The DMV Daily Interviews: Jai Musiq

Jai Musiq Shares Music With LivengoodLivin

Three things we don’t know about you?

Most of my love songs come from made up scenarios. People assume that they come from real-life relationships, but I’ve never even been in a relationship before.

I’m very reserved. I don’t really like to be surrounded by a lot of people, especially those that I’m not familiar with.

I’m getting my Music degree from Morehouse College this semester, so be on the lookout for that.

Define you in five words

If we’re talking adjectives they would be: chill, introverted, wise, goofy, and blessed.

If I had to use a phrase it would be: “Stay out of the way.” The best way to live is to get yours and stay out of the way.

Favorite pre -studio traditions? 

I always make rough drafts of my songs on GarageBand. They hardly ever sound good, but they give me an idea of what I want to do when I get to the studio so that every minute I’m there is productive. I also send those drafts to a couple of my friends to get their opinions on potential things to add or take away. Then I listen to those rough drafts all day before I go to the studio so that I can really feel it.

Top five biggest musical influences?

I’d be lying if I didn’t say Drake was a big influence not only for me but also for a lot of artists today. J. Cole inspires me with this storytelling and relatability. Kid Cudi was my hero growing up with his subject matter, and I inspire to help people the way he helped me. A major one would be my mother, who is the reason I started signing in the first place. The last one would be the city of Memphis. Anybody from there will tell you that being brought up in the M will make you different from other people, and a lot of that is heard in my music.

Define the music industry 

The music industry is a crazy place. If navigated correctly, it has the power to change your life. We’ve seen that with a lot of artists today. However, it only takes one bad move to end your career before it even starts.

Artists and media personalities you like to work with more?

To be honest, I’d like to work with everybody. I don’t want to put a limit on what I can do. But I would like to work with the big influences like Genius, Complex, XXL, The Fader, etc. I’d like to have my music heard by as many people as possible.

Any Shout outs?

I’d like to shout out God, of course, because without Him, none of this would be possible.  Much love to my mom! Shout out the whole city of Memphis. Shout out to Chris Cross, Cortez, and the whole Good Vibes Only team. Shout out to my Rough Draft Crew (the people I usually send music to): Sharhea, Kaneisha, Carly, Lint, Malcolm, Kylie, and others. HUGE shout out to Clay “Krucial” Perry III for recording and mixing all of the music I’ve done recently. Last shoutout goes to the Xi Eta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Morehouse just because that’s the home team.

And shoutout to myself. New single “Patience” dropping on Valentine’s Day.

Name ten artists you want to work with

Drake, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Juicy J, Quavo, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, & The Internet.

Spell out each letter in your name with a word

J – Joy

A – Ambition

I – Innovation

M – Music

U – Unique

S – Soulful

I – Inspired

Q – Quality