Mosa on Jas Prince’s Mentorship, Dominican Roots & Not Stressing Over The Numbers
It's not too often you run across an artist with not only a clear vision, but the skills and tenacity to match. A lot of times they get too caught up in numbers or don't trust the process and fizzle out when the going gets tough. But not Young Empire Music Group's rising artist, Mosa.
Through his melodic blend or R&B and Hip Hop, Mosa has captured the attention of several notable industry figures, including renowned music mogul Jas Prince, who discovered Drake and brokered his signing to Lil Wayne’s Young Money label. Mosa’s work has also led him to developing a direct relationship with Drake himself, who has become a sounding board for his new songs and posted Mosa’s music on his Instagram Stories.
Reggaeton superstar Nicky Jam also acknowledged Mosa’s promise, having reached out to the young bilingual star on Instagram to express interest in a Spanish-language collaboration in the future. Karol G, Farina and esteemed Latin executive Jose Gazmey (the father of Anuel AA)are among other luminaries that have showered Mosa with praise, showing the belief in Mosa's talent and drive.
Catch up with Young Empire Music Group's next rising star below, where Mosa gets into getting over heartbreak, his Dominican roots, Jas Prince’s mentorship, why consistency is key and so much more. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾
Thanks for coming through! How has 2021 been treating you?
It has been good so far, just on the ground running for the most part, and trying to make this year better than the last. I have been working on a lot of fire content, and just getting a lot of work done.
You just dropped a new project that’s doing numbers, “Heartbreak University”. What type of vibes were you going for?
On “Heartbreak University” I just wanted to reach out to more people who are going through some things, and bring out a good vibe and get everyone together. I also wanted to really introduce myself on this project. I’m currently working on a follow up project where i’m taking a more cinematic approach with a lot more instruments in the production, and basically take listeners on a joyride to see my vision.
Speaking of heartbreaks, how were you able to get over them in the past?
Success helped me to get over them really. Just shifting my energy to other things and making something happen, then to see it becoming a success did a lot for me to overcome heartbreak and other low moments. It’s all about aligning yourself with good energy, having a great work ethic, and staying focused.
I just made sure I put out quality content, and let everything happen organically
The project finds you flexing your bilingual side too. In what ways does your Dominican heritage give you a different approach when it comes to music?
Growing up, Spanish music was always being played around me. Whether I’m going to the Bodega or Mom’s cleaning the house or i’m around family, the different Spanish sounds from Reggaeton to Bachata would be playing. My exposure to that was a no brainer when it came to applying it to my music. It definitely helps to give a lil “sauce”.
When did you know that you wanted to make your own music and do it full time?
I’d say around the time I was in middle school. During that time I was writing songs because my older brother was making music. I was close to my brother, but he moved some time later, and was a part of my inspiration to make music. By the time I graduated high school and started college to study Engineering Science, everyone knew me by my rap name “Mosa”. With that in mind, I dropped out of college to pursue a music career full time.
You’re signed to Young Empire Music Group. How different has life been since signing to the label?
I’ve been getting a lot of love and appreciation for what I do since signing, and there’s a lot of respect being shown too. Jas Prince has placed me in the best position to get my career to another level. I have been in meetings with different labels before, but Jas showed me that Young Empire Music Group is where I need to be, and so far so good.
How did you get on Jas Prince’s radar?
His cousin who is now my manager, reached out to me on Instagram and introduced me to Jas. He brought me to Houston where I met Jas, but we didn’t converse too much. A few weeks later, I flew out to LA and stayed at Jas’ house, and we got to connect, showed him what I was working on, and made some moves together.
What is it like to have him as a mentor?
It’s the best really. I don’t think there’s a better CEO for me than Jas Prince. He looks out for my best interests, he aids in developing my skills and career, and he’s a great teacher.
Aside from your work getting attention from industry peers, you’ve developed a relationship with Drake. What’s the best piece of advice he’s given you?
Me and Drake were having a conversation at dinner some time ago, and the whole convo ended up being a great piece of motivation for me. It wasn’t really about getting words of advice or anything like that, but seeing his journey and getting to speak to him at the level that he is at was inspiring.
You made a bet on yourself, and it paid off as your Spotify is going crazy and your music videos get no less than 100,000 views these days. What did you tell yourself to keep your focus while you were getting things off the ground?
I didn’t focus too much on the numbers, I just looked at what’s ahead. Some people focus on the numbers and let it get to their heads, and then you have people who will say anything and it can be distracting and discouraging too especially when you don’t meet a certain quota.
I wasn’t doing great with the numbers early on, but I took it on the chin and kept it pushing to the point where I’m doing a lot better. I just made sure I put out quality content, and let everything happen organically.
What advice would you give someone who may not have the best numbers now, but has great potential to get there?
I’d tell them to keep at it because consistency is key. No matter what my results were, I always kept dropping new music, and worked to make the new releases better than my last ones. Just keep putting things out there, get your voice heard on any platform you choose, and never neglect the love that you get.
Just keep putting things out there, get your voice heard on any platform you choose, and never neglect the love that you get
Why do you think it’s important for an artist to show their fans love even after they blow up?
You always got to tap in to your fans because they’re the ones who helped to get you hot. They are the same ones who will vouch for you, and speak highly of you behind your back. They deserve that love.
Fast forward 5 years from now. Where do you see yourself in life and your career?
Hopefully in 5 years I’m a GRAMMY winning artist with a few #1 hits. God willing, I’m one of the artists that’s dominating things, making things happen, and touching lives around the world.
Anything else we should know?
I have a lot of new music on the way, and a lot more visuals coming out too, so be on the look out for them. Continue streaming “Heartbreak University”, and thanks for the continued support!
