tell it influenced my music. Sometimes I can hear Motown records, Jazz, and blues in certain melodies or notes that I sing.
What advice would you offer an upcoming artist?
Just be your authentic self. That’s the only way that you can be creative. Confidence is the key to believing in yourself. Nothing comes easy in this life, so work hard.
Who has played a meaningful role in your journey thus far?
My team, like I said before, I had to believe in myself before others would and they believed in me. I am just trying to build an empire from the ground up and without them; I do not know. So yeah, my team has most definitely played a meaningful role.
Deanahi
