Jackz – How To Roc

Jelani Olushola Bodden was born in Brooklyn February 8th 1993 and raised in Queens New York. At age 5 he discovered his love for writing, by writing poems and stories. At age 11 he wrote his first song and at age 13 he recorded his first track, from then on his dream to pursue music was born.

Jackz was raised on all types of music growing up, including mostly R&B, Salsa, Soul, and Hip Hop. His mother loved to listen to Prince, Stevie Wonder, Take 6, and Jill Scott, and so did Jackz. He loved the art of producing, rapping, and song writing, and with so much talent he decided to pursue it all.

01: What region do you reside in?

I was born in Brooklyn NY and raised & still reside in Jamaica Queens. But I was also raised partly in Far Rocaway.

02: What type of things influence your artistry?
My life, my mind state. I have a diverse off track mind & my music comes from those thoughts. lol

03: How long have you been in the music industry?
I just turned 17 on Febuary 8th, and I’ve really started at 11 so about 6 years.

04: What type of music genre do you associate yourself with?
Hip Hop & Soul, I look at it like, all music has soul in it.

05: What are the names of some of the artists that you worked with?
Bad News, V.I, Young Drumma, Terrence Darnell, & a few other independent artists. I have produced for many artists as well.

06: What are some of the names that you would like to collaborate with?
I would love to colab with Nas, LL Cool J, Joell Ortiz, Novel, Game, Chamillionaire, B.o.B, & Ludacris….All part influences, and can’t forget Prince.

07: Are you signed or unsigned?
I own an independent label called Above Sound Music. I’m looking for distribution.

08: What are the names of some of your current/upcoming projects?
I have an album entitled Above Sound, & a lil mixtape out on datpiff.com, you could just search for Jackz.

09: What do you want to accomplish in 2010?
To set it up so the future of music is what comes out my mic. Also grow as an artist & establish myself as an artist & producer.

10: Do you like the turn that the mainstream music has taken?
I respect the fact everybody has to get there money, But I feel the soul has left. I’m not gonna sit here & complain about the issues, but try to be the solution.

11: What do you believe the music industry is lacking right now?

Besides me it’s lacking freedom. Everybody has to sound a certain way and cant express creativity.

12: What does “music” mean to you?
Life. Music has raised me, & taught me more than any one person has.

13: What are some ways in which people may contact you?

They could hit me up on the myspace, www.myspace.com/itsjackzmusic. Or Hit me up on the twitter @JackzMusic. Lol Imma twitter beast.

Also for all inquiries they could hit my manager up at jackzmusic@gmail.com.

“Call Me” cameo by Jackz