What’s better than a talented artist who has a true passion for music? A talented artist with a true passion for music and for helping others. J. Crum is one of those artists, having released an incredible EP, Flawed while still actively assisting at-risk youth. He tells the stories of his highs and lows through his music, sharing them with the world.
J. Crum chatted with CelebMix about musical inspiration, faith, and giving back to communities!
What sounds or experiences inspire you as an artist?
My personal experiences inspire me as an artist. Situations with my wife, working with the youth in my city, personal internal struggles, my faith, etc.
How would you personally describe your musical sound?
I’d say hip-hop with influences of soul, rock, and indie styles.
What would you say is the most challenging part of writing stories or experiences into raps?
For me, it’d be getting over being vulnerable in front of people. At times, I have an unhealthy fear of what others might think of me.
Is there an artist who inspires your musical style?
A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Fall Out Boy, Stevie Wonder, early Kanye.
What made you first start rapping?
I got really sick my sophomore year in high school and missed the first semester. They sent a homeschool teacher to my house and I got really far ahead. When I started the second semester I had three study halls, so with all my extra time, I began writing music.
Who or what motivates you to succeed?
God, my wife, my future kids, my family.
Are there any artists you’d like to collaborate with?
That’s an extremely long list!
In addition to making music, you also give back to your community by helping at-risk youth. What kind of assistance do you offer?
My wife and I run a family-style group home together for teens 13 to 18. We live on campus and teach behavioral skills and create treatment plans for them to follow and once they complete them we get them back to their parents.
Do you have any advice for people who want to start giving back to their communities?
You don’t need an organization to give back to your community, take what you’re passionate about and use it to serve.
What impact do you hope your music has on your audience?
I hope they see the impact Jesus made on my life. Through my vulnerability, failures, and victories they can see that hope is alive.
Are there any future projects that we should stay tuned for?
I just dropped the first three parts of my short film series flawed which highlights each track for my EP. We have three more parts and they come out every two weeks on Wednesdays. Also, follow my artist collective Streetlight Sounds, we are dropping consistent content all the way to the end of 2017.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
I love y’all! The love and support has been amazing!
You can find J. Crum on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Twitter.
Are you excited to hear more from J. Crum? Let us know by tweeting us at @CelebMix!