Get to Know EDE's Jay Nice

Jay Nice, the youngest member of the EDE, is gearing up for his Love, Pain, and Hustle debut street album. You've seen him pop up at Rah Scrilla's shows, you've heard him on features. Now, get to know him a little better.

 

NT: How’d you come up with your stage name? Was it something someone referred to you, and have you gone by any other names before that one?

Jay: Because my nickname is Jay and I’m nice with my words. The name started off as “Jay Nice da Bully.” I took “da bully” off of my name, but I have since brought it back.

NT: How long have you been rapping?  Why did you start? And who would you say is the biggest influence you have when it comes to your flow, and your choice of beats?

Jay: I've been rapping with my friends since the 9th grade but only since January have I started to record my music. I started rapping because it's fun for me and my homies would be spitting while we was chilling so I picked up the craft too. I would say that Joe Budden and the Diplomats have had a big influence on my flow and beat selection.

NT: What are your thoughts on the current state of the game?

Jay: There are a couple of dope rappers left in the game but for the most part ,the game has never been as bad as it is now.

NT: In 5 years… where do you see yourself?

Jay: Signed to a major label while I’m chillin in the cut somewhere.

NT: Tell me about your upcoming release and what it means to you at this stage in your career.

Jay: L.P.H. is me expressing my life and my feelings about some the relationships that I've had in my life. I feel that this is an introduction of myself as a person and an artist to the general public.

NT: EDE is not short of talent.  Who's your favorite artist in the group besides yourself and why?

Jay: Rah Scrilla because he brings a grimy, gritty flow while still being versatile enough to give his fans some smooth stuff too.

NT: Which of your songs has meant the most to you so far in your career? Why?

Jay: I would have to say “Running Back” is that song for me because it is a situation that I'm still dealing with.

NT: What single event in your life has had the most influence in your rap style?

Jay: My relationships with women has the biggest influence on my music hence the name of my solo mixtape, "Love, Pain, Hustle."

NT: What legacy or memory do you want to leave behind in hip-hop?

Jay: As the best MC to ever touch the mic. I feel like that should be the goal of anyone that raps.

NT: What was your favorite EDE release of 2011?  Which one are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Jay: “Pushed Back: Reloaded.”  It was a great project and I'm really looking forward to how my own project L.P.H. comes out.

NT: Kobe or LeBron?

Jay: Kevin Durant. [laughs]

NT: Any recent or upcoming performances?

Jay: I'll be performing at club Aurora on 3/16/12 for Jay 30's BDay Bash, and I'll be Rah Scrilla's hype man for Purple Day on 3/24/12 which will be at The Camel.

NT: How can people find you? Facebook? Twitter?  List 'em all.

Jay: Like my fan page at http://www.facebook.com/jaynicedabully and listen to my music at reverbnation.com/jniceede

Hear "Where I'm From" with Rah Scrilla and Jay Nice:

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_12521572

N.

Rah Scrilla: Most Underrated

Most Underrated -  Front Cover

Most Underrated - Back Cover

Established Dons' own Rah Scrilla is back with a new mixtape, "Most Underrated," which showcases the talents of himself and the EDE team.  Sharp lyrics over a diverse mixture of beats makes this a pick-up you'll definitely want to have.  Download it now from any of the sites below:

MediaFire.com - Download the CD, playlist, and artwork:
http://www.mediafire.com/?4c5ihqutsbgb7d5

DatPiff.com - Stream and, if you've got an account, download:
http://www.datpiff.com/Rah-Scrilla-Most-Underrated-mixtape.329250.html

Or, listen NOW!

Enjoy!

Song Review: "Eazy" by Jo-Kane

Song Review: "Eazy" by Jo-Kane
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11508881

If you're looking for that easy-going smooth East Coast rap, look no further.

Produced by Mista Perez (yes, the very same Mista Perez from "Be There" and "Time Is Slippin' Away"), Jo-Kane lights up an old-school feeling beat with ease.  While the substance behind the song is lacking, the flow here is really what keeps you interested all the way through.  The song, in that sense, seems to be of perfect length, allowing the listener to enjoy the ride while not tiring out before it's over.  Instead, it gives you incentive to hit the replay button a couple times.

In a nutshell, this is a switch from Jo-Kane's "new" style, a throwback if you will, to his roots.  The purpose, to let you know that Jo can still go in.  Punchline heavy with some clever lines throughout behind a flawless flow and delivery, Jo-Kane is pretty convincing that he hasn't gone anywhere and in fact is here to stay.

One thing I think detracts a bit from the track is the overdubs.  It does give a bit of an "amateur" feel to the track.  Many artists use this tactic to help add presence to their vocals and make their voices feel "alive."  This is all well and good, but there are better ways to accomplish this that add that presence while keeping the sound crisp and clean.

Still, this is certainly some "eazy" listening that you'll find yourself jamming to for a while if you decide to give it a few spins.  But, as always, don't take my word for it.  Listen below: