Shug Jackson is a rapper who just released the single Congratulations; here is a link to his YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQkcB51t2-y-8JHdkMN9J8Q
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a rapper?
A: I started writing when I was in the 6th grade and by the next year I new that this is what I wanted to do because I got good at it really fast.
Q: What sets you apart from other rappers?
A: What sets me apart from other rappers is my willingness to touch on topics that most are afraid of touching. My willingness and desire to talk about very serious issues and then talk about finding my Angel. I believe that we all have different emotions and I have no problem expressing all of them.
Q: What inspired you to write your single, Congratulations?
A: I was sitting on my couch one day watching the news and they were talking about this child that got killed by a stray bullet. I’ve seen, I’ve known and do know people that have been killed or hit by bullets that wasn’t meant for them and it’s all senseless and needs to stop.
Q: Who are some of your influences?
A: Some of my influences are Ice Cube, The late Great Eazy E, LL Cool J, Jay Z. I’m a huge old school fan of Rap and also R&B.
Q: How did you go about getting your first recording deal with Def Jam Records?
A: I got my First Record deal back in 1991 and that came about when I was opening up for DJ Quik, his manager at the time heard me, asked me for a demo and 2 weeks later I signed to Def Jam Records.
Q: What is the biggest change you have seen in the music industry in all the years that you have been working?
A: The biggest change I’ve seen in the industry in all these years is the lack of Great subject matters. Over the years the music has gone from talking about real life stuff, things that hit home and touched the soul, to things that have no substance in my opinion.
Q: You have opened for a lot of big names. What was the most memorable show you ever did and what made it memorable?
A: My most memorable moment opening for big named acts was my very first show with Eazy E and NWA in my hometown of Tucson Arizona at the skating ring. It sticks with me because that’s the very moment that I learned how to be professional and demand the audiences attention.
Q: What sort of day jobs have you worked in your life and how have they influenced your music?
A: Day jobs for me has been Roofing, working for the City of Tucson with my father and Plumbing. I’ve learned how to work hard and try to be the best at whatever I do and I carry that same mentality over into my music.
Q: What inspired you to write, It Only Gets Better?
A: What inspired me to write It Only Gets Better was me knowing that without The woman there is no man. I looking at what women go through everyday and it’s hard, women have the hardest job on the planet and I respect them more than anything.
Q: Who plays you in the movie?
A: In 5 years from now, whatever actor is Hot at that time is two one who plays me in the movie!
Please note; Eliza’s interviews are done by email. All answers are unedited and come right from the lovely fingertips of her subjects.
