JasonMartin (FKA Problem): The Truth

Now let’s hop right into this latest single / video, “FUPAYME” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

I actually was in between a few game changing deals at the time. For some reason, the talks between the lawyers had stalled yet the work I did on those particular projects still were released without the legal being handled. Instead of going nuclear, I decided to create the song that said everything I want to say to those particular companies. While writing the song, everybody in the studio had a their “hell yeah, fuck them, this guy owes me money, too!” Lol. It was fun as shit getting that energy off our chest.

“FUPAYME” comes courtesy of your recently released solo LP, I OWE MYSELF — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

I OWE MYSELF is a needed emotion. Especially for those of us who were built to create opportunities for others.

How then does I OWE MYSELF either differ and / or compare to previous solo entries?

It’s extremely different. This is the first time I ever had access to a full band that was solely there to create music for me and me only. It was an amazing experience. The producers of the entire album, The Melodiks’, energy was so refreshing. They’re so new and eager to be daring. For a guy like me that’s been doing it for damn near two decades, it was great to have those fresh ideas and musical concepts. Lyrically, I purposely stayed away from any concepts or ideologies I may have touched on in my previous releases. This may be the first project that I didn’t lean on “I’m better than you” raps or “I have more money than you” type lyrics. Just good stories. Relatable topics. I’m really proud of the body of work we created together.

Along with the new album comes a new name change as well; from formerly known as Problem to now utilizing your birthright, JasonMartin — What actually prompted this decision?

At this point of my career, I felt it was irresponsible to keep calling myself “Problem.” Words are a forms of attraction, and I don’t want any more problems. Plus, the Martin family name is important to me. The legacy of my grandfather, dad, and son can live on through my art now. I think that’s hella cool.

As an emcee, when you sit down to pen your rhymes where do you draw your inspiration from?

Life. My surroundings. The truth, no matter how “abnormal” it may sound or be. Also, things I see on a day to day basis that have yet to have a song that can be attached to it. Every moment on earth deserves its own soundtrack.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for JasonMartin?

I originally was only doing music to meet women. Lol! It seemed like all the musicians and artists had all the baddies! Lol. But as I began the journey, I quickly fell in love with any and everything that music embodies. Being able to create something out of thin air and bring it to life made me feel like a magician. Like some type of super hero. I became addicted to the feeling. Starting from one sound, one word, one thought, and working on it till it became a whole song. Like what the fuck! This is fly as shit! I remember thinking, “I wanna do this forever!” I eventually taught myself how to engineer, mix, record, make beats, produce, then eventually how to write and rap. The rest is history.

Now you’re a native of Würzburg, West Germany, by way of Compton, California, correct? So growing up in the ‘Hub City,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yup, I was born overseas. Eazy-E, DJ Quik, Dr. Dre, MC Eiht, Snoop, Kurupt, D’Angelo, Eminem, 2PAC, OutKast, DMX, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Biggie, Method Man, T.I., MC Breed, Wayne, Aaliyah, Michael Jackson, Prince, Luther Vandross, The Isley Brothers, The Temptations…the list goes on.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I don’t really know how to answer that. I’m just me. I don’t strive to do anything. I kind of just go with the flow of the music. Recently, someone told me my sound is a mixture of Snoop Dogg and Kanye West. That one shocked the hell out of me, but I’ll take it! Lol. They are the GOATS.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

The Truth! No short cuts. No cap rap. No gimmicks. Full transparency and accountability over amazing beats.

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

Living, Kanye. Hands down! He follows nobody’s rules but his own. Sonically that has to feel amazing! To have the nuts to say fuck it, we’re doing whatever we want is the ultimate high for an artist. He embodies that. If we’re talking deceased, Aaliyah. Her tone, her cadence, her swag. She was and still is the standard when it comes to “elegant, but hood” chicks. Sexy, but street. It would be a crazy experience to work with her.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

SoFi (Stadium) in Inglewood. I was on the field at the Super Bowl while Dr. Dre performed. Wow! I was blown the fuck away. The energy in that stadium was electric. I’d love to sell that place out. It’s right next door to my dad’s, grandma Audrey, and my kid’s house, so it will be cool for them to see that.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?

No, there is too much “coffin music” being pushed to the masses. And the business of it is horrible. Nobody pays on time, and everybody is trying to one up everybody. With the streaming shit mixed with social media hype, it’s not as fun as it once was. Socially, music choices will always be subjective. But the overall state of it feels “pimp ish.” “Pimp” the music to get the “brand deal” or whatever the fuck other end goal you may have. For us that put the music first, we are fighting an uphill battle. But, I’m here for it.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Not being afraid to challenge myself. Not being afraid to go against whatever’s happening at the time. And, lastly, not conforming to what someone else’s version of a “star” is. I’m my own me, and that’s what will always make me Jason. As long I never forget that, I’ll be fine.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

My brand, Coffee & Kush, is in full force. The goal is to open up Coffee & Kush consumption lounges across the world where people can come in and partake with other like minded people in a peaceful thought out environmental. Imagine Starbucks with cannabis. What a beautiful world! Lol. We also began Compton Coffee this year. We are scheduled to hit stores this summer. I’ll also be diving into the film / TV side of things. I have some amazing things in development with the incredible Issa Rae. I can’t say too much, but I’m excited about the future.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t look at this like that. Maybe when I’m done with it, I’ll be able to answer that…but as of now, it all feels the same. I’m living a dream and I ain’t woke up just yet. Lol! Come back to me in a few and we can revisit that question.

What’s an average day like for you?

I hate the term “average.” I wake up and try to change the trajectory of my family’s tree EVERY DAY. Ain’t nothing average about that.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

My Coffee & Kush lives on Instagram, it’s where I do this the most. Just good old fashion morning conversation over a cup of coffee and a joint. I answer questions from whoever’s in the chat, and we just get each other’s day started.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Create the music is my favorite part because it’s the purest form of this business. You’re just in there trying ideas and having fun. Putting the music out is my least favorite. It feels “auditiony.” You’re sitting around hoping other people like it or get it. It’s nerve-racking. I also don’t like the fake fellowshipping. I think a lot of the guys think we have to fake fuck with each other to create music. We don’t! Let’s do the jams for the people and get back to our real friends. Things would be simpler.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t! What’s for me won’t be for you. I would encourage them to get in the mirror and learn to love your imperfections. Understood that YOU are going to win being the best version of YOU you can be. Find out what it is you love about your music, your life, your voice and dive in. God will handle the rest.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you all see yourself?

Living on my own island in Belize preparing to begin my next career. I plan on becoming an NBA head coach one day, so I’ll be ready to begin putting in the work to get to that point by then.

As for the immediate, what’s next for JasonMartin?

I’m not really focused “what’s next,” I’m living in the present. Enjoying the fact that I Owe Myself is finally out and building on that thought is the goal.

Oh, and btw, do you and Quik have any future plans for another Rosecrans project?

Me and Quik are always working on music. It’s really on him. He’s the master teacher. What he says goes. But we definitely have enough music in the vault together to put out a couple of projects.

Any “parting” words for our readers?

I OWE MYSELF is out now!