An Interview with J Grange
J Grange is a British Rapper/Songwriter born in East London who discovered his love and passion for music in early 2019.
He released his Debut Track ‘Grind and Hustle’ in April and since then has shown no signs of stopping. In October his second ever release ‘Buena Vida’ accumulated over 100k views on YouTube via Link Up TV. Appearances on BBC Essex, BBC Radio 3CR, BBC National/ Look East news and the BBC national website has helped establish J as a serious artist.
J has ADHD and has suffered several mental Health challenges in his life. Being misunderstood and feeling different to everyone else in society let him astray down the wrong path and narrowly avoid places like prison.
2020 is set to be a massive year for J and will see him establish a new style that aims to put him at the forefront of the UK rap market. With his unique flow and versatile verses, J is certainly one to look out for this year. Keep a close eye out for this young talent.
What first got you into music? 
I first got into music because of my mental health. My mental health was leading me down the wrong path not only when it came to my education but also in society. I was misunderstood and was excluded numerous times from different schools. I also had altercations with the police and laws, ended up in court and so nearly behind bars. This day was the turning point. I knew I needed to do something positive, and the music was the answer.
Who inspired you to make music?
I don’t think a particular person inspired me. It was more the challenges I faced and the way my health was deteriorating that made me focus on music. Soon as I thought about music or did anything related to music (e.g writing, going to the studio) all my anger and frustrations left my mind. My own strength inspired me along with the music itself.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
You can achieve ANYTHING you want to if you put your mind to it. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t. There’s a lot of doubters and haters out there but avoid this negative energy, this way you are already 1-0 up. Stay positive and positive things happen. Don’t let any negative experiences you may have had or where you have come from etc. affect your mindset. Stay strong. We are all the same and can allow our journey to take us wherever we want it. We’re all in control of our own destiny, no one else. Believe and Achieve!
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Tyga, G Eazy, Rick Ross and Post Malone just to name a few. These artists are always on my playlists. When I listen to these artists I feel inspired. They make me want to work twice as hard and achieve my goals. I respect how hard they have worked to get where they’re at.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
This is a tough one! There are loads but I’d probably say DaBaby or Cardi B. The whole crowds jumping when they perform. The vibes are lit. Whenever Cardi performs you know it’s going to be controversial!
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
If it wasn’t for my music career I would be still living the wrong lifestyle, and I’d even go as far as saying I’d be in court again, but this time behind bars. Music gave me a path to hit success and show the ambition and positive mentality I possess. On another note, I now do some work outside of music on mental health. I visit PRU units and tell my story to students who are struggling with school, the law etc. and try to inspire them as they can relate to me as I was in the same dark place. I believe giving back is the best thing you can do.
Which artist do you admire and why?
I admire a lot of artists. Obviously having a story myself I admire artists that tell a story. I’d say artists like Eminem and Dave. I can relate to Eminem as he has ADHD like myself and I know the number of challenges it brings. You have to be strong to pull through it and to see the success Eminem has had is unbelievable. Dave also as I know he tells the story of the streets and where he has come from. He’s trying to make a positive difference. He is showing our generation you can do anything no matter what your past is like.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
To be honest I don’t really listen to anyone’s advice. People might think I sound arrogant but it’s true. I just focus on myself and do what I believe is right for me. At the end of the day, no one has got you like you’ve got yourself. I just let the journey take me to where I am destined to be.
What’s next for you?
I am currently working on a 3-4 track EP which I’m looking to release around late March, early April time which will have music videos for a few of these tracks once it has released. I also have a video shoot out in Dubai in May with another artist. I’m just doing my thing and going to keep working hard and not show any signs of stopping. Hard work pays off!
Check out J Grange’s links below to follow his journey!
Website: https://jgrangeofficial.com
YouTube Chanel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxZfVnzaiZDgC5xi0DFEiaQ
