J.Morgan

Skilly: Where did this all start? Tell us about your journey in the entertainment business.
J.Morgan: I’ve been professionally recording music for 8 years. Age 10 is when I wrote my first rap song, but I never had an opportunity to actually perform it for anybody other than my mom and my sister. I knew very little about hip hop culture, but my music idols at that time in my life were 2pac, Dr.Dre, and Eminem. 5 years later I discovered that I could freestyle rap.

At 15 I was moved to a new city, San Bruno, California, where I knew absolutely no one. I ended up making friends with some kids who knew more about hip hop than me and began showing me all aspects of it, not just what was played on TV. I realized that this type of music had so much history and technique to it and fell deeper into love. Hip hop is a way for me to find truth in myself.

What would be your biggest piece of advice for the young kids out there trying to do what you do?
First off, you must practice. It takes 10,000 hours to be a professional at something. Although musicians make it look easy, you must remember that this takes time and repetition. Pay attention to detail. Everything matters in this industry. The quality of the packaging and artwork is important. The quality of the studio that you record in is important. It’s easy to overlook the fine details or to save money by neglecting the fine details, but these fine details are crucial to the success of your brand.

What are some of the hardest challenges and tasks in your position?
I am forced to wear many hats. Not only am I a musician but I also am a manager, promoter, investor, stylist, director, director of photography, record label, and etc. I have been forced to fill a lot of roles myself due to being an independent artist. Slowly I have been able to build a team that helps me fill necessary roles. It can be challenging to put in your 10,000 hours in each profession. I want to dedicate all of my time to being creative, but sometimes I have to take the musician hat off and wear another hat.

We all know the entertainment business is very tough, but what do you find is the best way to promote and advertise your music?
It is important that you have an internet presence. Making sure that your website is current and informative. Once you’re online presence is established then you must actually go out and show people what you talk about online is in fact happening and that your movement is a real thing on and off the Internet. The best advertisement is live shows, but you must have content on the web so that once you captivate a crowd they can go home and look you up.

Tell us about your city. How are the artists and the fans?
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and it’s one of the most diverse regions in America. We have a huge pool of underground hip hop artists. There is a hip hop show every single night of the week. I urge any hip hop fan to make it to the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco on any Sunday night. The fans are die hard.

A negative thing taking place in the Bay Area and in San Francisco is gentrification and if you listen to the lyrics of a lot of SF natives you will hear the pain and anger about this. Most San Francisco natives are being driven out of the city by tech companies and land lords looking to capitalize on the demand for housing in the area.

Where do you see yourself a year from today?
Making music and rocking stages. I see myself on bigger platforms delivering my art. Big projects are planned for 2016 and 2017.

Who and what were your biggest inspirations? Who do you look up to in today’s world?

I grew up listening to mostly rock n’ roll. My all-time favorite band is still AC/DC. Between the ages of 10-15 is when I started venturing into hip hop music mostly because it was the most popular music amongst my classmates. It is really hard to pick one hip hop artist who inspired me. I will break it down to three artists from 3 different eras of hip hop. My three artists are Rakim, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar.

How do you feel about the music coming out today? Do you like it?
I think music has never been better. Music artists can be whoever they want to be. We do not need a record label shaping us or controlling our content. Artists have complete creative freedom.

Where can we contact you and find you online?
Official Website: www.jmorganmusic.com
Instagram @jmorganmusic
Twitter @jmorganmuzic - Skilly

How long have you been doing this kind of music? What is hip hop for you?

I’ve been professionally recording music for 8 years. I have had an interest in all kinds of music since I can remember. As a child I was involved in a band, choir and drama. I have always enjoyed entertaining people. I fell in love with Hip Hop for its blatant way of telling things exactly the way they are. Age 10 is when I wrote my first rap song but I never had an opportunity to actually perform it for anybody other than my Mom and my Sister. I knew very little about Hip Hop culture but my music idols, at that time in my life, were 2pac, Dr.Dre and Eminem. 5 years later I discovered that I could freestyle rap. Age 15 I was moved to a new city, San Bruno, California, where I knew absolutely no one. I ended up making friends with some kids who knew more about hip hop than me and began showing me all aspects of it and not just what was played on TV. I realized that this type of music had so much history and technique to it and fell deeper in love. Hip Hop is a way for me to find truth in myself.

What is the music you grew up on? Who is the world’s King of Rap for you?

I grew up listening to mostly rock and roll. My all time favorite band is still AC/DC. Ages 10-15 is when I started venturing into Hip Hop music mostly because it was the most popular music amongst my classmates. It is really hard to say who the King of Hip Hop is so I will break it down to three artists from three different areas of Hip hop. They are are Rakim, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar.

Your city is present in your text. What is positive and negative about San Francisco?

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’ve lived in San Mateo, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, San Bruno and Pacifica. All of these cities are with in 1 hour of San Francisco. I spent most of my time in San Bruno which is 10 minutes from San Francisco. The Bay Area is one of the most diverse regions in America. The city of San Francisco itself is known as a progressive city. I am proud to be from a place where so many different types of people live. There is always something new to learn about different cultures. And living in the Bay Area gives me the opportunity to learn these kinds of things every single day. A negative thing taking place in the Bay Area and in San Francisco especially is gentrification. Most San Francisco natives are being driven out of the city by tech companies and land lords looking to capitalize on the demand for housing in the area. Silicon Valley is only 30 minutes away from San Francisco, so a lot of these wealthier people are moving into the city with little or no regard for the City’s natives. Our politicians seem to be demonizing the homeless and passing laws that help the gentrification agenda.

What is the story of the song “Human”? What do you mean by “you make me human”?

Human is about the search for my purpose on this planet. A lot of us humans work at a job doing something that we aren’t necessarily passionate about. We all have things that make us feel alive and excited about life. The thing that makes me feel human after a long day of work is music.

How about the video? You were inspired more by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller “or the TV series “Walking dead”?

I wasn’t inspired by either, although I am a huge fan of “The Walking Dead”. The zombies represent main stream music and its fans in modern day Hip Hop/Rap. There is a lot of music out there that is used to brainwash the people or turn them into zombies. The zombies also represent the working people who are basically a slave to their job which they aren’t even passionate about.

Who are the artists you worked with and what songs did you arrange together?

I have worked with a lot of artists over the years. I have been blessed to create music with San Quinn, Babii Cris, Shiesty, Berner and Allen Kass. My music video “News Reel” features Babii Cris and can be watched on my website www.jmorganmusic.com.

What can we find on your CD: “Human”? How would you describe the style of this LP?

“Human” is full of feeling. It is a conscious and empowering piece of music.

What is your goal for the near future? What would you like to gain in the world of music?

I am releasing a free album this summer. The album will consist of 7 songs. I am releasing it for free because I really want my fans to have it and share it with as many people as possible. I will be releasing music videos to complement the album throughout the year 2016. - JL Interviews

Grown Up Entertainment is proud to announce the release of “Human, The Album,” which is the latest release by the prolific rhyme slinger J Morgan. J Morgan is what the game’s been missing. The Bay Area based emcee is the latest and greatest export from California. He is equipped with sharp lyrics, banging beats and exceptional rhyming skills. Many are describing him as Hip Hop’s emerging artist to watch.

The “Human” album contains thirteen hard hitting tracks and showcases the rapper’s hypnotizing lyrical skills and top-notch production. J Morgan bares his soul on this project. He takes the listener on a journey into his world. The album involves the metamorphism of a man who embodies the spirit of Hip Hop and becomes the essence of the art form. J Morgan crafts heartfelt lyrics with true human emotions that folks can relate to.

J Morgan’s lyrics convey a musical diary of sorts; his songs are honest and personal and they touch on matters close to the heart. Highlights on the album include the title track “Human,” “Get Away,” “All I Want,” and “News Reel Extra Extra.” Hip Hop is J. Morgan’s passion and you can hear it and feel it on every track. For instance, the song “All I want” is the wordsmith’s poignant love letter to Hip Hop. Music is the universal language and J. Morgan speaks it well. “Human, The Album” is a project that any Hip Hop enthusiast will enjoy. Make sure you support quality independent Hip Hop and pick up this top form project at www.JMorganmusic.com. - Get Money Music

J.Morgan is a prolific rhyme slinger based in the Bay Area. Since 2008 the emcee has been making noise throughout California and beyond with his tireless work ethic and consistency. He is equipped with vivid lyrics, quality production and exceptional rhyming skills. J.Morgan’s lyrics convey a musical diary of sorts; his records are honest, personal and touch on matters close to the heart. J.Morgan matches these songs with cinematic videos that are anything but average. Over the past few years, J.Morgan has been consistently headlining his own shows and supporting touring artists like Andre Nikatina, J.Lately, and Equipto.
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1. What got you started in music? Did your family have any influence?
Music has played a big role in my life since I can remember. My Dad is a big fan of all genres so I grew up with a mix of musical idols. When I was in elementary school I played in the band and sang in the choir. In middle school I had lead roles in school musicals such as Bye Bye Birdie and The Music Man. In high school age 14/15 is where rapping/freestyling/song writing came into play. By the time I graduated from high school I knew that music was what I loved doing and my family always supported me.
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(Photo Credit: R54 Photography)
2. Who were some of your influences growing up and who do you listen to now?
Growing up I listened to a lot of rock music like AC/DC, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne and etc. Around age 11-12 I started listening to Eminem, DMX, Nelly and etc. basically everything that was popular in the late 90’s early 2000’s.I knew very little about Hip Hop culture but a few of my music idols at that time in my life were 2pac, Dr.Dre, and Eminem. A few years later I discovered that I could freestyle rap. Age 15 I was moved to a new city, San Bruno California, where I knew absolutely no one. I ended up making friends with some kids who knew more about hip hop than me and began showing me all aspects of it and not just what was played on TV. I realized that this type of music had so much history and technique to it and fell deeper into love. I started venturing into more underground local Bay Area rap like Mac Dre, E40, San Quinn and Andre Nikatina. Right now Im listening to Atmosphere, Murs, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore, Logic, G-Eazy, and pretty much anybody who is doing things on their terms.
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3. What’s the story behind the new single and album? How has the process been with writing and composing everything and settling on a final product?
With the new single “Party Like Your Last Day” we wanted to make a song that people could have a good time to and feel good about life. The instrumental is what really inspired the song concept. This song is upbeat and has a lot of crossover potential. The record was produced by Stife and has a real feel good vibe to it. The song concept and lyrics came so natural. I think it only took us about an hour to write all of the lyrics but it just felt so perfect. We also shot a pretty big video for the song which is out now on YouTube. Party Like Your Last Day is available for streaming and download everywhere.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IiwJI2OGWk&t=133s
The new album is titled “Livin’ Lyrics”.. I opened up a lot about myself on this new album. In songs like “Moments” and “Wasted Talent” I explain my journey through life and music while touching down on the struggles of being a self investor in my own independent music career. My song “Day Dreamin” describes my anxiety filled life, the depression I constantly battle and the tricks I use to maintain a positive outlook. There is a lot of content about learning and growing to become a better musician and ultimately a better person. I want people to listen to this album and feel like they were right by my side from 2008-2017 when I was growing into the person I am today. I’ve truly lived my life through lyrics so that is why the album is titled “Livin’ Lyrics”. Some of the song on this album were recorded in 2014. I took my time with each song. I recorded everything at 3 different studios with 3 different engineers. Bryce Grave did the mastering and we all worked together to make the best songs and make everything sound cohesive. I did most of the writing in studio but some songs I wrote by myself at home or on the road.
4. What are your plans for the back half of 2017?
I have two new music videos which can be found on the J.Morgan Youtube channel. My new album “Livin’ Lyrics” drops in December and until then I’ll be releasing 3 more music videos and singles. I’m planning a US tour in the beginning of 2018.
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5. If you could go to dinner with two other musicians of any time, who would they be and why?
I think going to dinner with 2pac and Ozzy Osbourne would be interesting to say the least. 2pac is probably one of the best song writers of our time and Ozzy has a unique sound and personality so I think it’d be a good time to have those two artists sitting at the same table. - Nu Sounds

After some seriously sick releases, J.Morgan is back with a music video for his single “Party Like Your Last Day” from his album, Livin’ Lyrics.

Influenced by the Bay Area which he calls home, J.Morgan draws inspiration from many elements of the hip-hop community. Spending days writing, his love for creating is evident as he continues making new music. Not only does J.Morgan make music, but he also makes a change in his own community by coordinating food drives at his own shows to help the homeless population.

“Party Like Your Last Day” is a smooth, energetic track that could be on repeat during the warmer days and cooler nights. Featuring Allen Kass, both voices fit perfectly with the tropical vibes and beats of the instrumental. - Celeb Mix

J.Morgan is a prolific rhyme slinger based in the Bay Area. Since 2008, the emcee has been making noise throughout California and beyond with his tireless work ethic and consistency. He is equipped with vivid lyrics, quality production, and exceptional rhyming skills. J.Morgan’s lyrics convey a musical diary of sorts; his records are honest, personal and touch on matters close to the heart. J.Morgan matches these songs with cinematic videos that are anything but average. Over the past few years, J.Morgan has been consistently headlining his own shows and supporting touring artists like Andre Nikatina, J.Lately, and Equipto. Hip-hop music is J. Morgan’s passion, and you can hear and feel that on every track. (Source: www.jmorganmusic.com)

We had an opportunity to chat with J.Morgan. Check out the interview below.

Thank you for granting the interview! What inspired the single Party Like Your Last Day?

Of course! And thank you for the opportunity to share my music and story. With the new single Party Like Your Last Day,” we wanted to make a song that people could have a good time to and feel good about life. The instrumental is what really inspired the song concept. You only get one chance to live life and this song encourages you to take advantage of every moment. Party Like Your Last Day is upbeat and has a lot of crossover potential. The record was produced by Stife and has a real feel-good vibe to it. The song concept and lyrics came so naturally. I think it only took us about an hour to write all of the lyrics but it just felt so perfect. We also shot a pretty big video for the song which is out now on YouTube. Party Like Your Last Day is available for streaming and download everywhere.

J. Morgan ft. Allen Kass – Party Like Your Last Day (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
With many ground-breaking, original music in your portfolio, what inspires your compositions?

The inspiration comes from being hungry. I know that I have the music inside me and I don’t want to waste what I have. There is nothing I want more than to really reach the masses with my music. I know I have the ability to connect with millions of people and I wake up inspired to write and create every day. Maybe I can be some inspiration to someone else out there.

Do you pull from experiences to create your music?

Definitely. All of my songs are based on my personal experiences and feelings. I think that’s why once they hear it people connect with my music so much. I make the songs that everyday people can relate to and I make them feel like they are on this journey with me because we are all on the same journey.

What can fans expect from your new album?

The new album is titled Livin’ Lyrics. I open up a lot about myself on this new album. In songs like Moments and Wasted Talent I explain my journey through life and music while touching down on the struggles of being a self-investor in my own independent music career. My song Day Dreamin describes my anxiety filled life, the depression I constantly battle and the tricks I use to maintain a positive outlook. There is a lot of content about learning and growing to become a better musician and ultimately a better person. I want people to listen to this album and feel like they were right by my side from 2008-2017 when I was growing into the person I am today. I’ve truly lived my life through lyrics so that is why the album is titled “Livin’ Lyrics”. Some of the songs on this album were recorded in 2014. I took my time with each song. I recorded everything at 3 different studios with 3 different engineers. Bryce Grave did the mastering and we all worked together to make the best songs and make everything sound cohesive. I did most of the writing in the studio but some songs I wrote by myself at home or on the road.

What’s next in your career?

I have two new music videos which can be found on the J.Morgan Youtube channel. My new album Livin’ Lyrics drops in December and until then I’ll be releasing 3 more music videos and singles. I’m planning a US tour in the beginning of 2018.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

I would like to thank all of my fans for the awesome support and motivation that they have given me for the last ten years while I got my stuff together. I’m truly grateful for the life I get to live and all of the support and love makes it possible.

Connect with J.Morgan:

Web: https://www.jmorganmusic.com - Occhi Mag

Meet J.Morgan — the prolific rhyme slinger based in the Bay Area who since 2008 been making noise throughout California and beyond with his tireless work ethic and consistency.

He is gearing up to release his electrifying single “Patty Like Your Last Day” along with the accompanying album, “Livin’ Lyrics.”

With tons of groundbreaking, original music already under his belt, J.’s newest single “Party Like Your Last Day” was one that he instantly knew was special. “Party Like Your Last Day was produced by Stife and and features artist Allen Kass. Originally it was supposed to be a solo song with just me. One night, I went over to Allen’s studio with the intention of picking out some more beats for my new album, but instead I ended up playing the ‘Party Like Your Last Day’ instrumental and Allen effortlessly started singing the chorus. Within a couple weeks, the song was recorded.”

This new single comes off his upcoming album “Livin’ Lyrics,” a body of music that J. feels is his best work yet. “I feel like I really challenged myself on this project. On my previous releases I recorded over instrumentals that I felt very comfortable on but on Livin’ Lyrics I stepped out of my comfort zone. The production is more thought out too. I have 3 engineers working together along with 9 producers.”

Absorbing all of the different styles and sounds that the local Hip-Hop community had to offer, J. was greatly influenced growing up in the Bay area. “I fell in love with Hip-Hop because of the independent artists out of the Bay who have paved their own way with very little backing.“

Constantly working on his craft, J. will write all day just to write, sometimes even with no music. “When the time comes to write a song I like to sit down with the producer while they create the instrumental and during their process I like to spit my song ideas out so that they can produce the track with the same state of mind as me.” Outside of music, J. is passionate about helping the homeless population in the Bay Area including coordinating food drives and holding raffles at his shows to donate money to local organizations. He would also love to continue to use his voice for good and reach out to positively mentor kids who don’t have a lot of hope in their life. Ultimately J.Morgan’s goal is simple – he wants to keep getting on bigger stages in front of bigger crowds and continue to learn and evolve as an artist. “I just want to be happy and inspire others. Making music that I believe in and sharing it with the world makes me happy. I love hearing fans say that they love a song of mine or recite lyrics because every one of my songs are a piece of me.”

Learn more about J. Morgan in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you? Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it? What music gets you instantly out of a bad mood? What is a song you are loving these days?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my music and story! Right now I’m listening to Atmosphere’s album “When Life Gives You Lemons”. AC/DC is a band that I listen to often especially when I’m in a down mood. I grew up listening to a lot of rock music and AC/DC has always been my favorite band so the familiarity probably plays a role in that. Currently I’m really enjoying Macklemore’s song “Intentions.”

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory? Was there a time where you thought of doing something completely different?

When I was a kid I wanted to be an actor but I always loved music and performing. I was in the band and choir from 3rd grade until my freshman year in high school. When I graduated high school I went to community college for like 3 months but I just kept gravitating towards music.

Musically, did you approach this year any differently then you did last year? How has 2017 been treating you and your career? What are you most excited about for in 2018?

I had 2017 mapped out before the year started. I knew that I’d be working on my new album for the first half of the year and I knew that I’d be releasing the new album towards the end of the year. I planned to tour in the spring and I planned some big video shoots and drop dates. I’m really excited to drop my new album and seeing the fan’s reactions. I’ve been working on the album all year and have received a lot of love and support from my following so I can’t wait to share the new music with them in its entirety..

I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city or town has influenced them as an artist now.. So how do you think your hometown has affected you and your music today?

Around age 11-12 I started listening to Eminem, DMX, Nelly and etc. basically everything that was popular in the late 90’s early 2000’s.I knew very little about Hip Hop culture but a few of my music idols at that time in my life were 2pac, Dr. Dre, and Eminem. A few years later I discovered that I could freestyle rap. Age 15 I was moved to a new city, San Bruno California, where I knew absolutely no one. I ended up making friends with some kids who knew more about hip hop than me and began showing me all aspects of it and not just what was played on TV. I realized that this type of music had so much history and technique to it and fell deeper into love. I started venturing into more underground local Bay Area rap like Mac Dre, E40, San Quinn and Andre Nikatina. Watching the artists from the Bay Area really taught me how to independently maneuver through the music industry.

What was the inspiration for your single, “Party Like Your Last Day”? How do you think it prepares listeners for your upcoming album, “Livin’ Lyrics”?

With the new single “Party Like Your Last Day” we wanted to make a song that people could have a good time to and feel good about life. The instrumental is what really inspired the song concept. You only get one chance to live life and this song encourages you to take advantage of every moment. “Party Like Your Last Day” is upbeat and has a lot of crossover potential. The record was produced by Stife and has a real feel good vibe to it. The song concept and lyrics came so natural.

I think it only took us about an hour to write all of the lyrics but it just felt so perfect. We also shot a pretty big video for the song which is out now on YouTube. Party Like Your Last Day is available for streaming and download everywhere.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IiwJI2OGWk&t=133s

How do you think this collection compares to anything else that you have released in the past? How have you grown as an artist on it?

The new album is titled “Livin’ Lyrics”. I open up a lot about myself on this new album. In songs like “Moments” and “Wasted Talent” I explain my journey through life and music while touching down on the struggles of being a self investor in my own independent music career. My song “Day Dreamin” describes my anxiety filled life, the depression I constantly battle and the tricks I use to maintain a positive outlook. There is a lot of content about learning and growing to become a better musician and ultimately a better person. I want people to listen to this album and feel like they were right by my side from 2008-2017 when I was growing into the person I am today. I’ve truly lived my life through lyrics so that is why the album is titled “Livin’ Lyrics”. Some of the songs on this album were recorded in 2014. I took my time with each song. I recorded everything at 3 different studios with 3 different engineers. Bryce Grave did the mastering and we all worked together to make the best songs and make everything sound cohesive. I did most of the writing in studio but some songs I wrote by myself at home or on the road.

Do you have plans to play out live a lot this fall in support of your new music?

I have two shows in November and then in December I’ll be throwing an album release party in San Francisco. I’ll be touring the west coast states in the spring of 2018.

With the summer over now, what was something fun or new that you tried this summer?

This past summer was a lot of fun! I shot 3 new music videos including “Party Like Your Last Day” and “Summer Time.” I also threw a premiere party for Party Like Your Last Day and it was epic!

We are living in a crazy and at times rough world right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? Do you think that new music being created today is going to reflect these hard times?

The music I create today will definitely reflect our current times. Music is my therapy and it allows me to have a voice. It allows me to find truth in myself and truth in others.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

I get inspiration from a lot of artists and musicians from all genres. I love the independent musicians the most because I know how hard they work. I’m constantly inspired by Berner, Snow Tha Product, Techn9ne, Macklemore, Atmosphere and Chance The Rapper. I would love to collaborate with would be Slug from Atmosphere; his song writing and concepts are off the hook and I think we’d be able to create a memorable record. I’d like to collaborate with Chance the Rapper too because of his unique sound and song concepts.

What do you hope fans take away from your music? Do you think that your music has an overall message at all?

There is a lot of meaning in my music. My style is reminiscent of classical hip hop but I rap over current sounding instrumentals. I have a lot of positive uplifting messages in my music which I feel is lacking in rap/hip hop music. I try to make songs that everyday people can relate to and take away something from the lyrics. I want to inspire people with my passion.

How active are you on social media? How important has it all been to your career so far?

I am very active on social media and I think a lot of my fans have been made via the Internet. It’s very important to my movement.

What advice would you give to a young person who is thinking about becoming a musician one day?

First off you must practice ! It takes 10,000 hours to be a professional at something. Although musicians make it look easy you must remember that this takes time and repetitions. Pay attention to detail! Everything matters in this industry. The quality of the packaging and artwork is important. The quality of the studio that you record in is important. It’s easy to overlook the fine details or to save money by neglecting the fine details but these fine details are crucial to the success of your brand.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I would like to thank all of my fans for the awesome support and motivation that they have given me for the last ten years while I got my stuff together. I’m truly grateful for the life I get to live and all of the support and love makes it possible. - All Access Music