Despite the many complaints that can be made about Buffalo, one grumble-proof facet remains: the prevalent culture of the Queen City. Dotted with downtown nightlife abuzz with fresh music and diverse performances, this cultural boom has given rise to many new faces of the local music scene. One of these most notable talents is Jay-O.
Jay-O's novel sound is a combination of hip-hop, rap and R&B. His music also tells an inspirational story that leaves listeners hopeful and determined.
Born in California and raised in Texas, Jay-O's life was one full of danger and close calls, with drug culture and shootings surrounding his childhood. Jay-O's one source of inspiration was his music.
"I learned to play music from my pops," Jay-O said. "It was always there for me. My father was a strict man, so he wouldn't let go outside a lot due to the neighborhood being what it was, so I was always working on my music."
Although Jay-O continued to work on honing his sound, it all nearly came to a crumbling halt.
"My brother put a gun to his head," Jay-O said, explaining how his brother's suicide almost cut short his pursuit of music. "He was my man, too. He was my first producer, and his death really hit me hard."
Describing his own life as, "like a movie," Jay-O ended up in Buffalo, where he cultivated a following with his assorted beats and verses, which he sings solo.
While his music is aesthetically pleasing and easy to listen to, Jay-O said what he is truly proud of is the message.
"People enjoy my music because 90 percent of what I write about people can definitely relate to," Jay-O said. "I mainly focus on passion, truth and honesty. I also enjoy what I do and I think that is displayed in my music."
The overlying theme of Jay-O's music is its ability to inspire and to make listeners reflect on their own lives.
"My music gives off the notion that there is nothing you can't accomplish. If you want something in life there is always a way to get it," Jay-O said. "It doesn't matter what your situation is or where you live because if you strive you can achieve anything. My music gives people the belief that they can succeed against all odds."
Jay-O currently connects with his fans on MySpace, where he lets fans get a sneak peek of his new album Against All Odds and his single "Still Standing." These songs capture the true essence of Jay-O's intent in inspiring people with his own story.
Many rappers are labeled negatively in today's image driven world. Many are believed to be more concerned with how fast their rims spin than their fans and the message that they are issuing with their music. He is an artist who works his hardest to give people a new sound and a source of motivation and awakening.
Jay-O cares about his fan base and truly is a "good guy" in the industry. In a struggling city like Buffalo, Jay-O's music helps alleviate some of the angst and worry that many people are feeling right now, instilling the sense that anything is possible as long as you are willing to work for it.
