I'm doing well this evening, respek for the link up
Well I am a mc/host. I MC for dubstep shows/raves and also hip hop, grime, drum and bass, and reggae. I’ve also been over to the UK and toured a few years back. I have a lot of stuff posted throughout the web, feel free to use and reference any of them. Here is my fanpage as well: www.facebook.com/werd2jah2
Where are you originally from? Atlanta, Georgia
Do you still live there presently? I do still live there, more as a home base though. I’m always traveling.
Well firstly my name is Andrew or Drew, secondly as an artist the 2 of the things I strive for is spiritual peace and meditations through lyrics, hence the blend of "drew" backwards to spell "werd" and the reference "2jaH".
Woah! Profound. I get it! Werd 2 Jah meaning Word to Jahova! I know this has nothing to do with it but it’s like Vanilla Ice’s Word to yo Motha. Mad Respect. Hailing to a higher being.This is already telling me you’re rich in my mind & spirit J
My parents both came to this country from Jamaica seeking a better life for their children. I grew up in a rough area on the southwest side of Atlanta (swats) then moved to the suburbs when I was in middle school. I still went to school in the swats, and even though the area I stayed in was middle to upper middle class...my household was firmly grounded in reality to say the least. So you could say I've had a foot on both sides of the fence.
I think it’s important to have experiences in different surroundings in life. I know all about the middle to upper middle class since I live in the same area. You see the differences and compare your surroundings. Some peeps can’t come from a rough area into the suburbs without bringing it with them. They get into trouble and don’t know how to transition. You seem like the kind of guy who absorbs what’s around him and uses it to his advantage in a colorful way.
don’t get me wrong if it wasn’t for these challenges, like yourself, standing out as a sore thumb, we wouldn’t be who we are today. Shaping us to handle the dumb sh*t and allowing us to appreciate our individual selves even more. I don’t regret it or would change my experiences for the world. We are lucky. We are stronger and wiser because of it than those who have never been through it. Never regret or hate how your life turns out Kool World. It molds you into a more rounded human-being who can withstand the foolishness and backward nonsense of the world.
My first love for music came when I used to watch the drummers at church hammer away on their sets. I convinced my pops to buy me a set and I self-trained myself to old cassettes of many favorite reggae songs on how to keep a tempo and duplicate basic drum patterns. In middle school and high school I joined the school's concert band and for a while I was the percussion section! lol, my mother also has always had a love for percussion. She used to beat the nyabingi drums at some of the pocco churches round her area in Jamaica. My mother always encouraged my "rythm". Music took a brief backseat for a few years, but after my freshman year at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, a close friend of mines who goes by the name of Blaise B. encouraged me to get back into music, but this time...pick up a pen and pad. The rest is history.
That’s amazing! To be the percussion section is history making for real. Breaking the mold and changing the scenery. I mean for real, you’re the only person making up this entire section that comprises of numerous instrumental pieces than just drums! I’m proud of you to learn about this… (Hi-5) Bringing the Jamaican swing to this small town.
For viewers in the US and around the world can you tell us What’s the difference between an MC and a DJ?
MC = master of ceremonies, host, or lyricist
DJ = disk jockey or guy/gal with a bunch of music lol.
Currently I am an unsigned artist. I've had releases in digital and vinyl formats on the following labels: SMOG, NU URBAN, SQNCE RECS, BADMAN DIGI, AIRTIGHT IMPRINT, DIRTY CURCUIT RECS, FILTHYDIGITAL, IRISH MOSS RECS, STUPID FLY, FOULPLAY RECS, CROCODILE DUBS, & DUBTERRAIN RECS.
Funky names! I’m intrigued just by their titles lol!
I remember my first year really doing shows and performing. I was in Miami in 07-08. I linked up with some dubstep heads (Move'm ent.) (NOME, I.N.A.R. & Mr. Alvarez) and we would go to any and all dubstep nights. I eventually was allowed to get on the mic and started hosting shows. But the big moment was when the dj's who got me into the dubstep genre were booked for a show in town (skream & hatcha) and I was booked to host alongside their sets! It was an experience I'll never forget.
Definitely unforgettable J I bet. Hosting is a big deal. It can lead to other prospects and directions with your music!
It’s been awhile ago but when we first met you introduced me to your world of music. It was a Friday night, prime time I presumed for a DJ to be giggin out, yet it wasn’t the case for you. We were chatting instead lol.
Explain why we were chatting instead of you playing hype music at the latest event in A-town.
Yea you're reppin A-town for sure dude! The HOE city. Gotta love it! lol I know you didn't mean this, but I can't let it slide cuz it's humorous. He really meant "home" everyone! Atlanta has plenty of hot spots, and no pun intended.
I started writing and performing in the city I went to college in, Peoria, IL. and Chicago, then I moved to Miami, FL and really started performing. I'm not sure. I'd have to say Chicago had the biggest influence in who Werd2jaH is as a lyricist and musician.
So tell me what a person who has never listened to your lyrics will expect to hear, in terms of topics or stories?
The topics I tend to comment on in my tunes are generally on the subject of my lack of tolerance for “mc’s/rappers” with no substance, corruption (all levels of it i.e. gov’t, society, etc.) My disdain for materialism, shallow and petty things put in place to distract the youth from bettering and uplifting themselves. The “uplift”ment of the youth, especially those of the historically oppressed, and generally me trying to wake up, and get my listeners to want more out of life than what they may settle for.
Pretty heavy material to cover. I’m sure it’s respected by listeners to have an Artist, and in your case a DJ & Host emphasize these subjects with his style of music. The Party. But I must admit my ears are not accustomed to the razor-fast Reggae dialect you’re tossing in some of your beats and jams! I’m like, what is he saying?!? But that’s the Kool part about it! To spit rhymes so fast. That’s why Fast- Rhymer Rap Artists like Twista and Mystikal are liked so much.
A Teacher. In many ways you express the makings of a teacher AND the audience is your students! I believe there are many people just like you, but in the music world it’s about sells and what’s “hot”.
Do you think anyone would welcome your thoughts and strong opinions?
There are people out there who are being weighed down and who are feeling the negativity of the ignorant conditioning of alot of aspects of the mainstream. These people are the ones I reach out to and try to speak to. They are out there, nowadays in an over-saturated market of "art". It's hard for the artist to really connect to their demographic and vice versa, but progression is there.
We need more of “your kind” these days! Words of “Direction AND guidance”. A lot is going on in terms of how we live, and raise our children. All the things we, meaning you and I were warned about as kids, have gotten out of hand and has become a nightmare nowadays. Words are powerful so if it anyone wants to change the world for the better instead of constantly glorifying hood life then by all means, DO YOUR THING!
The only drawback is falling prey to inactivity and complacency. Despite all the closed doors and rejection for whatever reason, how do you fight against giving up and becoming lazy?
I do know what you mean. I’ve been counteracting it with collaborations and out of town bookings.
Staying active is truly the only solution! Don’t allow complacency and laziness to set in or it will be much harder to pull out of it.
You must have been a strong, passionate thinker growing up?
Yea I am definitely not a fan of ignorance or negativity. From a young age I’ve always took a stance against such things, no matter the age, colour, or race of it. I don’t like it and don’t back it.
I view you as a revolutionary lol. Or something like a Black panther in your hopes for bringing awareness to your listeners in all due respect.
I’m feeling you for real…actually you’re a positive influence and can be a role model for youngsters in the game. Do you hope to achieve this status as you continue further with your success?
You don’t have to tell me brotha! I’m looking at you and you’re not the societal norm. You stand proud representing your Jamaican roots. It can be a threat to those who are not open to receiving a black man’s background. You, me, and many others realize this. I’m rather sick of this “fear me” attitude that is not a hidden secret with other ethnicities around the world. People are still afraid or “uncertain” about people with brown skin. The ignorance has to stop. People need to view each other as “People” who make the choice to act good or bad.
What is considered and defined to be as art is slowly getting widdled away. You can recognize this trend and either work with the erosion of meaning, substance, and quality. Or you can move against the grain and not applaud or perpetuate the monetary whore-mongering.
Good
"Success" to me means being able to do what it is I love and have a passion for it while ever growing and progressing in my art and craft. My motivation is not being able to do these things; it's sort of like saying what motivates you to breathe: the absence of air (art/passion).
I want my art to be timeless, country-less. I just don’t wanna be known in the states. I’ve also been more focused on my international fan-base as well. I want my music worldwide. I have a somewhat decent combined following in Europe, UK, and in parts of South American and Africa. I’ve only been (performed) to the UK.
Haha, I try. It can be a lot not having a booking agency or artist management. I could parlay a few of my “accomplishments” to bigger better things. I’m sure my time will come if it’s meant to be.
Oh yea, you know it.
I was all over. Leeds, Milton, Keynes, London, and Birmingham. I actually booked and wrangled up shows out there via FB and some forums, bought a ticket, and stayed with family out there. I was out there for a month and did 8 shows. I could’ve done more if I had stayed longer.
Wow, that’s what I’m talking about. See Kool World anything is possible. Don’t let doubts and excuses keep you from wanting to explore outside of what you know. Take it 1 step at a time, PLAN, and it can be done. You’ve heard it right here from Werd2Jah. No one is going to make your dreams happen for you. You must make it a reality for yourself. It really is that simple.
Yea, I know some peeps who cannot handle their sleep being interrupted or not getting enough of it. Grouchy & Grumpy. For you, the habit of performing with little sleep is the monster i.e. Gaga Fame Monster. I’m not a morning person but I’ve had to learn at a young age what “work” is all about, like many of us should, so getting up early was a force to be reckoned with. I don’t know if you feel this way but it seems easier to wake up early the older you get than it was when we were younger. I think I could be grouchy if I’m being pushed to move fast as I’m trying to wake up. But If I do a physical activity I will perk right up lol.
Have you worked with any well-known artists here and/or internationally?
Can you name some of the people you've worked with?
I’m setting you up for your Acceptance Speech at the BET AWARDS lmao! Make your list handy folk.
This is your chance to be "master of your own beat". We're familiar with the typical genres of music: Rock, R&B, Country, Pop, Alternative, and so forth. Create your own unique name for your own self-made genre of your style of mix-making music.
Dopeness! Feeling the passion ova hea! Love it.
My Absolute Fav Jam on his Set! Played this continuously during the making of this Bloggerview! A Real Club Banger :) |
Have you ever received a negative response from your audience? How did you make it through the situation?
I like how you bounce back and not let it knock you down. Some peeps can’t handle the blow but there’s no way to improve if he/she cannot assess the situation. Yea it sucks to receive less than satisfactory results but it’s part of the growing process. The audience is the gauge. Just helps to know what their needs are to give them what they want for them to be satisfied.
As a kid growing up in the A, what were your favorite childhood pastimes?
That’s the side of the A I like to hear about! Not the craziness we hear on the news these days. Just depressing. I remember going to Magic Johnson Theater with a friend once to see Queen of the Damned. It was a big deal since Aaliyah had lost her life recently in the plane crash and had the world stunned and broken. But it was nice inside. Many showrooms!
What’s your star sign? (Astrological sign for everyone out there who isn't deep into it like I am lol)
I’ve been known to hold a note and carry a tone. It’s something I tend to incorporate more into my music. I’m not really geared towards the “wooing of the ladies”, but few times I’ve sang live at shows…it had a positive affect on some of the female audience members haha. I don’t mind at all. I love my city! And all my ATL-iens.
Wait til the day they start throwing bras and panties on stage. Then the bravado will surely pour out then lmao! I always wonder where all that lingerie goes. Artists should bag it up and donate it to charity, with the exception of it being worn lol. Cuz we know what’s up.
Haha I can’t lie, it is pretty nice. I will admit I may have an effect on the ladies in the crowd, but I try to stay humble. Haha
Nice! Would love to see some of your carvings up close and personal J I remember the days of Nature Walks back in school. We called ourselves taking a “field trip” on one (anyplace that kept us from being indoors was great) We walked along a board walk, Nature trail. Of course we saw no animals even though deer, squirrel, hares, exist all out in the woods. But we came back to school and our assignment was to record in our journals what we saw—mostly plants and trees lol. Somehow I remember this memory from elementary school.
Haha You’ve been hanging around our parts too long. Green is the main color but I swear all those colors represent a particular high school’s colors! Imma let you guess which one I’m talking about.
Everyone has their own unique style: I consider a plain tee, pants, and sandals a "look". If it represents and embodies who the person is then I can't judge but only recognize the individual for who they are. What does your personal "look" consist of most of the time? Are you fond of any particular designers or brands?
Thanks for Clarifying that being naked is not providing a function lol!
What inspired your "style" change from your younger days to who you are now, besides trend and maturity? My style changed with my taste for music. When I was young and starting out I still was blind and consumed from the machine, now I am getting older and wiser, my eyes are open, and so have my taste and styles. What inspired me now is different from then.
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What traits do you value the most in a potential partner?
You gotta show me how this one is done!
Pepper And Rufio |
Sadly he died a few years back. He was the best cat ever in life, in the world!
I'm sure you miss him, but he's in a better place. He had the Cutest Face :)
I aint mad atcha. Sexy. Cook, do the manly thang, and throw in some sensuality. Whoever got your love must feel very special!
On a lighter note, and your Bob Marley’s child lmao!
smh lol.
Good Advice. I'm feeling you.
While you’re at it, give us the rate for your services.
The range is from $200-450 bucks dependent upon the venue, headliners, lodging and travel, and so on.
I'd like to meet the first guy who created an electrical tone,....just so I could play him some kryptic minds, or kromestar, or compa and see his reaction pahaha.
I'd love to speak face to face with the man who invented money so I could personally knee him in the groin.
I'd love to emcee at outlook in Croatia,...cause that shit is dope!
Dang knee him in the groin. Ouch. ha! In other words, money is the root of all evil.
If the day comes where no one wants to hear my music again, then I will go back to performing and composing for my first audience member: myself! haha, being a complex being on this planet, I, as do all, have many goals dreams and aspirations. If a door is closed on my musical aspirations, I'd take that as a sign to pursue more vigorously my many other passions.
I have to give the credit to my family: the dirty crew (blaise b. big o, rhymin artistik, colin coyle, dave easy, march-mellow, d-boy). These are my closest friends I had the pleasure of meeting while in college, they probably knew me before I knew myself, and they did nothing more than encourage me to grow into the man I am today. These are my brothers, friends, and fellow artists.
I want to be able to share any and all wisdom that I have learned living the life that I have lived. Be that with my children or lineage, or any eager ears interested in knowing more to life than just the rat race.
Follow me and keep up wit the werdz:
Twitter: @Werd2jah
Instagram: @werd2jah
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/werd2jah2
Tumblr: www.tumblr.werd2jah
Search for me on: Youtube, Soundcloud, Reverbnation, and Facebook!
Where can everyone go to listen to your music?
www.myspace.com/werd2jah
www.facebook.com/werd2jah2
www.youtube.com/werd2jah
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC786B52B79D4CE4A
latest tunes I'm currently working on are:
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