Jay Rock Gives 2 Very Different But Equally Compelling Interviews (Video)
Jay Rock made a trip to New York City yesterday (8/27) to play his imminently forthcoming 90059 album in its entirety for the first time on the East Coast. Prior to his jam-packed listening session last night at ALIFE, he made stops at both Hot 97 and Power 105 for conversations with the Ebro in the Morning crew and The Breakfast Club, respectively. While there was some overlap of topics covered, Rock’s answers and dispositions were different in each, offering the most complete look at where his mindset currently is, as well as his growth, in several years.
In the Hot 97 interview, which was conducted by Peter Rosenberg, Laura Stylez and Ebro, Rock spoke in-depth about the role the business of separating from Tech N9ne’s Strange Music played in delaying the release of new music, how he initially linked with Top Dawg to become the first artist signed to TDE (and his initial trepidation to meet with Top), how he helped to put the other artists of TDE on by incorporating them in his live shows and on his early work, the realities of growing up in Watts and more. He also speaks in detail about his new 90059 album, and the music contained on the imminently forthcoming LP, and confirmed that the release date will, in part, be driven by the number of copies of the album pre-ordered. The discussion shows a more serious side to the TDE OG.
In contrast, Rock’s conversation with The Breakfast Club is longer and more lighthearted (as evidenced, in part, by their “na’mean” counter in the top right corner of the video).” During the discussion, Jay Rock goes deep about the inevitable comparisons of TDE and N.W.A., the disagreements he had with Ice Cube earlier in his career, his desire to put his hometown of Watts on the map like Compton, Long Beach and other California cities, his mission to make positive and motivational music to inspire his fans,the concept behind the video for “90059,” where SZA breaks him out of an insane asylum, his absolute support of other TDE members now that they’ve achieved a high level of success and more.
Also, here’s a look at the listening party from last night.
Related: Jay Rock & Kendrick Lamar Heat Up Another Collaboration In Easy Bake (Audio)