J’Moris delves into his creative process for his recent single “NBA,” noting a distinctive experience as he blended the essence of the NBA with his narrative. The artist is candid about his evolving journey, marked by a transition that the song signifies.
The upcoming project, ‘Bottom of The Top,’ promises a raw and enhanced storytelling element, offering listeners glimpses into his past and the universal struggles of striving for greatness. Inspired by icons like Biggie Smalls, Tupac, and southern legends André 3000, Devin The Dude, and Chamillionaire, J’Moris embraces a unique, authentic sound, carving out his own niche in the Hip-hop genre.
His narrative is set to expand in ‘Bottom of The Top,’ with tracks like “Country Misfit” revealing turning points and transformations in his life. J’Moris also expresses a desire for a cross-generational collaboration, fantasizing about melding styles with legends Biggie Smalls and Teddy Pendergrass. Each song in the upcoming release promises a different emotional journey, showcasing his growth and exploration as an artist.
How has the process of creating your recent single, “NBA,” differed from your previous works? Have there been new challenges or discoveries during its creation?
I wouldn’t say challenges necessarily, but I wanted to embody the feel of the NBA and incorporate it into my story. Merging the best of both worlds in a sense. Overall it was a fun experience but still a little different.
As “NBA” marked the end of one season and the beginning of another, how do you envision your next work propelling you towards your ultimate vision? What doors do you hope this new project will open for you in the industry and beyond?
I don’t know what my ultimate vision is really, I’m just doing and going with what feels right to me. The ‘Bottom of The Top’ is just a more raw version of me. Complied with more storytelling and glimpses of the past and the struggles. I wanted to include more sides of me and more sides of everyday life for the average person striving to do more.
You’ve talked about how your surroundings and culture heavily influence your content. Can you pinpoint specific artists or musical styles that have shaped your unique sound?
I’m a big fan and student of Hip-hop. Biggie Smalls and Tupac have influenced so many, including me. But with me being from the South, I got the most inspiration from artists like André 3000, Devin The Dude, and Chamillionaire just to name a few. They showed it’s okay to be different and unique. Everybody has a story, and there’s no set way to tell it; what matters is making it your own. I carry this belief with me, using it as a catalyst to propel me forward.
Knowing that you use your music as a diary, embedding your thoughts, experiences, and feelings into your songs, can you share a snippet from your upcoming release, ‘Bottom of The Top’ that encapsulates a turning point in your life?
Interestingly enough, the first song on the project titled “Country Misfit” has a bar that was a huge turning point in my life. I’ll save it and let you hear it for yourself and see if you see what it is. In hindsight, writing it and recording it gave me insight on the change in my thought process and how I used to glorify traumatic things in order to cope. Crazy how time changes things and perspectives. I guess I’ll drink to that!
You mentioned that your next project would emphasize stronger storytelling. How does a track from ‘Bottom of The Top’ exemplify this new focus? Could you give us a glimpse into the narrative it unfolds?
I feel like a lot of the tracks are different chapters of the same book. The story of J’Moris. Although it isn’t the full biography, it’s a nice part of the ‘Country Misfit’ series. I wanted to explore the range of events and emotions I could articulate. I took events from my life, the good, the bad, the funny, the childish, and the unfavorable, and put them over 808s and samples. The goal is for every song to take you on a trip, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
In the anticipated ‘Bottom of The Top,’ is there a track that you feel represents a new emotional or experiential territory for you? How did you approach crafting this piece?
I feel like every song is a different emotional experience, whether it be a new sense of pride or a greater understanding of life events. Each song hits me a little different and explores a range of emotions. If I had to pick a song that was completely different or most different, it would be “Steak and Eggs.” It gives me a nostalgic feeling, a different kind of warmth, and takes me to a place of peace and simplicity.
Imagine a parallel universe where you can collaborate with any artist, living or from a different era, to create a remix for one of the tracks from your new release. Who would that artist be and why? How do you think their style would intertwine with yours to elevate the song?
That’s a great question but without a doubt, I would want Biggie Smalls and Teddy Pendergrass to remix “Let the Top Down.” Biggie’s style and word play was always unmatched to me. Teddy’s voice and cadence is in a class of its own. Combining all the different elements would be magical.
Listen to “NBA” on Spotify:
