Aye Cue

Artist: Aye Cue
Album: Fall In America
Label: Sindicate Enterprises
Release Date: August 20, 2015

With all of the socio-political and civil issues being highlighted in the media these days, Texas State alumni and Houston-raised Aye Cue contributes his thoughts

and feelings with Fall In America. The album draws inspiration from styles like jazz, 90s R&B, and West Coast hip-hop and melds them into a new-age blend that sounds like nothing else coming out of San Marcos. Or Texas, for that matter.

The smooth production sticks out on this project by flipping popular beats and samples like Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” and Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” and personalizing them, which allows Aye Cue to glide on each track with his buttery slick flow. The familiarity of sounds makes digesting semi-taboo topics like police brutality and injustice a bit easier, but the familiarity is also complemented by things you wouldn’t typically hear in a rap song like a jazz saxophone. It’s the best of both worlds. Fall In America is like a party where intellectuals and turn-up lovers happily co-exist, thinking, discussing and dancing simultaneously.

From the music to the lyricism to the cover art, Aye Cue’s Fall In America is the most professional and put-together rap project that I’ve seen birthed from San Marcos. I think it’s a great achievement for local and Texas hip-hop, and I hope the momentum continues to build. - KTSW 89.9

Members of a Texas State student organization use rap music as a tool to encourage social activism and networking.

Hip Hop Congress is a nationwide society focused on the advancement of hip-hop artists’ careers, said Ray Cordero, founder and adviser for the organization.

Cordero said Sherri Benn, assistant vice president for student affairs, approached him in 2004 with the idea for the organization.

“At first there were just five of us trying to put something together,” Cordero said. “But once we started moving and shaking and getting the word out, it just grew on its own.”

Jade Lewis, Hip Hop Congress president and mass communication senior, said a welcoming atmosphere and networking opportunities initially brought him to the organization.

Lewis, a rapper who goes by the name Aye Cue, said he first served in Hip Hop Congress as an ambassador before assuming the role of president about a year ago.

Lewis has been the opening act for mainstream hip-hop artists such as Big Sean, Action Bronson and Bun B.

Lewis also serves as the chapter head over every Hip Hop Congress group in the state of Texas in order to inspire his peers and spur growth among fellow artists.

“It is cool to be a leader, but it is also cool to impact others to the point where they want to follow in your footsteps,” Lewis said. “They want to do better with their lives and be successful.”

Lewis said he is responsible for managing disagreements amongst the group’s members. He said at times the conflict can be frustrating, but the problems are solved quickly with open communication and dialogue.

“Once we put some of the problems we have aside and work to the greater goal of Hip Hop Congress, things work out,” Lewis said. “(It’s) just like any other family.”

Hip Hop Congress meets every Tuesday in the LBJ Student Center, and membership is open to any Texas State student, Lewis said. The organization regularly hosts events to bring unity and positivity to all audience members—hip-hop fans or not.

Aarom Whalon, member of Hip Hop Congress and accounting junior, said he is close to making a career on the turntables under the name DJ Fat.

Whalon joined Hip Hop Congress after being invited by Lewis. His decision to become a member has produced networking opportunities.

Whalon believes hip-hop artists should surround themselves with people who can help push their brands forward.

“You can be as good as you want to be, but if you are not around the right group of people, it will not even matter,” Whalon said. “You will just be doing it all for yourself.”

Different personalities, backgrounds and skill sets in Hip Hip Congress make it an influential group, Whalon said.

“It is a powerful group, even outside of the music,” Whalon said. “It is basically a diversity group, and with the direction we are going, we will help keep Texas State diverse.” - University Star

Dripped in gold, Houston native Aye Cue predicts his future to be royalty. From iPhone to iPhone I was able to indulge into the come-up of the young rapper who speaks with the cadence of a precise individual. As words spilled through my end of the connection I grew hopeful for his path and everything he promised to deliver.

Phone calls have grown to be a nuisance for communication now-a-days but from start to finish the conversation had with 22-year-old Aye Cue -whose real name is Jade Lewis- was everything but that. Although not widely known, the rapper casually informed me of the three projects that he has in the making and that he doesn’t plan to come short from success within the next three years. Presuming achievement comes with the territory (hip hop being the most braggadocious genre of music) but Cue in exchange was able to balance that with reality and humility.

Residing in this game isn’t simple and for the most part it’s way too accessible to participate. The sport has become deluded and one being a true student of the genre could easily get discouraged by watching the maybe, undeserving. “People only want to rap now because it’s a trend or to make money.” Aye Cue preaches. “But in all reality, rap doesn’t make money… it’s what you do with rap that makes money.” Aye Cue declares. “This has been my passion for the past 11 years.”

Signing a deal at the age of 16 (which later fell through the cracks), Aye Cue got a taste of what could be. Debuting year 2011 officially in collaboration with rapper B.Star The Flight to Alcatraz was born then following two years later on solo experimental project Genre 2080: The Memoir of Aye Cue, Cue presented the range that he wants to possess. In addition to range, Cue claims to stand out by striving to be a black business owner to help others like himself that are on the come-up too get a slice of the pie.

fter sporadically dropping songs on soundcloud and doing as many shows possible, Aye Cue has some ventures brewing that are soon to be served. Readily admitting currently holding a team leader position in a retail store Cue mentioned on the contrary that all of his free time since graduating from Texas State University (San Marcos) is going towards creating a four track EP (that he wants to uplift discouraged artists who may feel like their goals may never be reached), a full-length project produced all by creator G-Clef and building an artist and community outreach program called Sindicate Enterprises that he too wants to motivate talent the same way as his EP.

“I feel like there are a million other people like me.” Aye Cue mentions. “Although there isn’t another ‘Aye Cue,’ we all have potential to be Kings and Queens.” And I see exactly where he is speaking from. Cue wants us all to acknowledge the capability around the world wanting to convey their messages yet don’t have the resources or the motivation. “We all have the opportunity to reach our up-most potential.”

Hearing such conscious thoughts expressed about music, it was obvious that he had more to say. Openly, with much distress Cue touched on the 2015 Grammy Awards not giving props on-air to the most influential genre, fearing that more are to fall into the generalized sub-genre of “trap” and being frustrated with people jumping on the bandwagon of shunning Iggy Azalea without doing their research first. “But on the other hand, I do think Iggy needs to grow thicker skin.” Aye Cue advises. “Be ready for the repercussions when you’re taking from our culture.”

Before I end the conversation, Aye Cue praises the innovative and the projects from other artists he’s curious about. Enthused, Cue looks forward to Kendrick, Kanye, Vince Staples and Tory Lanez making waves in 2015. “I’m also impressed by the local San Marcos talent.” Aye Cue champions. “The artists here are slowly starting to come together and the rappers definitely on the rise are Kel, Don Curry and Casey Jay.”
Listening to this young rapper spill out much information on his journey and his thoughts only should amplify your curiosity of his future. Reassuring me on the career path he has chosen, “This is my plan A(ye), I find no need for a plan B… and at age 25 I’m gonna be on.” Aye Cue’s hunger is apparent, so it may be time for you to join the Aye Team. - The Recline

- What is the hardest part about being an artist? What keeps you pumping your business? How long do you think it will take to achieve the success you desire?

The hardest part about being an artist? Hmm, that’s a great question. I would have to say, re-inventing your sound, or crafting your sound in a way to where you’re distinct enough to sound different than the millions of other artists’ that are taking up similar lanes as you. Appealing to the different generations/backgrounds of listeners is always a task, but once you’re able to adapt to various crowds, it’s gravy from there. Though it’s a tedious task, it’s fun as well to experiment with different sounds and ideas.
As far as success goes, my view of success is simply inner-peace and happiness. Not just within myself, but for those who believe they can’t live their dreams or don’t have that extra push to hurdle the obstacles in life that prevent them from truly reaching their goals. So how long? Who knows? I can’t motivate a World overnight, but I can damn sure try.

- What’s your favorite cartoon character and why?

Vegeta, hands down. Dragon Ball Z is my favorite cartoon, not simply because of the action and chaos, but because of the character development. Vegeta was a very relatable character. A Saiyan Prince that originally came to Earth to wipe away the human race, and kill Goku, but later grew to show that he actually had a conscience and that he was simply a product of his environment. Vegeta had many demons he overcame, and later grew into having a pure heart. Watching sin transform into light is an amazing thing, and it showed me, that even the toughest soldiers in the bunch can feel emotion, and embrace it.

- What’s a promotional tactic you would like to share with the crew that you used this week or have used in the past? Was it new or an old technique that has been doing the trick?

It’s really the same ol’ same ol’ with me. I recently graduated from Texas State University(w/ a degree in Mass Communications), and there i had a pretty nice following, but I was also apart of student organizations as well that were involved in the community. One organization in particular was Hip Hop Congress, in which is a service organization that strives to unite cultures using the art of Hip Hop. We put together concerts for artists like Big Krit, as well as open up for them as well, so from there it taught me not only the talent side of artistry, but the business side. i learned how to create events, market them, sell tickets, appeal to various backgrounds/cultures of students, plus more. So I use those particular abilities I gained to market my craft, as well as empower those around me whom are looking to lead a trail instead of walk a path.

- Is there a person besides yourself that is apart of your everyday goal to the top? If so who are they and how did you meet them? If not do you prefer to work alone, or how do you like working alone compared to the thought of working with someone else, or have you worked with people in the past and find that you are more efficient own your own?

Not necessarily a person, but a whole culture. Trust me, I love all people from various backgrounds, but there’s nothing like home. The African American culture has arguably been conditioned to not only live up to their true potential, but not believe in each other. Of about 2,000 billionaires, only 11 of them are black(and not all of them are African American). What are we doing with our money? Where is our support for one another? Where are our black owned businesses? I want to empower all my people to live up to their utmost potential, and why? Because life everyday isn’t promised, you only have one life, so you might as well leave this life knowing that your soul can rest easy and

- What comes to mind when you think about DailyHipHopJamz? We are a small start up platform continuing to build and help launch artists.

Innovation. We are in the age of the Internet. It’s good that you’ll found a way to maneuver the local(and internet) music scene in a way to where everyone is accessible through their own marketing and talent. Ya’ll are giving up and coming talent a voice to be heard, and welcomed.

- What’s in your pockets right now? What was your first job? Give details to both, how was your manager, how were your co-workers, how long did you work there?

What’s in my pocket? Lol, one of my earrings, my phone, phone charger, a torn up wallet, some peanut butter crackers, and my headphones. Haha, long mornings and even longer nights.

My first job, hmm…I worked at Levis at the outlets in San Marcos, Texas. I had previous jobs before, but nothing I can go into detail about haha. Levis was great, the management that was there were pretty cool for the most part, a few of them still even support my music and hit me up every then and there. I realized that I couldn’t do the retail all my life, as it wasn’t my calling, but it did teach me how to interact with various types of people that either wanted to mask their insecurities or simply flaunt their money. As far as my co-workers go, they were amazing. I still keep in contact with a lot of them, I like to form genuine bonds with my co-workers…you never know who you’ll need in the future. - Daily Hip Hop Jamz

Review of Hip Hop in Austin. Interviews consist of Tony O of Sindicate Enterprises, Alexx Ward of KTSW 89.9, and Aye Cue. - Taryn Peters of KTSW 89.9

O2T rap stars Aye Cue and JMAC the Dragon discuss everything from Dragon Ball Z to their rap roots in this hilarious video

Brought to you by: Off on a Tangent- Creative arts collective

Contact us:
Twitter: @WeAreO2T
Facebook.com/weareo2t
www.weareo2t.webs.com
WeAreO2T@gmail.com - Off on a Tangent

Jade "Aye Cue" Lewis is a San Marcos-based, Houston-raised rapper that inspires to remain original and innovative in delivering his message. Using his platform to be free and express himself, Aye Cue isn't your typical rapper but a performer who isn't afraid of the stage. He sits down and discusses what he hopes his music leaves behind and the cultural impact he wants to make.
#AyeCue #SimoneB #Legacy - Simone B

Jade "Aye Cue" Lewis is a San Marcos-based, Houston-raised rapper that inspires to remain original and innovative in delivering his message. Using his platform to be free and express himself, Aye Cue isn't your typical rapper but a performer who isn't afraid of the stage. He sits down and discusses what he hopes his music leaves behind and the cultural impact he wants to make.
#AyeCue #SimoneB #Legacy - Simone B

A brief Documentary on Aye Cue from the Mass Communications, Electronic Media department of Texas State University. - Texas State University - Mass Comm. Electronic Media Dept.