Saturday Spotlight: MannyJR

Today we chop it up with Queens-bred Hip Hop artist, MannyJR for a very special edition of Saturday Spotlight. Kicking off his career over 10 years ago, Manny uses personal experiences such as relationships, human existence, and managing emotions as musical concepts. Implementing his views of the world in his flows interconnects him with his audience, as well as provides authentic vibes.

Tune in to MannyJR's exclusive interview below, where we get into Queens' influential and iconic culture, Lauryn Hill and Maya Angelou's influence on his artistry, and why he thinks Summer 2021 is about to be the best yet. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾

Thanks for coming thru! So, you’re fresh off the release of “GhettoFlower (Freestyle)”. What inspired you to write the record?

Well the idea kinda came to me in the studio one day. I had recorded the vocal parts of the song and came back later to record the verse. The inspiration behind the song came from it being Women’s History Month. I wanted to dedicate a song to Black women everywhere, giving them their flowers you know. I personally feel like we have so many Black women who go through everything and still succeed and I wanted to showcase my vision of that woman. 

How was life like growing up in such an influential place like Queens? 

Damn, growing up in Queens was something man. I definitely can say that Queens made me who I am today as a person and an artist. The mixture of chaos and elegance was something a lot of people never even heard of. Queens is like going to different country, there and certain code of ethics that Queens native know and you can tell when they from the city. NaS being one of my favorite artist, for sure displays that in “Illmatic”, but It’s crazy too though cause there’s so many artists from the city that's legendary, From RUN DMC to BAS. So, being an artist from Queens is definitely something to be proud of. 

I do it for the people who feel the same as me, but probably feel like no one else does.

What do you love most about living there?

The Culture. Queens has its own atmosphere that just feels like New York. Queens is iconic man, especially when it comes to arts. So many greats come from Queens whether it’s music, sports, or theater, it just breeds greatness you know. What I love most is the heritage that the city has and the legacy its known for.

You’ve been at it for over 10 years now. How have you honed your craft over the years?

Definitely coming into my own as an artist. Having my own sound and way of making music. I used to be told I sound like J.Cole, Kendrick, Wale, but I can definitely say that I’ve developed my own sound.

What was the hardest part about lyrically getting from where you were to where you’re at now?

Coming up with content that was not only relatable but entertaining. Getting those quotable lines that make people double back without getting over talked to on tracks. Quick and Sweet. 

Your music is very poetic. Where does that influence come from?

All credit goes to Maya Angelou and Lauryn Hill. I loved poems growing up and my first album ever was “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. Later Wale and Kendrick played big roles in how I used to put my songs together. 

Describe the moment in time when you knew you wanted to be an artist? 

I heard “HiiiPower” by Kendrick Lamar, and was like I wanna rap. That’s basically what happened. Literally heard the song and wrote my first song to “N*ggaz In Paris” in High School. Crazy, right? 

Which albums have had the most profound impact on your artistry?

Off the top. “GKMC” Kendrick Lamar, “Ambition” Wale, “2014FHD” J.cole, and Drakes “Take Care”.

Those albums told stories that I as a Black man can relate to. Drake was more on the lines as a man who doesn’t always get the girl, and more for his ability to be sensual. Lately I’ve been heavy of Tory Lanez because of his ability to jump through genres and his creativity is crazy. 

So, you have a new EP in the works, “From Me 2 You”. What’s the concept behind it?

The project is definitely gonna be a personal piece. I wanted to give fans insight on where I’m at right now. Mentally and emotionally the struggles of being an independent artist and the toll it kinda takes on the psyche.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1Eh2GuMYgo

Who do you do it for?

In regards to the music, I do it for the people who feel the same as me, but probably feel like no one else does. I do it for my soon to be 4 nephews. I do it so I can be as my idols were to me for others. 

How would you say this summer will be for music, since the country is starting to open back up?

I think music is about to go crazy in a good way. I know a lot of people been waiting to get outside. So, shows and concerts and festivals things like that are gonna be great for artist, especially the artist that made names during quarantine. A lot of artist and a lot of money man. 

Anything else we should know?

We got more coming we trynna go video crazy this Spring, summer and Fall. So, everyone stay tuned, and go stream “GHETTOFLOWER” on all platforms. New single in the works 🤫🤫🤫 as we Speak.