ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: JAYPOPPIN
Jay Poppin is an independent artist who has painstakingly crafted his path in the world of music from its very foundation. Hailing from a deeply religious family in Southern Nigeria, with the heartbeat of music ingrained in his genes thanks to his DJ father, Jay Poppin honed his musical craft on the drums, keyboard, and bass guitar. He began his journey by performing at local events, steadily achieving self-sufficiency and honing his skills along the way.
But that's just the beginning of the story. As he ventured into the vibrant and diverse music scene in Lagos, Jay Poppin's prowess in the realms of hip-hop and rock blossomed. His journey took him to a place where he solidified his position as a respected producer within a burgeoning record label, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. To Jay Poppin, born Samuel Paul, music transcends mere notes and melodies; it's a vessel that encapsulates the multifaceted experiences of life, a sonic and emotional odyssey.
With the recent release of his latest single, "NASA," and an upcoming EP on the horizon, Jay Poppin continues to navigate his musical odyssey with unwavering determination, demonstrating that passion, talent, and unwavering dedication can propel an artist from the heart of Nigeria to the global music stage.
Your new single, "NASA," is about embracing life as a cosmic adventure. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the song and its message?
As an artist and producer, a huge portion of my time is dedicated to the studio, where I am involved in mixing, mastering, and songwriting. However, when I'm not in the studio working, I thoroughly enjoy going out at night to explore various parts of Lagos, from its vibrant clubs to bars and hotels that offer wild experiences. This is the inspiration for "NASA" —a celebration of enjoyable moments, the pleasure of good company, and the thrill of encountering new experiences.
You've mentioned that your music is deeply rooted in your life experiences. How has your upbringing in a religious family in Southern Nigeria influenced your music and artistic journey?
When we delve into the realm of hip hop, it's crucial to consider the sonic landscape. Many of the industry's leading artists hail from the Souths, such as Future, Lil Wayne, and Ludacris. The South has been a vibrant hub for hip hop, captivating audiences everywhere. Despite being raised in a devout Christian household, I grew up immersed in the sounds of Lil Wayne, Birdman, Young Money, and similar artists. Hip hop was my favoured genre, and it left a huge impact on me.
Can you share some insights into your creative process as both a rapper and producer? How do you approach the intricacies of creating music that resonates with your audience?
When it comes to crafting beats, I have a simple yet effective approach. I try to allocate 30 minutes for each beat creation session. I have some musical versatility – I can play the keys and the bass, and I've got a keen ear for drum patterns. Sometimes, I kickstart my beat-making by finding a loop, and after I have my loop, I take it into FL Studio, where the real magic happens. You can find all my beats on my YouTube channel under the name @ProdbyJayPoppin. Once I've produced a bunch of beats, I upload them there. This way, people can listen to them, and if they resonate with a particular beat, they can get in touch with me for a purchase. When it's time to create a song, I head over to my YouTube channel, where I select a beat that matches the vibe I'm feeling that day. I then proceed to record in Logic Pro X. My song-making process involves laying down the initial style, crafting lyrics (which don't always have to follow a strict narrative), and then refining the track. Lastly, I handle the mixing and mastering phase right within Logic too.
Can you tell us more about your experience working on your 2021 collaborative album, ‘Stars.’ What impact did it have on your career?
‘Stars’ was released in 2021; but we actually began working on it in 2020. This album has a unique quality that makes it perfect for sharing with friends, especially when you're in a great mood. It helps create an ideal atmosphere for getting into a creative flow. The process of working on Stars had a significant influence on my career. Myself and my friend and fellow artist, Eriq, generated a surplus of tracks, well over 30 songs, which required us to carefully curate our favourites. Collaborating with Eriq on was a truly liberating experience. Not only did I get to compose music, but I also took on the role of handling the mixing aspect, while the final mastering was entrusted to a professional. Since this project, I've noticed a considerable boost in my efficiency when working on other projects. It has essentially become a part of my lifestyle now.
Your previous releases like “THE CHASE” and “FOURTWO”, have been well-received. How do these earlier works connect to your upcoming EP, and what can listeners expect from it?
My forthcoming EP is going to be a game-changer. It features tracks with a vibrant and groundbreaking quality that sets a new standard within the genre. I began working on this project last year, with "Mu Alii" being the first song I created. When I introduced the concept of ‘Afro-Rage’ to some industry professionals, they were initially perplexed. However, once I shared a snippet from "Mu Ali" everyone quickly got on board. This track marked my first release, and I'm excited to continue in a similar creative direction. My upcoming project will follow a similar path, with rich and distinctive sounds, along with collaborations with talented artists like my friend Eriq. While “THE CHASE” and "Mu Ali" were fan favourites, this next release will introduce a fresh and more innovative sound.
We know "NASA" is part of your forthcoming EP. What can fans anticipate from the EP, and how does it contribute to the evolution of your artistic identity?
Honestly, my forthcoming is a significant milestone in my musical journey. It's packed with fresh, high-energy tracks designed to ignite the crowd and create a moshpit-like atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from artists like Lil Uzi Vert, I've crafted a distinctive sound that sets this release apart. You can already listen to "NASA" online, and there are more exciting tracks to come. For me, it's all about moving forward, and I have no plans to revisit my old style. Get ready for this exhilarating transformation.
As an independent artist, you've built you continue to build your music career from the ground up. What has that been like?
Being an independent artist is a challenging path, but I'm no stranger to handling stress, as I maintain a regular gym routine where I push my limits. This journey has taught me a great deal. When I started, I had to handle everything myself, from uploading my own songs to promoting them on my own platform. It was more demanding than I initially expected, and it felt like a real grind. However, it's a necessary process when you're establishing your brand. Gaining the support of your fans and peers is crucial, but it doesn't come easily. People often want to see you succeed before they offer their support, which is why self-belief is essential. Independence has allowed me to grow and develop my unique identity. While I've encountered challenges, giving up has never been an option for me.
In the world of music, there are fearless pioneers just like NASA's astronauts. Who are some of your musical inspirations and role models, and how have they influenced your style and approach to music? We believe Lil Yachty is among them.
I've drawn inspiration from various artists throughout my life. Tracks like "66” Lil Yachty ft. Trippie Redd has deeply resonated with me. I'm also a big fan of Playboi Carti, and Pi'erre Bourne, as they've played a significant role in shaping my musical journey. Additionally, artists like Future and Lil Wayne have been substantial influences on my music. I've been a fan of hip hop since my childhood, and my passion for creating music has been long-standing. I'm also grateful for the trailblazers of the past, such as Cisco and Ludacris, as well as innovators like Kanye West. Kanye's versatility, spanning from rapping to mixing and mastering, has been a profound source of inspiration. Being part of this world is an exciting journey.