JUMZ

Love it or leave it, hip hop has always been and will always be a product of the greatest city in the world. New York is home to more culture, style and flair than anywhere else on the planet. Hip hop music was born in the streets, parks and clubs throughout the five boroughs. While the music has stretched from coast to coast, touching down and carving out unique regional personalities from Atlanta to California, for my money New York wears the crown.

There is no shortage of MC’s in the city. There’s talent everywhere you look. What’s happening in music right now is proof positive that hip hop isn’t content to rest on the notions and sounds that came before. Hip hop is forging ahead with a new crop of talent ready to not only carry tradition, but to blaze new paths in the sound scape and culture of the music.

One of those new voices is JUMZ, a NY lyricist with a gritty, honest east coast pedigree. His versatility enables him to create songs that appeal to New Yorkers as well as listeners all over the world. He’s a man on a mission. JUMZ took time from his busy grind to explain just why he’s here making music, and why we should all pay attention.

Shiny Glass Houses: Thanks for taking the time to talk. I read your bio, it seems like music was your safety net coming up. At what point did you realize that writing raps, making music was your way of channeling your energy and emotion?

JUMZ: When my father passed I didn’t have much emotion, I don’t even remember crying much about it. My dad always prepared me for death in general, to him death was a part of life. Being raised by him made me a bit cold when it came to feelings and sharing them and I learned to keep everything I felt, good or bad inside. I turned to art. I used to draw or make graffiti cartoons and bubble letters in notebooks, and then I turned to writing short stories, comic strips and poetry. I didn’t realize those were outlets that got my mind off the emotions I suppressed and then eventually music is what finally let out the beast.

SGH: NYC is battle tested. It’s the birthplace of hip hop. How did you get your feet wet in music business?

JUMZ: I started in the business by street-teaming. Myself and another kid from the neighborhood would hand out flyers for major labels and get invited to special events. This was during the whole Mase/DMX era of hip hop. To me it was fun wearing promotional shirts and hanging out with label execs. Of course I had no idea I was being exploited but at the time I didn’t care. In my mind it was a privilege to be apart of the business at such an early age and have people of importance actually give a fuck about what some kid thinks when it comes to music.

SGH: Did you feel intimidated or pressured to measure up to that stigma of being New York City MC?

JUMZ: Once I finally decided to take on music as a career I did feel pressure to make sure I sounded and portrayed what people thought a NY rapper should sound like. If you find any of my old stuff online you can tell I listened to a lot of Nas. It’s to the point where a lot of people said I sounded like him. I mirrored my whole style to what he used to do. It’s real funny when I think of it now, it doesn’t make any sense to rap a certain way because of the region you’re from. Just make music you want to hear, just be you.

That’s the only issue I have with my city. There’s so many close-minded folks in charge of the music scene here who don’t give artists that don’t remind them of the 90’s era a chance. Bloggers are so stuck on this “golden-era” of hip hop. It’s the reason NYC doesn’t have more mainstream acts poppin’ off. Hopefully guys like myself, or French Montana, and A$AP will help New York blaze a new trail in hip hop once again.

SGH: You mentioned artists like A$AP, yourself and French Montana blazing a new trail for NYC hip hop. Where is the sound headed? How much impact does your city have on your sound?

JUMZ: I can’t help but to look up to the people from my city that make it in this day and age. We’re underdogs now, we have to captivate people in other states to get recognized. Now we have to work harder and step our swags up, which is fine cuz I’m open to the challenges.

The new sound of the city is just a melting pot of the hip hop culture, so today not only do we have to be original in what we do but we also have to cater to the audience that buys records. That’s just business. I’m not going to make a whole album about how hard my life was and expect some young lady in Alabama to want to play my shit everyday. The album as a whole has to have an element of fun, passion, and then reality.

SGH: How much does hip hop influence today’s culture?

JUMZ: Everything in today’s culture is influenced by hip hop. You don’t see many ads that don’t include an element of hip hop these days. Hip hop is in our speech, in the way we dress, and it affects how we view one another. It’s not as taboo as it was in the early 90’s when the culture was considered “intimidating”. Now it’s accepted all over the world and it is probably the only genre of music that can blend with anything.

SGH: Clearly there’s a direct influence on kids. What do you want them to take away from your music.

JUMZ: I don’t really think kids should listen to all of my music…maybe some songs here and there. I speak on harsh realities that parents should speak to their kids about before they tune in to one of my mp3’s. I’m not here to be held responsible for your child’s actions. I’m rated R, if you’re a parent don’t let them watch this movie.

If children happen to be curious and tune in to what I’m doing, I’d let them know that I speak from my own point of view and if there are negative aspects of my life you can relate to, understand that I’m not doing those things anymore or I’m not living that kind of lifestyle. I talk about it for those who don’t have a voice or feel trapped within a system.

SGH: You have solid insight and a very real confidence about you. Being nominated by the Underground Music Awards must have been a great feeling, to be recognized as an independent who’s grinding and make a name for himself.

JUMZ: It was an honor to be nominated but it felt even more special to be nominated in my city. Unlike many artists where I’m from, the underground acts don’t travel as much. I was in a different city every other week performing. I didn’t realize that New York was paying attention. So when I heard about the nomination it felt pretty good, I can’t lie. Especially in the city where in every building it feels like there’s 10 rappers. To be considered above so many acts is pretty overwhelming.

SGH: JUMZ is a real unique name. Is there a story behind it?

JUMZ: JUMZ is what they use to call crack back in the day or Jumbles. The older guys would make fun cuz I was always a pretty lanky kid on the basketball courts. They compared me to a vile. I didn’t think it was funny back then but I started to use the name as a tag for when I would draw or write poetry. It just stuck with me since then.

SGH: I’ve listened to Independents Day front to back a few times now, and I have to say, it feels like a record. It plays like a fully realized project. Did you approach that tape with the idea of making an album?

JUMZ: I’ve only dropped one mixtape my whole career and it was before the web era was popular. My last two projects sound like albums because it’s too easy to give people lyrics over industry beats, to me you aren’t really selling who you are.

I’ve never really been into the conventional way of doing things, so I feel if I give my fans and potential supporters a completely original free project that they would appreciate the time I spent putting it together.

Independents Day took the longest time to be released, almost 2 years, and it almost never got released. There was a time where I got caught up in listening to mixtapes from all these majors that I got intimidated into releasing Big White Tee Music as it was originally suppose to be called. Then I realized that the music I made was the music that spoke to me and I embraced how different my project was from a Rick Ross or a French Montana or maybe a Kendrick Lamar, who in actuality inspired songs for my project through their individuality.

For example, I have a track called “Maybackin” and that’s definitely influenced by Rozay. My intro is a direct influence from the type of samples French would use for his tapes. I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a fan of what the other guys are doing, I’m just doing it my way.

SGH: Is there a full length in the works?

JUMZ: There is an EP on the way called Built 4 My City. This will be my first project distributed to major markets and some secondary markets under HoodLife Music/Asquad records. Right now I have two tracks that I’m confident about and I’m looking for strong production to compliment the rest of the EP.

SGH: If you could co-headline a show with any artist, from any time period, who would it be?

JUMZ: I’m still new, so I would try to build off one of my idols fan bases. Definitely Nas.

SGH: Last question. What’s your drink of choice?

JUMZ: I always drink something smooth, like Bacardi Peach Red straight up with ice or with peach juice. I know it sounds like a girls drink but it’s what I like (laughs). At least until Ciroc cuts a check or shoots one of my videos…

–Independents Day is a career defining moment for JUMZ. He may be under the radar, but not for long. Sleep if you want to, but you’ve been warned. Be sure to follow JUMZ on Twitter at @JUMZ_FOREVER. - Shiny Glass Houses

Hailing from Washington Heights, NY & being held as “The Undisputed Everything!” -- JUMZ has been making a name for himself ever since the debut of his first LP “SIGN JUMZ” [2006.] -- In which sold an impressive 11,000 online sales & distribution sales quickly becoming an overnight success story!

In December 2007, JUMZ announced his first ever European Tour,[My Head Is Swollen Tour].-- After his return he unveiled his new video "Paid It in Pain" which was shot in and has garnered him accolades from music industry heads. As a result, one of the three leading performance rights organizations in the US has offered JUMZ a publishing deal.

“JUMZ IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE MOST PROMISING INDIE ARTISTS OF OUR TIME!”—THE SR MAGAZINE BLOG.

Having performed all over the East Coast & Overseas, JUMZ is looking towards his biggest career highlight to date.—being featured on Grand Master Flash’s newly released album entitled “THE BRIDGE” his first album in 20 YEARS!! I’d say JUMZ isn't stopping anytime soon! Most recently releasing 2 new videos for his singles “PRESSURE” & “I’M A PROBLEM” JUMZ is building his own empire one step at a time. Expect to hear much more from this promising star! - thesocialitereport.blogspot.com

Hip hop legend Grandmaster Flash returns with ‘Shine All Day’, the big new single from his first high profile studio album in over 20 years, ‘The Bridge: Concept Of A Culture’. On ‘Shine All Day’, Flash called on Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest) to take a break from recording his recent album ‘The Renaissance’ to lay down the very first guest verse and hook for Flash’s sessions. The result was classic Q-Tip, an ode to beauty given a warm, head-nodding treatment on Flash’s mid-tempo soundbed. Flash then enlisted Jumz and Kel Spencer to add their own verses. Jumz originally laid down the lyrics in Spanish before re-recording them in English for the final album version. Alongside the original Album version and instrumental, the single package features an alternative, heavier radio mix by UK producer Sam Webster, known for his production work as Sloth and with Nellee Hooper.
- www.strut-records.com

You're just about to drop your first studio album in 20 years entitled 'The Bridge: Concept Of A Culture' on the 23rd Feb working with a host of artists. What was your decision to go back into the lab and cook up a record?
Watching some of the great producers out there like Pharrell, Dr Dre, Swizz Beats, Just Blaze. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to great songs for a long time so I felt the time was right, and I was like ‘let me just go in and make this record’. I made it in the mind of a DJ, and I was able to pick and chose artists from different genres of the world, and bring in brand new MCs, unknowns and pair them up with superstars and MCs that can’t speak the language. I was able to make this record in the vision that I’m used to making it, and that’s why I did it. I’ve been working solidly on it for the past two years. I slowed down the touring because I needed to make the record but I’ll probably start touring again in the next month or so.

Who were some of the highlight artists you worked with? You have such a cross section from Big Daddy Kane, to Snoop Dogg to Princess Superstar...
Of course, the superstars like Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, KRS-1, Mr Cheeks, but also the unknowns like Kel Spencer, Lordikim Allah, J-Flo and Jumz. It’s an eclectic DJ mixture of songs on this particular record and that’s how I wanted to build this. I’m just doing hip hop. Some of it has a hip hop feel, a R&B feel, a jazz feel, a pop feel, or an underground feel. Just being able to match superstar MC’s with those that can’t speak the language, I just had fun doing the record.

You haven’t shied away from your distaste for record companies. Are you going through your own record company this time?
It’s coming out through my own company but distributed through K7, but yes I’m using my own label this time. - sneakerfreaker.com

Indie act JUMZ is one of the artists featured on the legendary DJ’s new CD, ‘’The Bridge: Concept of a Culture’’ due out in spring 2009. This is Grandmaster Flash’s new material in 20 years since 1988’s ‘’On The Strength’’. “As a DJ, I’ve been blessed to see many different people, places and styles,” Flash explains. “The album title represents all the bridges I’ve crossed worldwide.”

The record ‘’Shine All Day’’ with Jumz also features Q-Tip and will be available through all digital platforms. “It is an honor to be featured on this historic album along with Hip Hop’s most influential names: Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg, and KRS One”, says Jumz, adding “Having my talent recognized by one of Hip Hop’s originators is huge, the industry should be on the lookout for me”

What’s more? Jumz is slated to continue his reign over the online world and will soon release a set of music videos for his upcoming mixtape.

About JUMZ
Hailing from Washington Heights, Jumz is an American rapper of Dominican descent. At his return from his European Tour, ‘’My Head Is Swollen Tour’’ in 2008, Jumz unveiled his video for his timeless track "Paid It In Pain" which was shot in Paris, France and has garnered him accolades from music industry heads. As a result, SESAC, one of the three leading performance rights organizations in the US, has offered JUMZ a publishing deal.
He recently was featured by celebrity portraiture photographer Kelly Kline in her portfolio which includes music and sports entertainment's biggest names such as Reggie Bush, T.I., Rev Run, Lebron James, and Amare Stoudemire among others.
http://www.jumz.com
http://myspace.com/jumz

About PDG Public Relations
PDG Public Relations is a boutique PR firm that provides clients one-on-one attention through a tailored approach, designed to promote their talents from all angles within their niche and beyond. The firm is involved in all aspects of Arts & Entertainment publicity, promotion and marketing for artists and lifestyle brands.

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information on JUMZ, media inquiries, CD review request or tour information, please contact Olivia Dikambi:
PDG Public Relations | 646 641 4521 | Olivia@pdgpr.com - PRLOG.com

Interview by Rob Graham. Photos courtesy of Frank Wang.



You’ve heard the story before! Dude from the hood has talent: hoops, rhymes, etc. But, is never seen or heard because of certain “non-relationships” or other type of fuckery. So what does he do? He finds a way! One that doesn’t conflict with who he is, or what he’s about. Meet JUMZ. That’s his story. By leaving his stomping ground in Washington Heights (NYC), he flew over “the pond” to Europe, got his grind on there, built a TRUE fan base and is back in the States to get it poppin’.
So for those that don’t know JUMZ, talk to us about where you grew up? What was your upbringing like?

Well I was born and raised in Washington Heights, NYC. A small neighborhood right above Harlem. A lot of Dominicans populated the area during the late 70’s and 80’s so it has become more of a mini “Santo Domingo”. Living in the Heights really taught me about being Dominican and I was always exposed to its culture. My parents were into all kinds of music, including Pop and R&B, and growing up I would hear Merengue, with some Billy Joel or Michael Jackson, and even some Soca before the day was over. My dad had a real eclectic taste in music.
And you used to tag and b-boy…

I wasn’t heavy into tagging, meaning I didn’t do it for the art. I did it for vandalism. You wanted to leave your mark to let other people know you were there. B-boying was a little different because everyone around me was into house music, many of the B-boy moves would be incorporated into the whole HOUSE movement we had when I was a pre-teen.
Where’d you get the name JUMZ from? How is it pronounced?

JUMZ, pronounced like “drums” replace letters “d&r” with “J”. JUMZ is what they use to call crack a long time ago. When I was playing basketball a lot of the older fellas would make fun of me because I was such a skinny kid. So, they would joke around and say I looked like a crack vile. I know it’s not the greatest story, but it’s the truth. At first, I didnt use the name JUMZ as a rap name. Instead, I was used it as a signature when I drew pictures in my sketch pad. Later on in High School was when it crossed over into music.
Now you were on Grandmaster Flash’s latest effort (The Bridge) alongside Q-Tip on “Shine All Day”. How did that come about?

That actually came about from having my music online. I was chatting with someone periodically, and it ended up being Grandmaster Flash’s personal assistant. They were diggin’ the music and had requested for me to be on the album. At first, I was only going to to perform the verse in Spanish, but I was called back to do it in English. Now, they released an EP with both versions.
What made you decide to get your grind and hustle on in Europe?

I had a desire to be heard and I knew that Europe was always interested in what American Hip hop had to offer. As soon as I had the right music I just started to make connections on the internet and organizing shows for myself. Till this day it’s one of the most greatest experiences I had in my career, not taking anything away from working with Flash and Q-tip of course.
What was the illest shit you experienced in Europe, that you probably wouldn’t have experienced here?

At the end of the day I know in my heart I am still an unknown in this business. So when it comes to performing in New York the ears are very critical. Either because you are performing around other artists or the crowd has friends and relatives trying to do the same thing, so even if they like what you do they would act “too cool” to let you know they enjoyed it. When you perform in Europe the crowds have a different response, they actually commit to the experience and that energy gets conveyed back to them in a positive manner. Then the shows just become an event where the whole room sounds like your friends or your hypemen, and you don’t ever wanna get off the stage.
How many mixtapes and albums have you dropped already?

I only dropped one official mixtape and I’ve been featured on many tapes all over the world. I’m not really big on the mixtape scene because it’s been done already. It’s more about creating one great song at a time for me these days. I’m not knocking anyone who does, but spitting your heart out every 2 months and no one is putting a deal on the table is a bit counterproductive. What artist accomplish in 12 mixtapes I’m gonna try to accomplish in one song.
Not too long ago in Hip Hop, being signed to the Roc-A-Fellas, Def Jams, Bad Boys, Rawkus, etc. is what aspiring artists were striving for. But, that doesn’t necessarily seem to be the case of late. Would you consider signing to a major, or do you prefer the indie route?

I still have the desire to be part of a major. You can’t beat the resources they already have when you’re an indie. But, if you want to be part of a major under your own terms, you don’t have much of a choice but to prove yourself as an indie. This is the new criteria to get you in with these labels. You wanna have a product ready, so that the labels can put you out there without the artist becoming a financial burden.
Why rap? Why not something else?

Thats a good question, I have no idea why not “something else”. This music is so addictive, it controls every aspect of my life. It’s consumed me like a drug. I don’t need anything else, nothing is more gratifying then pulling words from the air and laying them on dope beats. This is my fuckin’ high. If you had the chance to be high all the time and make money off of it, wouldn’t you go all the way with it too? There is nothing else, should i just move into the corporate world and fall in a routine? Hell no! I can do this forever. It’s too late to do something else. I am this. - PremiumPlusMagazine.com

Good track on the ill and gutta tip. It’s by mc called Jumz entitled “Pressure“. It’s produced David E. Beats. Show some love and hit the God up on his official page….www.Jumz.Com. - HipHopRuckus.com

Whether one runs across Jumz in print, or if one notices the signature scowl that twists his honeyed-mahogany features, Jumz stands out. Determined to shine amid a plethora of MCs, this first-generation Dominican-American, is attacking Hip-Hop. The streets of Washington Heights helped to mold Jumz' relentless drive; that Broadway Ave. and 157th St. bravado is now being applied in rap's boardrooms. A definite New York confidence is engrained into Jumz' business ventures. This self-assured MC has accepted the dauntless challenge of standing-out on a stage of noteworthy lyricists.



"I think that the most important thing about the music business is to always be yourself and do you. Believe in yourself, and don't expect anyone to do anything for you," explains Jumz.



Living by that creed, Jumz, has started his own label, Paid It In Pain Entertainment. As its flagship artist he has been collaborating with long-time producer, David E. Beats. Nearing the completion of his Fuck Your Label mixtape, Jumz is staying busy with countless activities. With the company he's entertaining, you'd think Jumz is destined for greatness. Jumz takes a definitive step towards stardom with his feature on Grandmaster Flash's anticipated new album The Bridge. Featured on Shine All Day, alongside Q-Tip and Kel Spencer, Jumz exhibits that he possesses a cache of illuminating lyrics.



What role did Hip-Hop play in your upbringing?



Well, Hip-Hop really didn't come into my life until I was maybe 12 or 13. And, that was during the time - I think I had just heard LL Cool J's Mama Said Knock You Out. And it was at my uncle's house. He was a big Hip-Hop head. But really, before I Hip-Hop I was really more listening to pop music and calypso and Caribbean stuff in my house.



Under what circumstances did you to first decide to pursue a career in Hip-Hop?



It really happened when my Pops had passed away. I was living with him; I wasn't living with my mother. It was just me and my dad; my dad kinda raised me like during those teen-aged years, the beginning of my teen-aged years. And when he passed away he never really got to do any of the stuff that he really wanted to do with his life. So I felt like since life is so short why go down the conventional road... When, at the end of the day you're not even satisfied. So, I felt like I had to pursue this art form. This is something that I really enjoy doing.



In what ways does it satisfy you?



Really, it's more about the expression. It's also about getting my word across to a lot of people... getting the right words across. I feel complete when I do this 'my music, when I write this song. The whole process is what I'm really in love with, the fact that I can come up with it in my mind, and then make it into something tangible. It even makes me feel like some other kind of human being, for some reason. [Laughs]



From where do you draw your inspiration?



I'm inspired about everything around me. Really like 100% it's really from my own experiences. That's what inspires me the most. Other artists inspire me [and] the people that I've grown up listening to. Which is like Nas, The LOX, Biggie; that kind of music inspires me.



Is there a significant difference between Rafael Ramon and Jumz?



I think Rafael Ramon is more like the typical, average, the average man that just wants to get his family together, wants to live somewhere nice, wants everything to be peaceful. You know what I mean? Jumz is more of like the celebrity, the alter ego, the guy who is about having all the fame. But at the same time he's really like to express himself to the common people.



Do you feel any added pressure to represent and succeed for the Dominican MCs?



I think there's a lot... not really like pressure, but I do put a lot on my back because I feel like I do not want to misrepresent them. I feel like it's so easy to put out a hit song and not come back. Or to be known as some kind of, you know, gimmick. So, I really have to make sure that nothing I do is so gimmicky that I misrepresent my own culture. Like, I really want to be known for being a lyricist; not just a Dominican lyricist.



How have you been using your time; what projects are you working on?



Right now, what I'm working on is more of like a video demo type of situation. I'm putting together the Fuck Your Label mixtape. The mixtape is going to be a combination of video and music. And people are just going to get a DVD of music videos from songs from my catalogue; songs that I've been working on.



Do you anticipate that being completed anytime soon?



We're looking at completing it at the end of the summer.



You received an extra good look from an icon in the business. What events led you to be featured on Grandmaster Flash's Shine All Day?



Basically just networking, you know. I was on the internet one day and someone hit me and asked me if I knew a rap artist that could possibly rap in Spanish on this track. I didn't know what the track was or anything like it... so, at first I just said, I'll see what I can find somebody for you. Because, I really don't rap in Spanish or nothing like that. And then the lady hit me back and she happened to be the right hand of Grandmaster Flash, she's his assistant. So then when she told me it was for Grandmaster Flash, I told her I would have something for her the next day. So, I put something together, I sent it to them; they enjoyed it. And then they sent me the track. Low and behold, on the track was Q-Tip... Grandmaster Flash invited me over to his studio out in Long Island, NY. And I did the verse first in Spanish. Then what happened was they felt like there's only so many markets [that] we can touch with Spanish vocals, let's have you come back and do it in English. So at the end of the day I went back to Long Island and recorded the verse in English. Grandmaster Flash loved it... he said it was a go. The next thing you know I was on the album with Q-Tip.



Did you feel vindicated that they chose the English version over the Spanish version?



Nah, I didn't feel any way. It was an opportunity for me to be a part of a Grandmaster Flash album. He hasn't put out an album in 20 years and then on the song is Q-Tip. Q-Tip is somebody I grew up listening to; like one of my favorite song is Award Tour; and a lot of A Tribe Called Quest's music is in my iPod and stuff like that. So, to have a song with him I felt like it was an opportunity in itself.



You're establishing a fan base here and abroad. Last year you had a showcase in Paris, France, how did you finance that venture?



The deal with Paris, France, what had happened was all they did was tell me to get the ticket and they took care of the rest. So, I had some people that believed in my movement, and stuff like that, and they found a way to fly me out there, [and to] make sure I had a place to stay. So, not only was it in Paris, but, once I got in Paris, the promoters would pay my way to Switzerland, Geneva, Zurich and also, I did Brussels as well.



What kind of reaction did you get while you were over there?



Um, over there, over there, you would'a thought I was like, um, Jay-Z or something like that. It was a bunch of clubs and small theatres; people really enjoyed what I had to bring to the table. Me, also I'm kinda like a perfectionist when it comes to performing. I didn't expect anything less than that. But I felt like, you know, those people really enjoyed the showing. And, not only that, I was asked to come back. I know they really liked it.



Do you feel any kinda way about indie MCs verses mainstream MCs. Does one have to be more business savvy than the other?



I don't necessarily feel that way because I think that now the business model for the industry is [that] they'd rather sign successful Indie artists. I think everyone, at one point in this game becomes a successful indie artist and then eventually becomes a mainstream artist. You know, it's kinda rare these days that you're just gonna get somebody that's, boom, mainstream and have to through the motions with a label and still be successful.



Besides yourself are there any other artists in Paid It In Pain Ent.?



Right now, on Paid It In Pain, it's just me. But, I do have a main producer that I deal with; his name is David E. Beats.



What do you envision for the label?



I consider the label to be like another Roc-A-Fella. I think that with the producer, David E. Beats, and myself, I think [that] we make a great combination. I think that the music is different enough to stand out and I really see nothing but the best for it in the future.



Why should the public invest its time into getting to know you?



I feel like what I bring to the table is very genuine and authentic. I take a lot of time in writing my song and putting them together and making sure they flow well and are understandable. I don't under mind my audience, I don't try to be condescending... I just try to be real with it. To tell you the truth, I feel like if you want to continue to invest in lies that's on you but if you want someone who respects your intelligence then I think you should cop my music.



Sometimes that entity that is controlling Hip-Hop will glorify the life of a D-boy. Seeing that your father lost his battle with addition, how do you feel about that?



How do I feel about the industry glorifying D-boys? Well, I don't really see it as them glorifying D-boys. I think that the D-boy is really the story of the American Dream. It's like you're taking nothing and making it into something. And what happens is it's that the only thing that they can take and create any kind of wealth from just happens to be drugs. That's what's in the neighborhood, that's what's there and that's what's in demand.



...Drugs are not good for you, but it seems like sometimes you don't have a choice. And from where a lot of these guys come from and people like myself this is all we see and this is all we do. It's not that we glorify it, it's just that we want to show people that, 'Hey, you can do something other than this. You don't have to do this, we did it already.' You can be this and you can be successful. You should go to school and you should have a career. Because, we feel like we become idols off of these stories. What we try to do is tell them what it is that we did and how we got out of it. It's not really that the industry glorifies it; it's just that that's the real story, that's fact.



Well, do you think that the ends justify the means?



Absolutely, I think the ends justify the means. I think that without the evils there aren't any good. I feel like you have to make certain sacrifices even within your own morals to achieve what you want to be. If you want to be the ultimate at what you do, then you know; heads got to roll.



Is your father's absence reflected in your lyrics?



Yeah, I feel like you can really hear about my influences and about how much influence my father had on me. Because, I do talk about a lot of the youth growing up without their daddy. And I think that you can see the difference when it comes to my demeanor and to a lot of my beliefs; that comes from me having my father for most of my life, as to some of these guys not having their father at all.



To a potential fan that is unaware of you, what do you think is the best track to get a feel for what you stand for as an MC?



I think that right now the best track would be Pressure. I think that a 100% of my songs would be that way, even though that's not really true to life. I really would like for fans to take in Pressure and really listen to it. It's not so much as lyrical but it's real and vivid.



Yeah, that was one of my favorites; I like that one and With Air.



Oh, okay, cool.



Now, is there anything else that you'd like to expound upon?



I got the video for Pressure coming soon and I have the video for With Air coming soon. When it comes to my music I just want people to keep an open ear. I hope that people don't just judge me as another Latin artist; or, as somebody trying to be a gimmick. I'm just as entitled to express my story as anyone else of any other race and just respect my craft because I have respect for the craft.



- By Niki Gatewood - Yoraps.com

It is about 3 oclock, and all that is on TV is Ice Road Truckers and Diabetes commercials. I received this email from my darling Olivia and I was like…O! I peeped this video before. Then as I watched it again..I realized how intense this video is.

It tells a story, unlike most lean inspired, scantily clad, stab-a-nigga-in-the-eye, slap-your-baby-mama videos of today.

I will say though, it is intense. So tell your significant other to shut up and get some popcorn. - FlyStyleLife.com

One of the most promising independent artist on the rise, JUMZ possesses the talent and the knowledge it takes to be in this business. With the success of his first CD, “SIGN JUMZ” selling over 11,000 copies online and CD sales combined he has come to build a solid following.

JUMZ has performed in all the boroughs of New York City and major cities along the East Coast. Not only that, JUMZ has just finished his first European tour, performing in various clubs and theaters in France, Brussels, and Switzerland. With talent respected on a national and international level you can expect to hear JUMZ on tracks all over the country and all over the world. Mixtape DJs and hip hop artist be on the lookout! JUMZ is the future and he is a force to be reckoned with….

FOR BOOKINGS AND COLLABORATIONS EMAIL BOOKINGS@JUMZ.COM

PRODUCERS SUBMIT BEATS AT JUMZBEATS@GMAIL.COM
MSN: JUMZ.COM@HOTMAIL.COM
AOL IM: JUMZceo

WWW.JUMZ.COM
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/JUMZ
WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/OFFICIALJUMZ - thepeopleschoice.info