Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
My music is mostly in the country rap genre, which is still considered underground, although the genre has been growing rapidly in recent years. My style blends the lyrical content and storytelling of country music with the eccentric hip hop and trap beats, often sprinkled with country elements and instruments.
When did you start performing?
I started writing music when I was 14 years old, but I did not release any material to the public until I was 16. I released my debut project in 2017. I found a bit of success in 2020 and have been doing music full-tike ever since. I worked on crafting a sound that I enjoyed that I also felt was unique to the genre.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
My hometown is the small map dot community of Little Rock, Mississippi. I graduated from Union High School in Union, Mississippi and briefly attended Mississippi State University. The influence my hometown and upbringing has on music is most definitely heard in the songs I make. That small town and community oriented style and vibe is incorporated in almost everything I do musically.
What performers have been your inspiration?
My inspirations are very diverse. I have influences from almost every genre. The hip hop elements were primarily inspired by Eminem. I probably should not have been rapping along to his songs at a young age, but that was fun to me. Growing up in my area, I was a huge country music fan. I loved the way that Jason Aldean blended the country and rock genres together while maintaining an authentic country sound. I have rock influences as well from artists like Motionless In White, Nickelback, and Marilyn Manson. Newer artists I look at for inspiration are fellow country rap artist Upchurch and my fellow Mississippian HARDY. I’m really intrigued by the manner in which they are able to blend genres together to create a unique sound.
What do you base your success on?
I base my success primarily on work ethic and fan engagement. I work constantly to improve my music, whether writing or recording in the studio. I love to engage in my followers and members of my community. Hard work definitely pays off, but without the fans and community members listening to the music and connecting with it, there would be no success. So, I always want to give back to the fans that have given me so much. They are the reason I’m able to do what I do.
What was your latest musical release?
My latest release is called “Redneck Rockstar”. The inspiration behind this song is real life, honestly. In the song, I give an inside look into some of my personality and a depiction of the people I grew up with. I think that it’s a song a lot of people can relate to, especially in the South. It’s also loosely inspired by a more event in my area, the Neshoba County Fair, as well as the people who attending it. It’s a fun Summer party song with some comical lines. I hope listeners enjoy the vibe that the song brings.
Do you have any news to share?
I am working on a brand new country album that will be released later this year. “Redneck Rockstar” serves as the title track. This new album is definitely my best work yet, and I’m excited for everyone to hear it.
How can fans find you?
Fans can find me on my social media, as well as all major music streaming platforms.
Instagram- instagram.com/justinjofficial
Twitter/X- twitter.com/JustinJ4Real
TikTok- tiktok.com/@justinjofficial
YouTube- youtube.com/@RealParradox
Facebook- facebook.com/parradoxrap
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
I want to close out this interview by giving thanks to God for giving me the talents and abilities to do what I do, the fans for joining me on this journey, and the readers for checking out this interview. I hope everyone who stopped to read this interview, as well as the everyone at IMAAI, has a wonderful day and week.