Stop Sleepin: Jay West

Currently pursuing his career in Atlanta, by way of San Bernardino, CA, Jay West is an emcee to keep an eye on.

He just finished performing at ATL’s A3C Festival, where he shared a stage with other celebrated emerging hip hop artists.

At an early age, Jay West experienced conflicting views, having grown up in a religious home near the tempting streets of Hollywood.  By 15, Jay felt the need to write rhymes to express himself, and quickly found a home in hip hop.

To give you a feel for his music, check out “The Language,” directed by Philthegod.

Big shout out to the homie @SeanFalyon, nice cameo!

Jay West made “The Language“ for his upcoming LP, Drugs+Candy, and it serves as the mixtape’s first single.  Not only is the video clean, but Jay spits witty lines, such as:

“I know a known groupie,
Cutie with a booty,
The cootchie wasn’t too tight,
They called her loosie,
The bitch named Porsche,
But she drove a Protege,
Had dark secrets,
But it wasn’t O’Shea,
So before I get my love on,
I put the glove on,
And then I cut her like OJ.”

Those are the type of creative lines that get you noticed.

Jay spits some more clever lines on “Alien,” produced by @SMKA.

Jay has an impressive flow on the sick SMKA beat, and comments on his life with, “gave me the lemons, and I made limelight.”  His lines are smart, but more importantly, he’s original.

Jay West grabs inspiration for his music from everyday life and what he has experienced, noting that, “music inspires him to live, and his life makes him want to write.”

Outside of music, some of this self expression has made its way out in his blog, GoJayWest.com.  Jay West used to write for magazines and, not surprisingly, his blog is really interesting and well put together.

Be sure to download Drugs+Candy when it drops, as it promises to be an impressive mixtape.  Jay will use D+S to discuss the balance of good and bad in every one’s lives, concept records are always dope!