Issue #98 - Digital Cover

Published on June 23rd, 2016 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

0

Who is 2x GRAMMY nominee Mikey Jay?

There’s Jay-Z, Diddy, Fat Joe, and then there’s Mikey Jay (@IAMMIKEYJAY). For those that have been sleeping under a rock for the past 15+ years let’s acquaint and or reacquaint you with the hardest working, most generous yet slept on artist in the industry. Mikey Jay is not your average celebrity or public figure. Mikey Jay is a Native American-Trinidadian and African American mainstream recording artist, music producer, actor, clothing line owner, film producer, film financier, civil rights activist, fathers rights activist, philanthropist and community activist from the Southeast Bronx section of New York City. He is the true definition of a mogul.

Although he was born in Harlem and raised in the South Bronx, Mikey Jay overcame many trials and tribulations. Soon after he was born on Christmas Day, at 9:30am, Mikey’s blood count shot up to a level that should have taken his life. Not too soon after that, his white blood cells began to feed on his red blood cells, He even endured a spinal tap. Through all of this, he has risen to become one of the most sought after artist, entertainers, producers and actors In the entertainment industry.

Mikey Jay gives much of his knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the music business credit to previous management and current mentors such as Mickey Bentson, Bert Padell, LadyMoore Saab, Terra Renee, Dr. Ishmael Bentancort, and other notables in the industry. His charismatic swagger, handsome good looks and hilarious sense of humor has propelled Mikey Jay to the forefront of the music, film and television world. When other mainstream prominent artist or moguls are mentioned, Mikey Jays name is in the same conversation he is the true definition of a mogul, humanitarian, entrepreneur, artist, and all around entertainer. Mikey Jay is Hip-Hop’s best kept secret in the game. Certified, solidified and accredited.

As you see your self, who is Mikey Jay?

I see myself as an artist with a genuine purpose. An assignment. Life is bigger than Mikey Jay. The stage is my sanctuary just as the studio is. When I’m on the stage performing in front of an audience I feel free. Free to express to them and give them more than expected. I see myself as their mouthpiece. Their vocalist. I say the things they want to say but may not know how to say or may just be to timid to say it at all. I speak for them. I act on their behalf. That is part of my assignment. To be my brothers keeper. On and off the stage.

What brought you to the entertainment industry and music specifically?

I wouldn’t say I that I was brought to the industry, because I’ve been around the mainstream since I was 12. I’ve always had 1 foot in the business and another in the street. But I will say that my last stint in jail made my decision easy. When I came home I just said F–k this and just went harder than any other person on the come up. I got tired of hearing music that I’ve either written and or produced for other artists on the radio or videos and I can’t even be there to ride that wave. The credit is great, but to be there while things are popping is even greater. Especially when it’s my body of work.

What and/or who influenced the sound you bring today?

Everything and everyone I’ve come into contact with whether on a positive level or a negative level influenced much of my sound. I’ll explain. Music and the sound that accompanies it comes from within. Such as for myself. All of my sounds from the melodies to the instrumentation are a piece of my most deepest inner feelings. My thoughts. My sound is the expression of my soul. My sound comes from my inner thoughts. My sound is Rap, Rock, Pop, Reggae, Classical, Jazz, Latin and even Country. My sound is everything that I am and more.

What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?

The first time I realized this industry was for me took place about 2 years ago. I checked my FACEBOOK messages one day and as I was filtering through my messages i began reading one from a cat from New Jersey. He was telling me how he was a huge fan and how I inspired him to want to take his music further. As I kept on reading it had gotten deeper. He was explains to me how he wanted to take his own life and why. He said that his baby moms was dogging him out and how child support left him with only $18.00 out of every check. That’s when I called my girl and explained to her the position that I was just put into and how I was going to proceed and she said that would be a good move on behalf. Keep in mind that he refused to talk to anyone else. Thank God I had personal experience with talking with people in his state of mind. Let just say that after 1 hour of talking back and forth he’s alive today and doing very well. This is the reason that I believe I’m in this industry. Not to just give a great show and put out the best music I can. But to genuinely be my brothers keeper.

What was the biggest obstacle in getting to your current career phase?

Ignoring hateful hating ass people. The biggest obstacles in this business are haters. Disbelievers. People who spread lies and rumors about you. Nothing but untruths. I figured out that they do this because that’s how they appease their egos. That’s how they make themselves feel good enough to look in the mirror. They hate what they can’t or don’t understand. They hate who they don’t know. Haters are just like an obstacle course you just have to maneuver and get around them.

What do you want people get from your music?

I want people to just feel that genuine hip hop culture. That 808 kick drum and snare. That arrangement. That melody. That harmony. My story. I spit about many different things in my music. Things that any and everyone can and will relate to. Whether it’s about them or someone they may know. I just want them to enjoy that feel good rap music from an artist with a diversified style and flow.

Tell us about your current project?

My current project is DeFamation Of Character with Last Of A Dying Breed following up. Both LP’s are going to have you not just loving it but respecting it. I’m addressing everything that people have said about me. Addressing the lies and rumors that have been put out their in the universe.

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

I have one for you. Every 5 minutes I’m getting requests from people wanting me to like their music pages or download their music from different sites but when I ask them “Well have you done they same” they get all tongue tied and I be like WHO RAISED YOU???!!!

Island Def Jam Digital / Aigne Music Group
Dynamic Artists 4 Peace


Tags: , ,


About the Author

Publisher and CEO of The Hype Magazine. Follow me on Twitter @HypeJustJay


Comments are closed.

Back to Top ↑