The Top Floor With Elevator Jay
The Top Floor With Elevator Jay
by Coach Mozingo
From left to right: Elevator Jay (Music Artist), Coach Mozingo (Media Journalist)
Photo cred: Pee Sheff
HIP-HOP turns 50 this year and there has been momentum discussing the importance and impact of the genre. BET, Essence Magazine and Amazon’s Rap Rotation are among the many entities celebrating hip-hop's impact on the music scene. There are various styles of hip hop, but none as diverse as Southern Hip Hop.
Southern Hip-Hop began taking off in 2000-2006 when we saw an emergence of more southern cities such as New Orleans and Memphis—the earliest days of hip-hop pitted two rival regions against each other: East Coast vs. West Coast. However, these delineations referred mainly to just two locations — New York City and Los Angeles. Though there were undoubtedly smaller artists cropping up in cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Miami, the first well-known southern hip-hop group was The Geto Boys, who hailed from Houston, Texas.
As Hip Hop has evolved, so has the recognition of different hip-hop sounds from other areas. Talent has emerged from Chicago, Virginia, DC, and the Carolinas. Speaking of the Carolinas, North Carolina has entered the southern hip-hop chat.
From the soulful vibes of J. Cole to the powerful lyricism of Rapsody, North Carolina has been a breeding ground for some of the most talented artists out there. J. Cole, born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, has become one of the biggest names in hip hop. His introspective lyrics and smooth flow have captivated audiences worldwide. Not only has he achieved massive success as a solo artist, but he also founded his record label, Dreamville Records, which has become a powerhouse in the industry. For the 62nd Grammys, the records label project, Revenge of The Dreamers III received a nomination for Best Rap Album. This nomination follows and proceeds with the success of the Dreamville Festival.
DREAMVILLE FEST 2022 LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT, J.Cole
North Carolina's hip hop scene is known for producing a diverse array of talented artists, each bringing their unique style to the table.
One of those emerging artists is southern rap artist that I was able to sit with, is Elevator Jay, from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Elevator Jay, born and raised in Charlotte, NC, has carved out his niche in the hip hop landscape with his refreshing and unconventional approach. Drawing inspiration from various musical genres, including funk, soul, and electronic, Elevator Jay infuses his music with a vibrant and eclectic sound that sets him apart from the crowd. One of the standout aspects of Elevator Jay's artistry is his electrifying stage presence. Known for his high-energy performances, he has been an essential part of the North Carolina Hip Hop scene.
I sat down with Elevator Jay, and he shared his perspectives on the hip-hop industry & its evolution, the power of the internet, making sure you have safe mental spaces as a creative, and when & where he met Hip-Hop.
Q: When/Where did you first meet Hip-Hop?
A: Elevator Jay:
'“ [So…] I got two people in my life who really help like, you know, put hip hop on me[…] both family, one is my blood [family] ...my first hip hop experience that I can really remember—My cousin had this VHS tape [… and the VHS tape..] was a Kris Kross [tape]. But yeah, man, Kris Kross, Totally Krossed Out. I had gotten a cassette tape [from her] and everything. —we was really on Kris Kross heavy. […] that was like us looking up to how kids might look at the NBA young boy or something like.”
Q: With the 50th ANNIVERSARY of hip hop, how would you say hip hop has changed your life?
A: Elevator Jay:
“[…] well, one of the main things is it, it ain't really regional like that no more. You know what I'm saying? You, you used to be able to tell, it was like wherever you were at, that's what you were making and now everybody just really make what, whatever they feel like making it don't matter where you're at, [you know what I'm saying?] So somebody could be in the south and you know, their favorite music might be a more east coast sound, you know …..[…] Or somebody could be in the east coast now and maybe they, they [maybe] like to make some west coast stuff but it's, it's in hip hop really [sounds like it’s everywhere now]…It’s universal…”
Through his vibrant lyricism, infectious beats, and undeniable charisma, he has garnered a dedicated fan base that grows with each release. Whether it's his knack for storytelling, his ability to capture emotions through words, or his impeccable sense of rhythm, Elevator Jay's talent shines through every aspect of his music. Elevator is the epitome of Southern hip-hop.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Elevator Jay has become a community figure in North Carolina. He actively participates in various local initiatives, using his influence to uplift and shine a light on others. Through his involvement in charitable events and collaborations with fellow artists, he has built bridges and fostered a sense of unity within the local music community. Elevator has curated a lane that fosters creative collaboration and good times, whether it's a party or a bonfire. His creative collaboration has expanded across the nation. His southern hospitality reached Texas producer, 2nd Prez of TexasWorld Productions. The two connected through the power of the internet and over 5 years, put together Elevator Jay’s most recent project, Summer Roster.
Q: How was your creative process for your latest project, Summer Roster ?
A: Elevator Jay:
“It was cool Because I worked with [someone]… like most of the time when I do my project, it's just me. You know what I'm saying? It's still other people involved, but for the most part, just me on the production.But this time around, I had this guy I met on the internet, […] 2ndPrez and he hollered at me was like, oh man, I like the music and then he sent over one beat and then from one beat that turned into nine which I hear today. [I’ve actually] never met him in person and we've been knowing each other for probably about anywhere from probably, like, 4 to 5 years.”
Q: Now, where is [2nd prez] based out of, Texas?
A: Elevator Jay
“[From Carolina to Texas.] Texas even has, their own sound. Like it, it's a, it's a beautiful, beautiful project and […] —even though he made great quality stuff like, like sometimes I had to remind like, bro, you're great. I'm like, bro, like, because I'm gonna get him down here one day. […] I actually, like, when I told him at the I was like, man, I, “I wish you could get down here to the release party, but since you can't, I'm gonna Facetime you on my laptop in front of the people.”
From left to right: Elevator Jay, 2nd Prez (Laptop)
Photo by Terry Suave
watch the full interview with Elevator Jay:
Q: If you were to write a love letter to NC hip hop, what the last couple sentences say?
A: Elevator Jay
“Always continue to be proud of who […] we are, and continue to fly the flag as hell.”
Elevator Jay's rise in North Carolina's hip-hop scene is a testament to the state's vibrant and diverse musical landscape. With his infectious energy, genre-blending sound, and community-oriented approach, Elevator Jay has carved out his own path in the industry. As fans eagerly anticipate what's next for this talented artist, one thing is for sure: Elevator Jay's impact on North Carolina's hip-hop scene will continue to be felt for years to come.
With Realness,
Coach
