Mc then beatmaker and Dj, Jrawls from the Ohio does not stop spreading his skillz. In twenty years he has produced beats for Black Star (Mos Def & Talib Kweli), Aloe blacc, Casual, Declaim, J-Live, to name a few. Heavy digger and virtuoso in the art of sample cutting, Jrawls is faithful to the jazzy and nu soul boom bap. In 2022 he launched "#jazzhop" a solo of fourteen instrumentals and in 2023 he will releasing a producer album with Dj Rhettmattic. Interview with the co-author of the H.O.P.E. French version click here.

Where and did you grow up in a musical environment?

I grew up in Columbus Ohio in the USA. I grew up on the Southside of the city and music was just something we enjoyed doing. It was either do music, play sports or sell drugs in that area. I never was into the crime thing so I played sports and music. As I got older, I fell in love with music and it took off from there.

Your first encounter with Hip-hop culture, was where and how old were you?

The first time I heard hip hop was with my dad. It was a song called Rappers Delight by Sugarhill Gang and dad bought the record. I was about 5 years old. But I loved it. I was into buying records so he bought me records when we went to the record store. I remember getting Planet Rock, Globe and the Whiz Kids and the Fat Boys. It was when I got Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that I knew I was really into hip hop. I listened the instrumental and rapped the lyrics. Its how I learned how to rap. Later when I saw Beat Street, I became immersed in the culture. That was 1984.

How did you learn beatmaking and music production tips?

I learned from watching others in my city. There were some great producers and I learned by watching and then experimenting. My first machine was a Casio SK-5. I learned by trial and error.

Tell us about your first physical release, it was for Talib Kweli?

My first physical vinyl release was for Dose One. It was his first album and it was called Hemispheres. It featured Fat Jon and Mr. Dibbs. My first physical release was a cassette – Lone Catalysts – The Beginning

Why did you launched Polar Entertainment?

I launched Polar because I wanted a home for my music and to help other artists from Ohio. I have worked with many female artists. One of my favorites is Dominique LaRue. We did an entire album together. Its called “Almost Home”. You should check it out!

You produced “Bailar” for Aloe blacc, in 2005, before he was famous, how did you meet him...

I met Aloe just being on the music scene. He is a rapper and was in the group Emanon so that’s how I knew him. My label in Germany, Groove Attack told me that he could sing because they knew I was doing the soul album. I hit him up and he was like – yeah I sing but I am not sure. I convinced him – man you gotta do it! As you see – it worked.

Since your first album "The Essence of J.Rawls", in 2001, have your way of producing and your gear evolved?

For the longest time I only used the Ensoniq ASR10. But recently, I have switched to Serato Studio and I really like it a lot. That is what I am on now and I think I will be on it for a while. I still use the MPC and SP 404 sometimes but I like the feel of Serato Studio

The piano is still your favorit instrument but for « #jazzhop », new solo Lp, you did dope work with bass and there are some horns. Did you play all the instruments?

Nah Im a hip hop producer. Chops and flips… We just know how to make it sound like that. 

What is your favorite “#jazzhop” track and why? 

I have too many – can’t even name a top 3. I just like the feel of the album. It’s a mood, it’s a vibe. I made this album because it felt good so hopefully you have a top 3 that you like on it!

You are the author of the first educational program based on hip-hop. Explain to us… is it for children, teenagers...

The program that I created is for Teachers. It teaches them how to use hip hop culture to build relationships with students in the classroom. We believe that using hip hop can help teachers relate to the kids. So what I do is not for the students – its to help the teachers. The students are just fine.

John Robinson and you produced "Youth Culture Power" Lp in 2019, is it related to this education program?

Yes it is. We also wrote a book that goes with that LP. The book is written in such a way that each chapter of the book is a song title on the album. 

If I tell you that children should be listened to more than spoken to?

I would tell you that’s true. Listen to your students and really hear what they are saying.

What did Hip-hop represent for you at the beginning and what does it represent today?

Hip hop is culture and it represents life for me. I have made a career out of it and owe everything to it!

What is your best memory as a Dj live stage and clubbing set?

Too many to name. I just love djing with people who enjoy the music. I really had fun Djing in Paris recently. We were on a boat and the vibe was incredible. That is the kind of gig I like to do.

You also toured in Japan…

Yes twice. But it was a very long time ago. I am so ready to go back !

Are you still diggin’ and what kind of music, jazz only?

I dig every week. But I rarely dig for jazz music. I have increased my pallet. I listen to so many types of music. In fact right now, I am listening to Wando. I love brazillian music.

What do you think of the very long delays in pressing a vinyl today?

They are the worst. But they are getting better. My next album with Rhettmattic will be out in February. The vinyl delay was shorter so new vinyl is coming soon!

Are you interested in rap from the last decades like trap, drill… if so, who are the beatmakers and Mcs that puts you crazy…

Yes I like all kinds of new stuff. None of them make me crazy though.hahaha but its a lot of good new music out there.

Any last word ?

Thank you for the interview and I appreciate your time ! I cant wait to come back to Paris. Lets work on making that happen soon!

Interview & photos by Coshmar