Here we go.
This is BSO’s first ever music showcase article and it’s starring none other than Baltimore’s very own, Jay Verze.
Photo by @DopeDequon
After listening to tons of music over the past week or so, this Baltimore artist stood out amongst the pack. The 20-year-old rapper has an universal sound that can appeal to the masses.
Jay Verze recently dropped his EP, entitled, “The Vintage EP: 1995”.
This EP has seven tracks and trust me when I say this, it’s all heat.
Don’t believe me?
Well, check it out for yourself.
https://soundcloud.com/jayverze/sets/the-vintage-ep-1995-tvep1995
“Dolla$igns” is a bonus track, which is the only song that’s not produced by Rip Knoxx. Willuminati Beats did the honors.
Ironically, Verze performed “Dolla$igns” for Copping State University’s homecoming, in which he opened for Fabolous and August Alsina.
Following his EP, Jay Verze released a new single called “Coast”, which features Boodah.
https://soundcloud.com/jayverze/coast-feat-boodah-prod-by-raeshad-beats
To get a better grasp of how Jay Verze has gotten to this point and how he plans on going even further, I decided to pick his brain during a short sit down interview.
Who or what influenced your sound?
Verze: I feel like the root of my sound grew from just growing up listening to older music. Every project I make I go into it with the intent to create the most natural sound that describes my life and how I’m feeling during that period of time.
A lot of people make music, but for the ones that take it seriously, there comes a time when they realize they can make a living out of it. When did you get to that point?
Verze: It was sort of like a vision I saw after I dropped my first mixtape “21117”. I started doing more shows and the most random unexpected shit just started happening. I was featured as one of Baltimore’s most promising hip-hop artist in the Baltimore Sun newspaper and found myself opening up for Camron when I was still in high school.
How was it growing up in the Baltimore metropolitan area?
Verze: The best of both worlds. I’m from Owings Mills; that’s in Baltimore County so of course it’s a different vibe than the city but the way Baltimore is set up – it’s so damn small, so it’s like we interact with all the same people. It ain’t much distance from the two. Everybody knows everybody through somebody in some type of way, if you get what I’m saying. It’s like if somebody asked you if you know somebody and they show you a picture of them, you’re going to say “oh yeah I seen’em before”.
Baltimore hasn’t really had a major rap artist burst onto the scene except for King Los to a certain extent. What do you think separates you from your peers?
Verze: I think every rapper got a different story and their own twist on the game. I don’t really focus on what other artist from here are doing. I feel like found my lane so I just do me and stay out the way. It’s cool to be on the scene at first but the same moves can eventually put you into that “local forever” box.
What’s your typical process when coming up with a concept for a song?
Verze: I’m super picky when it comes to beats. I can listen to a bunch of beats all day and they can be hard but it’s this feeling I get in my body when I hear the one – you just feel the vibe you’re trying to create with that song. That’s how my concepts come about.
I really enjoyed your recent EP, entitled “The Vintage EP: 1995”. Can you speak on what this project means to you and the world?
Verze: For those that don’t know, I turned 20 years old this year and every day I thank god every day because I’m blessed to be here so that’s why I named it “The Vintage EP: 1995”. This project was my life put into perspective of what I want music to sound like in 2015 – 20 years after I came into existence. We are the future, the youth. We create where the world goes next.
Other than Baltimore, what other places have you performed at and who are some of the biggest names you opened up for? And how were those experiences?
Verze: Throughout my career I’ve done shows in DC, Delaware, & NY. Some names I’ve opened up for would be Two-9, Chris Webby, August Alsina, Fabolous. Each show is different, every crowd is different but regardless, I try to put on the best show possible for you to remember.
As 2015 comes to an end, what is something the fans should look forward to in 2016?
Verze: I’m always planning ahead. 2016 I’m going to continue building my catalog of music and try to reach as many people as possible. That’s the goal every year – to be a better artist than I was last year.
As you look for new up and coming artist to rock with in 2015, I strongly advise for you to add Jay Verze on your short list.
For another visual, here’s his dope music video to “Juicin” :
Verze plans on making tons of new videos in new 2016, so just be on the look out.
Looking to book Jay Verze now? Looking for a potential collaboration? Or a business venture?
Well, click on his EPK to get a hold of all his contact information: Jay Verze – EPK (2015) (1)
If you’re a music artist out there and you want some exposure like this, make sure to contact me on Twitter @MarkAGunnels and just simply email me your music at [email protected].
I’ll be doing this EVERY THURSDAY from this point on.
