Jaafar Jackson – Famous

By starrymag | August 16, 2019

By: Jenny Vintzileos

 

 

Q) Aside from family, who were some of your greatest musical influences growing up?

A) I grew up listening to Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind and Fire, Sam Cooke. I still listen to them today.

Q) Talk about the message behind your song “Got Me Singing.”

A) “Got Me Singing” is a story about having a crush on girl who you’ve been waiting to get a moment with and she finally calls you wanting to see you and you start thinking of all the things you want to happen that night. She plays hard to get at times but in your mind she’s worth the wait and you don’t mind waiting until she’s ready. Her love has you singing.

Q) What do you think it is about the track that fans can relate to?

A) I think mostly everyone has had a crush at some point in their life and I’m sure a lot of people have had a similar story to where they get that moment they’ve been waiting for with the person they want.

Q)  What is your songwriting process like? Do you need a beat before the lyrics can come?

A) The songwriting process is never the same. Sometimes I start with just chords or sometimes I start with just a beat or a melody alone. I enjoy every way a song can start and love the creative process.

Q) What can we expect from your debut album Famous?

A) Sound wise, I’d say it’s a world sound but you can expect a few different type of records. Ballads, up-tempo, feel good music.

Q) Which song really resonates with you on the album?

A) The song “Famous” relates to me the most and is the most in depth song on the album talking about my life.

Q) Your album is out in August. How do you plan to celebrate the release?

A) We’re planning on having a launch party for the album, but not sure yet on location. I just want to be around all the people that were involved in the project and my family and friends.

Q) Your father Jermaine Jackson is best known for his role in the Jackson 5. Your late uncle Michael Jackson and aunt Janet Jackson also established themselves quite well in their solo careers. How do you feel your father’s musical background and your family’s overall influence on the music industry has influenced you in your own music?

A) My whole family has influenced me musically and inspired me tremendously. As a kid I’d sit in front of the TV for hours watching concert tapes of them.

Q) Is there any chance we can hope for a music collaboration with your father or family on this debut album or in the future?

A) On this album no but in the future, possibly yes. I’d love to do a song with my father.

Q) Who would be your ultimate dream collaboration?

A) That’s a tough question because all of my dream collaborations aren’t alive anymore but there’s a lot of artist I’d like to create with in the studio. Childish Gambino, Kanye west, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell and many more.

Q) If I were to take a peek at your music collection, what would I find you currently listening to?

A) You’d find a lot of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, film scores, my family’s music, Jonny Mathis, Sam Cooke, Kanye West.

Q) In addition to your debut album, you have also done some modeling. Tell me a little bit about what made you decide to go into modeling.

A) I love fashion so I’ve always been interested in getting into that industry. I think it’s very important for the music and fashion to coincide.

Q) With the debut album, is there possibility of a tour in the future?

A) Yes, I’d love to tour and can’t wait until I can perform in different cities. There’s no set date yet but it’ll come.

Q) What is the best advice your father has given you about music?

A) To stay true to yourself at all times and always believe in yourself no matter what.

Q) What advice would you give to anyone starting out in the music business?

A) I would say to keep going no matter how hard it may get or what people say. If you have a dream go for it. Don’t fall short and sell yourself out. Don’t let people take control of you or your music. That’s your art.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) Thank you for all the love and support. It truly means a lot. This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to share more music and get people to understand me as an artist.