Interview: San Jose Rapper J.Inks Talks About His Newly Released Self-Directed Video "ShadyBaby"
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Our latest exclusive interview is with Santa Jose based rapper J.Inks who just released his self directed music video/short film “ShadyBaby”, which features Vetty Soto as the leading lady. During our Q&A with J.Inks, we find out what inspires his creativity as an artist, whether “ShadyBaby” is part of an upcoming project, and much more.
If you’re a fan of Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, or Joey Bada$$, you’ll definitely enjoy J.Inks’s music, so after reading this interview, be sure to stream “ShadyBaby” on your favorite streaming platform and connect with him on his website and social media.
What are some things that inspire your creativity as an artist?
Personally, it all started as poetry. Putting my emotion onto paper the best way I knew how. As the years passed and I outgrew my adolescence, I payed great attention to the trials and tribulations of my favorite artists and realized that they have overcome immense struggle and pain through self expression in the form of hip-hop music. The entire culture of hip-hop and its history holds an immeasurable influence over me. I absolutely love self expression and wish to inspire others to express themselves in the ways hip hop has inspired me to do so.
Being an artist is about creation along with destruction. Triumph and failure, the light and the dark, the happy and the sad. Whatever emotions come across us, we wield the ability to overcome in our own ways.
If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you use?
The three words I would use are: Genuine, Conscious and Jazzy.
Congratulations on your new video "ShadyBaby", which you directed yourself. Was this your first time directing a video?
This was the first time I was able to direct a full production for my own music. Previously, I have directed full music videos for other artist as well as filming and editing those videos. I was grateful to work with my team at Split Mind Media (@splitmind.media) on this production for “ShadyBaby”. I couldn't have done it without them.
Who was the leading lady aka ShadyBaby in the video? How did you connect with her?
Her name is Vetty Soto. You can reach her on Instagram: @honeyxtrapx. I found her art on Instagram as she was modeling some of her custom clothing and saw that she had a fitting look for the role. I pitched her the idea, we met over some coffee and soon after, we began the filming process. She was fun to work with, very enthusiastic on set and delivered her roll amazingly.
Is the "ShadyBaby" song a part of a larger project coming out this spring or summer? If so, what can you tell us about it?
Yes. “ShadyBaby” is one of the singles off of my upcoming EP titled "Daydream". The project will feature five tracks I found fitting to represent my best first works as an artist. The EP will drop around the beginning of May along with the “Daydream” single and music video.
Connect with J.Inks: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook