Artist Spotlight: Jay Diamondz
Jay Diamondz (previously known as Renegade Jay) was one of the first artists Evoke Creatives worked with at the launch of our #EarthDayTop40 Song Challenge. Jay expressed genuine interest around the topic of environmental sustainability and prompted us to write a blog post about how individuals can make a positive impact.
Two weeks ago, Jay Diamondz posted an Instagram photo of himself and a diploma from East Carolina University. He successfully completed his Bachelor of Science degree, and shared his story of how he got to this point:
“Im really not sure what to say about this photo so Ill start from the beginning. I wasnt really sure about sharing this but maybe somebody else needs to see this because I had to wait some extra time for this receipt. Back in 2016 I was supposed graduate with my degree in Biology if I could just finish my physics class over the summer... and if you thought I passed and got an A so did I. Until reality told me I failed with a capital F. We was good on the lab credit tho. Anyways after this I was blaming everything but the person who took the class. Then as life continued the “answer” of why I failed so bad popped up again and again. Finally I decided that all the moments of down playing my underachievement was meant for me to actually get the achievement. So this past summer I found a pen and some paper and went to work on finishing my degree. This time around I was able to pass and was finally awarded my receipt in biology with this document presented from East Carolina University. Once I again I post this reminding anyone else who is thinking about school, in school currently, or was in school but hasnt finished quite yet to show you that its possible to finish at anytime. Oh and you can be whoever you want while doing it at the same time. Shout out to all the Pirates from the past, present, and future.”
Congratulations, Jay Diamondz! Your perseverance, hard work ethic and heightened self awareness is inspiring. We are grateful you took time out of your busy schedule to talk to us about your music.
(Interview documented by Isha Varma)
Tell us about you and your journey as an artist. When did it all start?
I would say back in 2013. As I started making beats, I wasn’t that good, so I started songs instead. It was kinda like I stumbled upon writing. On the way, you decide if your beat is worth something or if the lyrics are worthy.
How do you think you’ve improved over the years? Just with practice? Sources of inspiration?
Yeah, I would definitely say practice. More than that, I would say studying other artists. Just watching how they create songs and their creative process overall.
Pretty much anybody who does music is inspiring to me. If I had to pick one or a handful right now, I would say: Drake, J.Cole, Kendrick, Swiss.
That’s a solid line-up. What kind of music do you create and what does your work aim to say?
I wouldn’t call the music I create now conscious music, but I would call it real life music. Something that if you play it, you are going to find something to relate to.
My time at school was really encouraging. At one point in time, I thought I was going to be a doctor, and then that stopped pretty fast! I picked Biology as my major. So, I like being in labs and going out and seeing nature. It kind of made me think of everyday life and how I can incorporate it in music.
In general, I would say I find inspiration from anybody who feels like they have a message to give, but they aren’t sure how to get it out there.
I feel that. How do you think rap and hip hop can play a role in spreading awareness about social and environmental issues?
I would say for my race, I feel like African Americans don’t really take the time to really dive into those kinds of concepts - as far as I’ve seen and with the people I’ve been around. But I know that the one thing that everybody likes, not just African Americans, is music and if you can put it in the form that they can understand, that’s just golden.
Agreed. Music is just inherent to every human, which is so beautiful. What’s your creative process like for making music?
I would say that, usually, it involves finding a quiet spot and time and putting my phone on airplane mode. I just really try locking into the music and not try to force anything.
My mom used to sing and actually made a demo. My dad actually tried to start a record label - he had some success, but not enough.
Ay that’s awesome - you’ve got to get them on a record! How can hip hop artists in the environmental movement be better supported?
I would say as far as marketing and branding goes, incorporating those aspects into promoting artists and their songs. As an artist, I could then focus on the song itself and how it relates to everyday life, instead of trying to market the song.
What’s next? Any advice for budding artists out there?
I’m trying to do more shows and build that stage presence. And my advice to budding artists is to just keep going.
