“They say I sound like JCole, sound like Drake, sound like Jay-Z. If that’s how I sound, then that’s how they should pay me.”
My next guest, rapper JUS, is definitely #OnTheRise, and is already drawing comparisons to the best to ever do it. Here’s some info about the next big thing coming out of Long Island:
His family inspired him to start making music
JUS’s father put him on to rap icons and great music like Jay-Z and his iconic “The Black Album”. His brother bought him his first keyboard, and from there his love of music really took off. He started rapping at the age of 14 over beats he made himself and then eventually began working with other producers over time.
JUS is a Stony Brook University alum
JUS wanted to pursue music full-time after high school, but his mother insisted that he get his bachelor’s first. Education has always come first in his household, and he credits his education with expanding his vocabulary and musical prowess. To his immense credit, he managed a Business major and a Music Tech minor with all his musical endeavors.
He is hungry for people to listen to his music
My first interaction with JUS was when he opened for Future and CashCash at Brookfest, Stony Brook’s annual spring concert. There was a line of hundreds of students standing in line trying to get into the arena for the concert, and JUS went to every single one. He introduced himself and gave out his business card; along with his stellar performance later that night, he certainly gained many fans due to his hard work and dedication.
JUS has performed for some of the biggest names in the business
JUS’ list of big time performances is much more than Future (as impressive as that is).His rapping prowess has attracted the attention of NBA superstar Damian Lillard, who has highlighted JUS’ freestyles on his #4BarFriday platform on Instagram.
Hip-hop mogul Sway Calloway has had JUS on his show, Sway in the Morning, multiple times (check out this link). It’s hard to overstate Sway’s impact on the hip-hop community, and that JUS has appeared on his show, one that has played host to the likes of Kanye West, is no small feat.
He has a hit record with industry giants Mally Mall, Tory Lanez and Jeremih
JUS was connected to producer Mally Mall through an acquaintance of the producer who found JUS’ music featured on rap Instagram account “StraightBars”. He flew out to Las Vegas to meet and record music with Mally Mall - recording his verse in the same studio that Drake and Lil Wayne recorded their hit song “The Motto” a few years prior. He even ran into Post Malone, who was leaving the studio when JUS was coming in.
While Mally told JUS he loved his verse, JUS had no idea who else would be featured on the track. Eventually, the producer sent JUS the complete track, “Pay Up” with industry titans Tory Lanez and Jeremih. As far as pleasant surprises go, this is as good as it gets.
Don’t get it confused - he’s had to pay his dues
For every big-time gig, JUS has gone through countless sets where there would be less than 10 people in the crowd. “If anything, that inspires me to go even harder”, the Long Island native tells me. He loves the thrill of fighting to earn the audience's attention. In fact, he came to SXSW last year with no gigs lined up and through sheer hustle alone secured an opening gig for UglyGod.
Certainly, his successes haven’t happened overnight: JUS is pushing on ten years in the rap game. He has never been deterred by the “lack” of immediate short-term success, and vows to keep grinding until he finally makes it big.
He has GR8 plans for the future
JUS has a lot of new music on the way. Over the next year, his fans will be blessed with multiple singles and at least one full length LP. Be ready for JUS to collaborate with more big names. He’s planning a college tour soon, so hit him up if you want him to come to your school!
JUS is definitely an artist #OnTheRise !
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