Published on June 25th, 2017 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Who Is J-Quin?

Jason Quintel Harkless, better known by the stage name J-Quin, is an independent rapper, song writer, and businessman. A product of Wilmington North Carolina, J-Quin has recently relocated to a city that became a second home for him over the past 10 years, Charlotte North Carolina to further pursue his dream of a career in the music industry. As the youngest of six children, J-Quin could always be found honing his craft writing rhymes or practicing performances at any given moment. With the unrivaled support of his family, J-Quin launched into a career path as an artist matriculating throughout the State of North Carolina for many showcases. In building this brand and beginning to prove his worth as one of the country’s hottest MC’s., J-Quin has performed in front of some of the industries greats like Rick Ross, The Lox, and Lupe Fiasco just to name a few. In one interaction, renowned producer, Ninth Wonder, endorsed J-Quin, proclaiming “You are the REAL DEAL” As his career has progressed, J-Quin has opened for the Bad Boys of Comedy Show featuring Tone X and Chris “Funnyman” Robinson. He has also been an opening act for Jay Sean and multi-platinum singer/song writer the “Dream”.

Most recently, Charlotte, NC Mayor Jennifer Roberts announced Sounds of the Queen City (SoQC) was formed to bring unity to our city through the arts. In its inaugural year, the organizing committee has decided to focus on hip hop for its accessibility and popularity among younger generations. SoQC is steered by Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and a community volunteer committee. J-Quin entered and won the Sounds of the QC Hip Hop Contest for Charlotte’s new anthem. The Grand Prize includes an invitation to perform live at the National League of Cities meeting in November 2017 in Charlotte, N.C This is an opportunity that J-Quin and his newly formed team, “Quintessential Sounds” anticipate will be the launching point for the national recognition that he has diligently pursued since childhood. One of his original professional mentors, Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman, nationally recognized Core DJ and Programming director of Coast 97.3 radio station in Wilmington NC also stated: “I have known this dude since he was in high school. He has the drive and determination to be very successful in the music business. His swagger is unseen.” Keep your eyes on J-Quin and the Quintessential Sounds Movement via all social media outlets. The sky is the limit and they are on the rise!

As you see your self, who is J Quin?

J Quin is the Rapper the MC the business man who is not afraid to take any risks in life to succeed. J Quin is the sound, the beat, the melody, the instrument that you hear in music that flows!!!!!!

What brought you to the entertainment industry and music specifically?

The love for the music. I’ve been rapping since 15 so I grew up watching all my idols and becoming inspired to one day make my mark in this music industry.

What and/or who influenced the sound you bring today?

The things that influenced my sound would be my life and all of the experiences I go through. I have a few people who influenced me but if I had to pick someone it would have to be Jay Z. He gave me the blueprint!!!!

What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?

The way people react to who I am and what I’m doing. When I see people’s reaction in the crowds I perform in or hearing them recite my lines.That let’s me know this is what I’m suppose to be doing.

What was the biggest obstacle in getting to your current career phase?

Moving away from my hometown (Wilmington NC). I traveled alot of places but a I lived in Wilmington for over 30 years and that’s my comfort zone. Moving away was something I had to do to further my music career and it finally happened. I’m glad I made that move.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to get “That Feeling” every time they hear a J.Quin song. I want to leave them with timeless music so one day they can go back and reminisce and replay my music with that same feeling they had when they first played it.

Tell us about your current project?

My current project is entitled “Raw & Uncut” This project is my most aggressive from past projects. On this project I want people to know that I am the real deal and when it comes to the rap game I am one of the best to do it!!!!!!

What do you feel has been your greatest life achievement so far?

My greatest life achievement for me would be “Life” itself and while I’m living doing what I love to do and that’s creating music for the souls.

If you could collaborate with one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

If I could collaborate with one artist it would probably be Janelle Monae. My reasoning behind this choice is because I think she’s a very dope artist and she’s very versatile. She has a young energy mixed with a old soul, which I feel is similar to me. I believe we could make beautiful music together for the people.

If you had to pick one song of yours, that really explains YOU, what would it be?

That’s a hard one because I make alot of songs that describes who I am. I’m stuck on this one but to give you a answer I will say I don’t have a particular one…..lol. sorry

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

My craziest where they do that at moment would be a competition show in Fayetteville and we had to perform one song. Before I went up I told the DJ to press play and don’t touch nothing. He looked at me like I was crazy. I had it set up to where the beat would stop on its own and I rap the last 8 bars of the song acapella and after my last word the beat drops back in. To pull this off my timing had to be ON POINT!!!!! I actually pulled it off and everybody in that building went CRAZY. The dj looked at me with a cracked smile and gave me the Salute. I won 1st Place that night!!!!!!!

Performance of “Charlotte Anthem” On Fox 46 Good Day Charlotte
http://www.fox46charlotte.com/good-day/252337511-video

Interviewed By: Just Jay

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