The Return of The Hitmaker: Star Producer, Jay E talks new projects, Tef Poe and his hopes for St. Louis

He was Billboard’s top 100 producers, and he is only a mile-fraction of producers to acquire diamond-selling status, but even these historical unprecedented achievements aren’t enough to make super producer Jason “Jay- E” Epperson too comfortable. Jay-E is a workaholic who knows no boundaries and understands the concept that the sky is the limit and you’re only as good as your last hit in this business, so he has continually evolved and elevated as both a producer, Deejay and enigmatic personality. Jay E is to Nelly what Manny Fresh is to Juvenile and what Metro Boomin is to Future. It is beautiful and rare when producers and artists connect like magnets to give us timeless classics and Jay-E has given us more than this. His discography has acquired him a plethora of awards, but nonetheless, Jay E continues to study music and has been concentrating on the art of music and spinning records the past few years. He made a choice to stay under the radar like a student mastering his craft. He evolved into an in-demand Deejay also connecting with Good Charlottes’ Madden brothers to form “Dead Executives” adding punk rock and alternative music to his discography.

“I’ve always been very diverse. I love hip-hop, I love rock, I love pop music, and our company Basements Beats does it all. I’m always challenging myself, so I’m not the guy that can be pigeon-holed in one category. I can work with any artist from any background and still make a hit. As far as Deejaying I started off as a DJ and I’m happy that I can do what I love for so many audiences” Said Jay-E. Deejaying has always been a part of Jay’E’s being since his days at Saint Louis landmark, “Saints” skating rink. It is there where he met the group that would become known as the St. Lunatics and its star, Nelly. “At that time I only had three or four beats and I met Ali and he introduced me to all of the guys and we made history together.” Adds Jay -E

Through his production company that consists of Wally Yagnam and Koko Bridges, the unassuming lethal trio have buried any doubt that they are unequivocally the best production team that came out of the Midwest. Jay E is currently in the lab concocting new music with Nelly, Chingy, Tef Poe, J. R and more.

Photo Credit- Tony Curtis

He says its been refreshing and exciting collaborating with Tef Poe who has one of the most anticipated albums in hip-hop. Tef Poe’s name is surrounded by nothing but respect and love from hip hop’s greatest names and even Harvard professor Dr. Cornel West, who appears on Tef Poe’s album. Artists such as Common, Nas and Big Boi have embraced Tef Poe and if there’s any truth to what’s in the air Tef Poe may just be 2018’s breakout star, something St. Louis hasn’t seen in a while but an act that will surely manifest says Jay-E as he vows to put his city back on the map. “It’s our season again. We’re back but this time we’re all working together and that’s the best part of this entire situation. “ Jay-E ‘s current project is an ode to his hometown. He has produced an album filled with nothing but St. Louis talent. On The Jay- E presents project is something that I wanted to do to show how great everyone is here. We did a song on there with Nelly and Chingy, “2 da side.” I have an amazing record with J. R called “Do” and everyone has been wanting that Tef Poe record and we did it. I think us working together like other cities is a dream come true and hope this album will be the beginning of a new leaf for St. Louis.”

Check out Jay E and Tef Poe on “Smokers Anthem.”

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Tags: Basement Beats, Big Boi, Chingy, Common, Dr. Cornel West, Good Charlottes, JAY E, Juvenile, Koko, Manny Fresh, Metro Boomin, Nas, Nelly, Smokers Anthem, Tef Poe, The Hype Magazine, Wally Yagnam

About the Author

Landon Buford Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.