Five Questions With Ju Ju Swag Shawty:

Strategic in his moves to bring the streets the heat, Ju Ju Swag Shawty is destined to take the music industry by storm. The Charismatic-New Age Hip Hop-Filipino rapper, born Carl Rubley, embraced his love for music at the tender age of six and has not lost an ounce of passion for it so far. Ju Ju released his latest album this spring titled, “Ghetto Dreamz” and has not ceased promotion for it while continuously working on new material.

Although born in Quezon City, Philippines on January 2, 1991, Ju Ju represents the place he was raised to the fullest; Vicksburg, Mississippi in the Lakehill Projects aka “Deville.” With dismal surroundings in a poverty stricken neighborhood where he witnessed violence and drug activity, Ju Ju adapted to his surroundings and took mental pictures; which would later contribute to his musical talents. He became infatuated with rap when he heard Coolio’s “Gangster’s Paradise” and Luniz’s “I got 5 on it”. At the age of 8, after watching a Cash Money video, Ju Ju pointed at the television and told everyone “That’s what I’m going to be one day!” His other musical influences include Tupac for the way he touched people, Biggie for the way he told stories, and Lil Wayne’s punch lines and metaphors. He grew up listening to Z Ro regularly because of his style and the fact that he was witnessing a lot of the content in actuality.

By the age of 13, Ju Ju Swag Shawty recorded his first song titled “Ya’ll Don’t Want It With Me” and was starting to make his musical presence known in his neighborhood. He signed his first record deal in 2011 with Souf State Connected records, an independent record label located in Jackson, MS. His first single “Shawty Hit the Floor” released from his album, which created a huge buzz on the streets. Unfortunately, a hiatus was taken in the prime of his deal in 2012. Although he still performed and recorded sporadically, Ju Ju’s drive weakened. Frustrations grew more and more at the beginning of 2014 as he grieved from the passing of his mother, Flora Rumbley. This crushing blow added pain and angst to his songs as he expressed his true feelings.

In the midst of the beginning of 2015, Ju Ju’s last single “She Got That Thang Jumpin” produced by Trendsetterz gained radio play in several cities and recreated a buzz. The current single “She Know What to do”, produced by Boogieonthetrack is a bounce club song with a Louisiana feel. It is currently in rotation on several radio stations and clubs in the Southern region. The new CD entitled “Ghetto Dreamz” was released on February 2017 which includes a few originals like “My Way Out”, “Stay Down” and “Buckin to da Roof”. The CD features production by Wheezy Beats, Boogieondatrack, Super Floyd, Denali, Zaytozen & others. Also features by Big Dawg C-Loc, Birmingham J, Rallo Gesus, & others.The CD also consists of a variety of skills displayed by the charismatic rapper.

In the past six months, Ju Ju has been featured in the Jackson Free Press, Swag Magazine out of CA, and has had numerous of radio interviews along with being on the Hood Idol tour. With unique and heartfelt music full of metaphorical punch lines and storytelling, Ju Ju will become one of the most talented legends to ever enter the music industry. He says “I’m the type that will always strive to be the best and do better than my last. And most of all never become too comfortable, for the fact that I love what I do with a passion and I know how it feels to be broke and has nothing!!! I have so much more to do to get where I need to be.”

As you see yourself, who is Ju Ju Swag Shawty?

Ju Ju is a Filipino representing the label Souf State Connected out of Jackson MS with very gifted talents such as an artist, producer, and audio engineering. I’m 26 and have been rapping since the age of 8. My musical influences have come from artist such as Z Ro, Lil Wayne, 2 Pac and many others. I’m a people person who can work with anyone. I have had years of artist development experience to have the stage presence that I have today. I have a great story to tell, with being born in the Philippines to being raised in poverty of the southern region of USA..I see myself as one who will go down with the greats before me…

Tell us about your current project?

My current project is labeled “Ghetto Dr3amz” with features from C Loc, Birmingham J and others. I also have production from Wheezy Beatz and Zaytoven. I worked very hard on this CD and came out with a classic! It also has a couple of my singles such as “So Focused” & “My Way Out” ft. Rallo Gesus. If you like really good music you will love it! Check it out now on Spinrilla, search Ju Ju Swag Shawty

What’s on your bucket list to accomplish as an entertainer?

I have a few things on my bucket list in my career and I set them at a high level. I would love to beat multiple album sale records, I also would love to sell out Madison Square Garden, and also the Metro Arena in the Philippines!! Most of all I just want to be successful and take care of my family…

Will you be finishing out 2017 on the road or what’s on your horizon for 2018?

I do look forward to finishing 2017 on the Hood Idol tour with my CEO Lex Luga, and getting ready for this Filipino Rap Tour… In 2018 you can expect a lot more music and me doing whatever it takes to catch my big break!!!

The Hype Magazine wants to know: What’s been your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?! Or “WTF?!” moment thus far in your career?

My WTF moment would have to be the time I did a show in my hometown of Vicksburg MS. We had great promotion and Robert Paulson, a well-known artist in the region & Kajun the Comedian who has millions of views on social media, even a special guest NFL Star Malcolm Butler of the New England Patriots, yet with all that and the buzz I had, only a little over 100 people showed up. That gave me the drive I have now, trust me….

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